Michael van Gerwen has never been a darts player who hides his personality. The Dutch superstar plays with confidence, wears his emotions on his sleeve and has built a career around competing with an intensity that few players can match. But according to Luke Humphries, that larger-than-life personality has occasionally caused friction away from the oche.
Humphries once revealed a remarkable story about Van Gerwen and fellow Dutch professional Vincent van der Voort, claiming the pair had been involved in physical confrontations despite their close friendship. It is the kind of behind-the-scenes story that reminds darts fans that rivalries and disagreements can exist even among players who spend years travelling the professional circuit together.
The story resurfaced after Humphries discussed the incident on the Happy Hour podcast, offering his explanation of what allegedly happened between two familiar faces in the sport.
What Luke Humphries Said About Van Gerwen
Humphries made the comments while discussing the personalities of professional darts players and identifying Van Gerwen as someone whose confidence can sometimes come across as arrogance.
When asked who had the biggest ego in darts on the Happy Hour podcast, Humphries answered: “Well, that’s easy; Michael van Gerwen,” according to SPORTbible’s report published on February 20, 2025.
He was quick to acknowledge that Van Gerwen’s personality was also part of what made him such a compelling character in the sport.
“He wears it really, really well,” Humphries added.
“It kind of suits him in a weird way. He just kind of… I think it’s a Dutch thing as well. They’re kind of like that. He’s got a great friend in Vincent. I think that Vincent’s really good for him.”
Humphries then shared the story about Van der Voort allegedly punching Van Gerwen twice, describing two separate occasions rather than one prolonged fight.
“Because I think there was a story he told me once, Vincent, that he’s actually punched Michael a couple of times in the face,” Humphries explained.
“Like punched him. Not like absolutely batter him. But I think the first time was really early, and then they became friends.
“And then, like eight years ago, I think Michael was getting a bit – his ego was getting a bit high – and Vincent just whacked him.”
It is important to remember that these details were Humphries’ account of a story he said Van der Voort had told him. The comments do not establish every detail of either alleged confrontation independently.
Nevertheless, the revelation offered fans an unusual glimpse into relationships behind the scenes of one of the most competitive sports on television.
Why Vincent van der Voort Allegedly Confronted His Friend
Humphries suggested that the disagreement stemmed from Van Gerwen allegedly showing disrespect towards Van der Voort.
“Because I think he showed Vincent disrespect – and Vincent doesn’t like that. He’s one of the coolest people you’ll ever meet, honestly. He’s so straight-talking and so funny.”
That explanation gives the story an interesting twist. According to Humphries, the alleged confrontation was not simply about two players who disliked one another. It involved two people who had developed a friendship despite a disagreement over behaviour.
Humphries also praised Van der Voort’s straightforward personality and his willingness to stand his ground.
“We get on really well. He’s a really good character. But, yeah, Michael has definitely got the biggest ego. Vincent had to give him a punch just to calm him down!”
It is a colourful description, but there is a distinction between understanding Humphries’ comments and treating his interpretation of the incident as established fact.
The story is particularly striking because the two Dutchmen have maintained a close relationship over the years. Their friendship has continued despite the alleged confrontations Humphries described.
Van Gerwen and Van der Voort’s Longstanding Friendship
Van Gerwen and Van der Voort have spent years competing on the professional circuit, where players regularly travel between tournaments and become familiar with one another away from the stage.
Van der Voort has also been an important friend to Van Gerwen outside competition. According to The Darts Insider, the pair have frequently travelled together, kept in touch and supported one another through difficult periods.
Their relationship is a reminder that professional sport is rarely as simple as the rivalries viewers see during televised matches.
Players can disagree, argue and have completely different personalities while still maintaining meaningful friendships. In some cases, that familiarity can make disagreements more intense because expectations between friends are different from those between strangers.
Van Gerwen has previously spoken about the importance of supporting his friend. Speaking at the 2023 World Darts Championship, he said:
“You have to stand by each other.
“We are good mates, we speak about everything so you have to stand side by side in the good times and the bad times, that’s how it is.”
He also added: “If I can help him with anything, of course, I will always do it.”
Those comments provide useful context when considering Humphries’ account. Whatever happened during the alleged confrontations, their relationship was not defined solely by those moments.
Van der Voort lost his PDC Tour Card in 2024 after 13 years on the professional circuit. He had reached the quarter-finals of the World Darts Championship twice, making him a familiar figure among darts followers.
Van Gerwen’s Career Explains His Confidence
There is another side to Humphries’ description of Van Gerwen’s ego: the Dutchman has the achievements to support his confidence.
A three-time PDC world champion, Van Gerwen established himself as one of the defining players of his generation. His aggressive scoring, rapid throwing rhythm and intense presence at the oche helped him dominate the sport for years.
His success has also made him one of darts’ most recognisable personalities. Van Gerwen rarely appears short of self-belief, and that confidence has been a significant part of his competitive identity.
SPORTbible reported that he had accumulated 157 PDC titles at the time of its February 2025 article and had won the Premier League Darts seven times.
Those achievements help explain why Humphries’ description resonated. Van Gerwen is not simply a confident player with a strong personality; he is someone who has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure.
However, confidence can be interpreted differently depending on the situation. What supporters view as a champion’s winning mentality may strike opponents as arrogance.
That tension is part of what makes darts personalities such an engaging subject. The sport’s best players often compete in close quarters, and their emotions are visible to spectators throughout a match.
Luke Humphries Knows What It Takes to Compete at the Top
Humphries is well placed to discuss the personalities involved in elite darts. The Englishman became world champion in 2024 and has established himself among the leading players of his generation.
His rise has also placed him in direct competition with Van Gerwen and other major names, including Luke Littler.
Humphries and Van Gerwen have faced one another in high-pressure matches, meaning their relationship exists within a competitive environment where confidence, momentum and mental strength can make a real difference.
Still, Humphries’ remarks were made in a podcast conversation rather than as an official account of a disciplinary investigation. They should be understood in that context.
The comments also show how much personality matters in modern darts. Fans follow the players beyond tournament results, and stories about friendships, disagreements and backstage incidents can attract attention just as readily as a dramatic finish on stage.
For the sport, that interest can be positive when it encourages new audiences to learn more about its leading personalities. At the same time, it is important not to let colourful anecdotes overshadow what the players achieve competitively.
The Bigger Picture for Darts Fans
The most surprising part of Humphries’ revelation is not simply that Van Gerwen was allegedly punched twice. It is that the story involved Van der Voort, a man Humphries described as a close friend of the Dutch superstar.
Their relationship challenges the assumption that a serious disagreement must permanently destroy a friendship. People can clash over their behaviour and still find ways to move forward.
It also highlights the difference between the public image of a sports star and the person behind it. Van Gerwen’s confidence has helped make him a formidable competitor, but Humphries’ comments suggest that his personality has also been a subject of discussion among fellow professionals.
Ultimately, the story should be viewed as an account shared by Humphries, not a complete record of everything that happened between the two Dutch players.
What cannot be disputed is that Van Gerwen remains one of darts’ most successful and recognisable figures, while Van der Voort has been an important friend throughout his career.
So, what do you make of Humphries’ revelation? Do you think Van Gerwen’s confidence is part of what makes him such a great champion, or can a big personality sometimes go too far? Share your thoughts on the story and whether you think the two friends handled their disagreements the right way.