Michael van Gerwen's darts career has hit a concerning slump as the three-time world champion approaches a milestone that would have seemed unthinkable during his dominant years.
The Dutch superstar has now gone over two years without winning a PDC-ranked televised event, raising questions about his future at the top level of the sport.
The 36-year-old's drought extends to the World Championship, which he has not won since 2019, despite previously being the most feared player on the circuit.
His struggles have continued into the 2025 Premier League, where van Gerwen now finds himself in serious danger of missing the playoffs for just the second time in his illustrious career.
Michael van Gerwen is in serious danger of missing out on the Premier League play-offs
PA
With night 16 approaching, the Dutchman sits four points outside the playoff places, leaving his qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
MVG has yet to even win a night in the Premier League this season.
The Dutchman’s path to the Premier League playoffs is now extremely narrow. He must not only defeat Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals on Thursday night in Sheffield, but also go on to win the entire night to have any chance of progression.
Failure to achieve this would mark a rare low point in his career, having previously been an ever-present in the Premier League's final stages.
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Michael van Gerwen last won the Premier League in 2023
PA
While occasional flashes of his brilliant best remain, these have become increasingly sporadic, leading to questions about whether the former world number one can recapture his championship-winning form.
His last World Championship triumph in 2019 feels increasingly distant as newer talents continue to emerge in the PDC ranks.
Former world number one Colin Lloyd has delivered a stark assessment of MVG’s prospects, suggesting the Dutchman's best days may be behind him.
Speaking to TalkSport, Lloyd said: "I think his race is run. With what he's achieved in the game, is he that motivated anymore?"
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Lloyd questioned whether van Gerwen's priorities have shifted away from darts.
"I'm sorry, but I've got to say we haven't seen Michael turn up for a while now. We've seen flashes of brilliance. Has it slipped into his head he has other priorities?
"He loves spending time with the missus and the kids going on holiday," he added.
MVG recently announced he would not participate in the World Cup of Darts, where Luke Littler and Luke Humphries will undoubtedly be the team to beat, as he is on holiday with his family.
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Colin Lloyd claimed Michael van Gerwen's 'race is run'
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Instead, Danny Noppert and Gian van Veen will be representing the Netherlands.
Lloyd also suggested retirement could be on the horizon if van Gerwen's trophy drought continues.
"Has that little bit of spark gone from Michael's game? You don't turn up to make the numbers up, you turn up to win."
Despite the gloomy assessment from Lloyd, van Gerwen himself remains defiant about his future in the sport.
Speaking at last year's World Championship, the Dutchman made it clear he has no intention of stepping away.
"I've re-signed my contract with Winmau for another 10 years, so I will be on the scene for a little bit longer and I enjoy what I do. That's the only thing that counts," van Gerwen stated.
The three-time world champion maintains high expectations for himself, despite his recent struggles.
"If I don't win another two or three world titles, I will be disappointed. But I know I can do it."
Van Gerwen also pointed to his continued presence near the top of the rankings as evidence of his potential return to form.
"If you look at my rankings this year, I'm still in the top four or five. Can you imagine when I play well again? I will be really dangerous!"
