Michael van Gerwen discusses split from wife, balancing parenting and time away from darts
Three-time world champion says he is prioritising his two children while remaining committed to his career after a summer break that included Ibiza and Tomorrowland.
Michael van Gerwen has spoken publicly for the first time about his separation from his wife Daphne, saying he is focusing on his two children while trying to balance family life and his professional career after taking time away from darts this summer.
The three-time world champion, 36, confirmed in May that he and Daphne had separated after more than a decade together. Van Gerwen and Daphne began dating in 2008 and married in 2014; they have two children, Mike and Zoe. At the time of the announcement he withdrew from upcoming tournaments, citing the need to deal with a difficult personal situation.
Speaking to Dutch outlet AD, van Gerwen described his approach to the period that followed, saying he wanted to "think about nice things again" rather than remain consumed by the breakdown of his marriage. "I'm just human, you know," he said. "At some point, you want to think about nice things again, not just be preoccupied with the mess you're experiencing at that moment."
Van Gerwen acknowledged he had taken steps to rebuild a routine and to place his children at the centre of his life. "My children are my number one priority, and then everything else comes," he said, while also emphasising that darts remains his livelihood and that performing well allows him to provide for his family.
The player confirmed he spent time away from the oche this summer and attended music events including Tomorrowland and a Martin Garrix concert at Ushuaia in Ibiza. Photographs from Ibiza prompted scrutiny, with some observers suggesting the outings were a distraction from the sport; van Gerwen rejected that characterisation and said his trip included family time. "But I was just on holiday with my kids in Ibiza, you know. Yes, I did go out for a day, but doesn't everyone do that?" he said.
Van Gerwen also gave an update on the practicalities of his separation. He said the divorce process is ongoing and that settling financial and legal matters takes time and care. "Not everything will be fine within a few days. You're dealing with the final settlements, the aftermath. You have to do that carefully, without mistakes," he said.
On the competitive front, van Gerwen admitted his form dipped earlier in the year and that he briefly stepped away from competition. "I haven't done anything for three weeks," he said, noting that periods out of the game are not uncommon for him. Nonetheless, he underlined his continued commitment to darts and expressed optimism about his prospects.
Van Gerwen's comments follow a temporary withdrawal from the circuit in May and a return to action later in the season. He has been a leading figure in world darts for more than a decade, and his remarks reflect an effort to balance the demands of elite competition with his responsibilities as a parent while navigating the legal and personal consequences of his separation.
Managers, promoters and fellow players have not publicly disputed his account; van Gerwen has asked for privacy while the process continues. He made clear that rebuilding a stable routine and finding closure will take time, and that his immediate focus remains on his children and on returning to his best form on the oche.