Dutch darts sensation Michael van Gerwen is facing a critical warning from former pro and analyst Matt Edgar: his 2026 tournament schedule needs precise management. Despite a strong start to the year, MVG is reportedly planning to follow a similar calendar to last season, which saw him miss a major televised tournament for the first time in 15 years. Edgar argues that for a player of Van Gerwen’s caliber, finding the perfect balance between playing too much and too little is crucial for sustained top performance, and repeating last year’s approach could be a risky gamble.
Is MVG Playing a Dangerous Game with His Calendar?
Darts legend Michael van Gerwen, known as ‘The Green Machine’, is under scrutiny regarding his approach to the 2026 season’s demanding schedule. According to insightful analysis from former professional Matt Edgar, Van Gerwen’s success hinges on a delicate balance: too many tournaments can lead to burnout, while too few can result in a lack of sharpness.
“For me, Van Gerwen is one of those people who has to have everything right,” explains Edgar. “If he plays too much, we see his performance drop. If he doesn’t play enough, we see his performance drop. He is one of those who really has to manage his diary and calendar.” This isn’t just about showing up; it’s about maintaining the razor-edge intensity that defines MVG’s game.
The Elite Player’s Paradox: Balancing Exposure and Preparation
For top-tier players like Van Gerwen, the challenge is immense. They are often obligated to participate in high-profile World Series events globally and also secure automatic spots in prestigious Euro Tour tournaments. This packed calendar makes strategic selection absolutely vital. It’s a tightrope walk where every decision about which event to play – or skip – can have significant repercussions.
A Strong Start, But Then What?
Van Gerwen kicked off 2026 with impressive form:
- Victory in Bahrain: A dominant performance securing an early title.
- Strong Showing at Players Championships: Assertive displays across the Hildesheim double-header.
- Premier League Triumph: A long-awaited nightly win in the highly competitive Premier League.
Given this momentum, Edgar finds it puzzling that MVG is reportedly slowing down. “What is interesting for me is that he is not going to the Pro Tours this week,” Edgar notes. “He has got this form going, he is playing well. He did well on the ProTours this previous week, and he is not going to Wigan.” Skipping these crucial ranking events, especially after building form, raises questions about his long-term strategy.
The Shadow of Last Season: A Rare Omission
The concerns are amplified by what happened last year. 2025 marked a truly unusual event in Van Gerwen’s illustrious career: he failed to qualify for a televised major tournament. This was a shock to the darts world, as such an omission is almost unheard of for a player of his stature. Specifically, he was absent from the Players Championship Finals in Minehead that November.
Edgar highlights the gravity of this: “It was 2011 the last time he didn’t make a major tournament.” What makes this even more perplexing, according to Edgar, is Van Gerwen’s apparent decision to not adjust his schedule this year. “Now he has gone, ‘I am going to play in the same number of events as I did last year. I am not going to play any extra.’ You have just failed for the first time in 15 years and you go, ‘I am going to do the same thing.’”
Repeating History? The Players Championships Dilemma
The implication is clear: Van Gerwen’s 2026 plan seems to mirror last season’s, potentially sacrificing the Players Championships once again for the sake of schedule management. While the allure of Minehead in winter might not rival exotic World Series locations, the consequences of missing another major could be severe. For a competitor with MVG’s fierce desire to win, this isn’t just a tactical choice; it’s a decision that could dictate whether he experiences a resurgence or a regression in his quest for dominance. His ability to strike the perfect balance between rest and competitive play will be the defining factor in his 2026 season.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
