Michael van Gerwen is confronting a ranking threat he has not faced in 14 years after a first-round exit at the World Grand Prix in Leicester.
The three-time world champion lost 2-1 to Ryan Joyce, his third consecutive opening-round departure at the tournament.
The defeat leaves the 37-year-old Dutchman ninth in the PDC Order of Merit as he prepares to defend £250,000 in prize money from his runner-up finish at the 2025 World Darts Championship.
With £608,500 accumulated over the two-year rolling period, Van Gerwen holds a £71,250 lead over 17th-placed Chris Dobey, who has £537,250.
Jermaine Wattimena currently occupies the final top-16 spot with £547,750, adding pressure before upcoming major events at Alexandra Palace.
Ranking Events Take Priority
Before his early exit, Van Gerwen stressed the importance of ranking events after losing the World Series Darts Finals to Daryl Gurney, where he missed six match darts.
"The World Grand Prix is a lot more important for me than this tournament, because I also have to look towards my ranking," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He noted that his recent struggles over the last 18 months have impacted his standing, leaving him focused on regaining form on the practice board.
"For me now, it's the time to produce some good darts on the ranking tournaments.
People only talk about, 'Oh, you have to defend this, you have to defend that', but in this tournament I don't have anything to defend.
So for me, that's the time I have to produce some good darts," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
The Dutchman acknowledged the challenges in maintaining his position, noting that consistent performance will keep him among the top players.
"If you do well in one tournament, the rankings look totally different. I don't look into that to be honest.
If that's the case, it's the case. You have to work harder, keep battling, to come back even stronger.
That's the way it is.
As long as I keep doing everything I can now towards the year, and after, I think I can hold myself to not go outside of the top 16," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Reflecting on past struggles, he accepted that recent form naturally leads to lower rankings.
"We all know I had a tough past 18 months, and then it's no rocket science that the ranking [is worse]," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Practice Board and Comeback Mindset
During a YouTube livestream on October 7, 2026, Van Gerwen discussed his frustration over missing double finishes during his recent matches.
"I want to say something. Of course I’d rather be in Leicester as well.
When you miss so many doubles you should go back on the practise board," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He addressed his motivation to overcome current setbacks through dedicated preparation.
"I’m annoyed as much as you about the Grand Prix because I should not have lost that one.
It’s really annoying.
But I am working hard and I want to make sure I keep investing time in myself to make sure I come back stronger," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Confidence remains central to his recovery effort as he works to regain momentum before major tournaments.
"I’m practising really hard to be fair. Of course it has to do with confidence and everything.
It’s not easy but I am getting there, don’t worry.
Of course I had a tough period but never give up, keep battling," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He expressed confidence that a single victory could shift his trajectory significantly.
"Do you know one tournament win everything will change. That’s how it works.
So quickly can it go. Then let the haters be the haters," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
The stream featured casual moments alongside serious discussions about his upcoming schedule at the Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel.
"No, I'm the worst. This is normal," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He commented on physical soreness after playing padel for an hour and a half prior to streaming.
"The biggest muscle pain you can imagine," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
In between practice attempts on doubles and checkout combinations, he made light of his broader skill set.
"I'm useless in a lot of stuff, but I got two, three things I'm quite good in," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Looking ahead to his trip to Switzerland, Van Gerwen reaffirmed his goal to secure titles.
"Of course, I'm not going to Switzerland to just be part of the tournament," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He reiterated his core objective on the professional circuit.
"I want to, of course, want to win there. I want to win.
That's for me the most important thing. Of course, I need to make sure I start performing," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Addressing the competition across the circuit, Van Gerwen evaluated his current opposition.
"At the moment, I've got 128 rivals," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He emphasized that low form makes every match competitive regardless of the opponent.
"When you're not playing your best, anything is tough.
But you need to make sure you keep practising and keep putting time in yourself," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
During the broadcast, Van Gerwen recalled Luke Humphries winning the World Grand Prix final against Gerwyn Price.
"The final? Which final?
The Grand Prix? Yeah.
The Grand Prix. Humphries won it.
What was I doing Sunday? Ah, the barbecue Sunday," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Van Gerwen called Humphries live during the broadcast, inviting him to collaborate online.
"Yeah, we have some food and we go live and do a bit of banter," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Following their telephone conversation, he updated viewers on the agreement.
"Luke is coming on the live stream. He promised me now," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He then poked fun at Humphries' public persona in the darts community.
"Luke Humphries is not the nicest guy in darts. He pretends to be the nicest.
He wants to be the best son-in-law," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He immediately clarified his respect for his competitor.
"No, he's a great guy," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Van Gerwen shared historical anecdotes during the stream, including hitting his first nine-darter.
"My first ever nine-dart was with Bob Anderson darts," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He detailed borrowing darts from Dutch youth player Jeroen Verhoeven.
"And I said, let me try your darts. And I had a nine-dart.
And it was Bob Anderson darts," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Answering repeated questions about his preferred checkout, he identified 132 as his favorite combination.
"How many times do they ask the same questions? I've had the question 20 times," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
When asked about his favorite referee, Van Gerwen selected a retired official.
"He's not working anymore. It's George Noble," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
On the topic of top Dutch players, he ranked Raymond van Barneveld second in history behind himself.
"Raymond van Barneveld," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He stated his reason for placing Van Barneveld second on the list.
"Because the first one, it's me," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Van Gerwen recalled watching 16-time world champion Phil Taylor practice alongside Vincent van der Voort 18 years ago.
"The most 180s I hit in a row? Four or five.
But I can tell you a story.
Me and Vincent back in the day, I think it has to be like 18 years ago," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He recounted Taylor's practice routine hitting multiple maximums.
"We were sitting on a chair and we were watching Phil Taylor practise.
We saw him practising and he hit a 180, 180," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He noted how Taylor continued hitting treble 20s without stopping.
"We thought he was going for the nine-darter, no 180. Maybe now then?
No, another 180," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Van Gerwen expressed amazement at Taylor hitting six consecutive 180s during that session.
"We saw him hit six 180s in a row. It was absolutely insane.
I think the maximum I did in a row was four or something," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Turning to current talent, Van Gerwen projected multiple world titles for Luke Littler.
"We all know Littler is a good player. We all know that.
Of course I think as well he is going to be a five-time world champion minimum," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
He added that longevity would determine Littler's ultimate title count.
"Depends how long he is going to play, of course. But minimum five with his capability," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Van Gerwen concluded by issuing a warning regarding his own competitive ambitions against the younger generation.
"But don’t worry, I am there to stop him," said Van Gerwen, PDC Darts Player.
Van Gerwen is scheduled to compete next at the Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel as part of his efforts to secure ranking points before the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
