Overview
- Van Gerwen is set to begin his World Darts Championship campaign against Japan's Mitsuhiko Tatsunami at Alexandra Palace.
- He has won only one major since 2023 and, after late withdrawals, missed the Players Championship Finals for the first time by finishing outside the top 64 on the Order of Merit.
- The Dutch star has been runner-up in the 2020, 2023 and 2025 world finals, with a potential rematch against defending champion Luke Littler viewed as a likely hurdle later in the draw.
- He disclosed that his father, Henri, has undergone extensive cancer treatment including nose amputation and lymph-node removal, leaving him unable to taste or swallow and reliant on feeding tubes.
- Van Gerwen acknowledged a recent separation and greater childcare responsibilities, yet he insists he will win again, saying he has learned to handle losses and remains confident.