Dutch darts champion Michael van Gerwen has garnered significant attention not only for his impressive skills on the oche but also for his extravagant lifestyle. With nearly £12 million in career prize money and a net worth approaching £7 million, the three-time world champion indulges in luxury vehicles, lavish holidays, and high-end endorsements.
Van Gerwen’s success is fueled by his remarkable achievements, including 48 PDC major singles titles. However, friends and fellow competitors have expressed concerns about his recent focus on leisure rather than training. In a candid moment, fellow darts player Vincent van der Voort publicly advised Van Gerwen to reconsider his holiday habits after the Dutchman chose to skip the World Cup of Darts in favor of a week-long trip to Ibiza.
“Sometimes he plays really well, but then he can’t keep it up,” van der Voort stated on the Darts Draait podcast. “He needs to put in the effort or he’ll never find consistent form again. You can’t just take a holiday and expect things to fall back into place. It doesn’t work like that.”
Luxury Cars and Aspirations
Van Gerwen’s passion extends beyond darts into the realm of luxury automobiles. A self-proclaimed petrolhead, he owns a remarkable collection of high-end cars, including a £250,000 Rolls-Royce Ghost purchased in 2020. Describing the vehicle, he remarked, “It was once in a lifetime. Normally, you don’t drive a Rolls, but now it is ticked off your bucket list all at once. I think it is beautiful, fun, and very comfortable.”
His collection also features several BMW models, thanks to a sponsorship deal with the German car manufacturer. Among his vehicles is a £105,000 BMW 750 Li, which made an appearance in a James Bond film. If Van Gerwen secures victory at the upcoming 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, he hinted at expanding his collection even further, eyeing a new lorry as a reward for success.
“I’m going to treat myself to a lorry if I win,” he stated. “It’s not just about treating yourself; it’s about how to perform well and giving yourself the ability to win that trophy and everything that comes with it.”
Upcoming Matches and Performance Concerns
As the championship approaches, Van Gerwen is set to face Germany’s Arno Merk at the iconic Alexandra Palace. His journey in the tournament has been a mix of challenges and triumphs. He narrowly defeated Japanese player Mitsuhiko Tatsunami in the opening round, but showed a more confident performance against Willie O’Connor, securing his place in the competition.
With the stakes high and a potential £1 million prize for the championship winner, Van Gerwen’s focus on performance will be crucial. His recent lifestyle choices have raised eyebrows, and the pressure to deliver consistent results remains ever-present in the world of professional darts. As he prepares for the next match, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how he balances his luxurious lifestyle with the demands of elite competition.
