Dutch darts champion Michael van Gerwen is making headlines not just for his performance on the oche, but also for his extravagant lifestyle. With nearly £12 million in career prize money, the three-time world champion has cultivated a reputation for enjoying life’s luxuries, including a stunning £250,000 Rolls-Royce Ghost and several high-end BMWs.
Despite his impressive achievements, Van Gerwen’s off-the-board activities have drawn criticism from peers. Earlier this year, fellow player Vincent van der Voort publicly advised Van Gerwen to focus more on his game rather than his frequent holidays. This advice came after Van Gerwen chose to skip the World Cup of Darts to vacation in Ibiza, raising questions about his commitment to the sport. “Sometimes he plays really well, but then he can’t keep it up,” van der Voort said on the Darts Draait podcast. “He needs to put in the effort or he’ll never find consistent form again.”
Van Gerwen’s lavish spending isn’t limited to holidays. As a self-proclaimed car enthusiast, he has secured a notable collection of luxury vehicles. His Rolls-Royce Ghost, purchased in 2020, stands out as a special indulgence. “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,” he stated in an interview with Darts News. Alongside it sits a £105,000 BMW 750 Li, which gained fame for appearing in a James Bond film, thanks to a sponsorship deal with the German automaker.
Looking ahead to the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, which takes place at Alexandra Palace, Van Gerwen is hoping to add another trophy to his accolades. If successful, he has hinted at further expanding his luxury collection, with plans to treat himself to a new vehicle. “I’m going to treat myself to a lorry [if I win],” he remarked, emphasizing that his spending is not just for pleasure but also to motivate his performance.
As he prepares for his upcoming match against Germany’s Arno Merk, Van Gerwen is aiming to regain his top form after a rocky start to the tournament. He narrowly defeated Japanese player Mitsuhiko Tatsunami in the opening round but bounced back with a more confident display against Willie O’Connor to secure his place in the competition’s next phase.
The pressure is mounting on Van Gerwen to balance the demands of high-level competition with his personal indulgences. His journey in the World Darts Championship will be closely watched, not only for his performance but also for the lifestyle choices he embraces along the way.
