Michael van Gerwen criticizes the current ranking system.
Michael van Gerwen sees the announced increase in prize money in the professional darts from 2026 as a deserved step – but expresses criticism of the existing ranking system.
“When you become world champion, you don’t have to do anything for two years and still stay upstairs,” said the three -time title holder in an interview with the world . He spoke out for a new point system analogous to tennis.
Michael van Gerwen sees the hype critical in the Luke Littler
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) will release a total of 25 million annually from 2026. The world champion then receives one million – twice as much as before. Van Gerwen sees this step as a logical consequence of the increasing popularity of sport.
Van Gerwen sees Littler hype critical
However, he sees the increased hype about the Luke “The Nuke” Littler personnel critically: “Many show too much awe – that only helps him,” says van Gerwen. In addition, there are only “two who are not afraid of him: I and Gerwyn Price.” The rest are “fanboys who would crawl in his butt”.
As the central reason for the darts boom, van Gerwen does not see the 18-year-old, but the long-term TV contract with Sky .
Van Gerwen praises Springer: “A bit like Einstein”
In view of the rather small role of German darter in international comparison, the Dutch is surprised. Germany has the potential, but not enough development, says van Gerwen.
An exception is Niko Springer, against which van Gerwen was already lost. He describes him as authentic, calm and clever – “a bit like Einstein.”