Michael van Gerwen will NOT take part in World Cup of Darts as roller-coaster 2025 takes fresh shock turn
The darts star confirmed this decision following victory at the German Darts Grand Prix.
Van Gerwen, 35, has struggled recently with dips in form and injury concerns.
However, the world No.3 performed brilliantly to beat compatriot Gian van Veen 8-5 in the final.
The victory saw Van Gerwen lift his 38th European Tour title of his glittering career.
Speaking afterwards, he hailed the Van Veen but admitted he would not be playing in the World Cup of Darts.
He told Dartsnews.com: "He's a fantastic player and definitely someone to keep an eye on in the future.
"I won't be part of the team this year – I'm on holiday."
Van Gerwen continued to admit that it is possible that he may not return to the team in the future.
He added: "Maybe it's an option in the future – but you never know what might happen.
"Maybe I'll never play in the World Cup of Darts again.'
As a result, the supporters in Frankfurt will miss out on watching Mighty Mike at the Eissporthalle.
Darts star Michael van Gerwen reveals love of Call of Duty before being called out by Olympic hero
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The three-time world champion's absence will likely see the Dutch team made up of Danny Noppert, No.16, and Van Veen, No.23, based on the current rankings.
Dirk van Duijvenbode at No.31 could also battle his way into earning a spot on the team.
During the German GP, Van Gerwen hit a stunning nine-darter against Ryan Searle.
Fans noticed the star has made a subtle change, which included wearing his old shirt.
He has also started using a lighter set of darts that he had previously used.
List of all-time Darts World Champions
BELOW is a list of darts world champions by year.
The list does not include winners from the pre-Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era or BDO world champions.
That means Raymond van Barneveld, for example, is only listed once - Barney also won four BDO titles - and none of Eric Bristow's five BDO titles are included.
1994 - Dennis Priestley
1995 - Phil Taylor
1996 - Phil Taylor (2)
1997 - Phil Taylor (3)
1998 - Phil Taylor (4)
1999 - Phil Taylor (5)
2000 - Phil Taylor (6)
2001 - Phil Taylor (7)
2002 - Phil Taylor (8)
2003 - John Part
2004 - Phil Taylor (9)
2005 - Phil Taylor (10)
2006 - Phil Taylor (11)
2007 - Raymond van Barneveld
2008 - John Part (2)
2009 - Phil Taylor (12)
2010 - Phil Taylor (13)
2011 - Adrian Lewis
2012 - Adrian Lewis (2)
2013 - Phil Taylor (14)
2014 - Michael van Gerwen
2015 - Gary Anderson
2016 - Gary Anderson (2)
2017 - Michael van Gerwen (2)
2018 - Rob Cross
2019 - Michael van Gerwen (3)
2020 - Peter Wright
2021 - Gerwyn Price
2022 - Peter Wright (2)
2023 - Michael Smith
2024 - Luke Humphries
2025 - Luke Littler
Most World Titles
14 - Phil Taylor
3 - Michael van Gerwen
2 - John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright
1 - Dennis Priestley, Raymond van Barneveld, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler
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