Darts legend Bobby George has opened up about the lighter, laugh-out-loud side of professional darts, sharing a string of hilarious pranks pulled by none other than three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen. The stories highlight how the intense Dutch superstar, known for his explosive on-stage celebrations and ruthless precision on the oche, possesses a wicked sense of humour off it – one that fits perfectly with the sport’s colourful, banter-filled heritage.
George, the flamboyant ‘Bobby Dazzler’ who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s alongside icons like Eric Bristow and John Lowe, remains one of darts’ most beloved figures. With his glittering outfits, larger-than-life personality, and memorable runs to the Lakeside final, he helped transform the game from smoky pub rooms into a global spectacle. Now in his later years, George still frequents the circuit in a more relaxed capacity, and it’s clear he has formed a warm, playful bond with van Gerwen, whom he affectionately refers to as a “very humorous sort of guy.”
The pair’s friendship is built on mutual respect and endless wind-ups. It began innocently enough with a simple exchange of phone numbers. “Michael said to me, ‘Grandad, I’ll give you my new number,’” George recalled with a chuckle. “I said alright, so I gave him my phone. I said go on, do it.” Days passed, and van Gerwen followed up cheekily: “‘You never phoned me, Grandad.’” A puzzled Bobby replied, “‘You didn’t put it in the phone. How am I going to phone you if I don’t have your number?’” The reveal came with classic MVG mischief – he had saved his contact simply under “B” for “best in the world.” George couldn’t help but laugh at how smoothly he had been outsmarted by the younger star.
But the real showstopper involved a habit that has long been a point of contention in George’s household: smoking. His wife, Marie, has never approved, prompting the veteran to occasionally sneak what he calls a “cunning fag” to avoid any domestic friction. Van Gerwen, ever the opportunist with a keen eye for a prank, spotted his chance during a busy tournament.
“He said, ‘Grandad, have a fag, come out with me.’ I said alright. She knew what I was doing,” George explained. The two stepped outside together. Van Gerwen lit up his own cigarette and started chatting casually, while Bobby enjoyed his smoke, assuming it was just a quick, harmless break between the two of them. Unbeknownst to George, the Dutchman had his phone out and was quietly filming the entire scene.
Once back inside the players’ area, van Gerwen wasted no time executing his plan. “He calls my missus Marie. He said, ‘I have to show you something. Look at Grandad.’ He filmed me smoking the b****** and he told her! He’s filmed it and said, ‘Look at that,’” George recounted, still sounding a mix of exasperated and thoroughly amused. Marie’s reaction was immediate and unmistakable: “You have been smoking today!” The evidence was right there on the screen – undeniable proof that left Bobby well and truly stitched up. It was a classic bit of mischief, delivered with perfect timing and deadpan delivery, that left everyone in stitches.
The pranks didn’t end with the smoking incident. Van Gerwen has a knack for spotting everyday situations and turning them into comedy gold. On one occasion, he trapped George in a toilet during a crowded event. “The toilet might be, you go through a door and cut across outside because you can’t get there due to the crowds,” George described. Without warning, MVG simply locked the door behind the veteran, leaving him stranded and unable to re-enter the venue until help arrived. The image of a frustrated Bobby Dazzler banging on the door while the tournament carried on outside is one that still brings a smile.
Another time, during a casual practice session, van Gerwen executed a seamless switch. “I picked them up and had a throw. What he did was change the flights on my darts with his own! I didn’t even notice,” George said, still marvelling at how cleanly the swap went undetected at first. These small, clever acts of sabotage showcase van Gerwen’s sharp wit and his ability to catch even seasoned campaigners off guard.
Such antics reveal a side of Michael van Gerwen that fans rarely glimpse amid the high-pressure environment of the PDC circuit. On stage, the Dutchman is a force of nature – hammering out 180s with machine-like consistency, pumping his fists in trademark celebrations, and chasing records that once seemed untouchable. Off it, however, he’s clearly someone who values camaraderie and knows how to keep the atmosphere light. George believes this personality would have made van Gerwen a natural fit in the sport’s golden era, when larger-than-life characters thrived on rivalry, banter, and shared laughs in smoky venues and late-night hotel bars.
In many ways, these stories bridge darts’ boisterous past with its slick, professional present. The game has grown exponentially in popularity, drawing huge television audiences, packed arenas, and lucrative sponsorships worldwide. Yet at its heart, it remains a sport built on human connection. Players travel together, share practice boards, and endure the same gruelling schedule of events across continents. Moments of humour like van Gerwen’s pranks help ease the tension and remind everyone why they fell in love with darts in the first place.
Bobby George, who played a pivotal role in popularising the sport through his showmanship and skill, clearly holds the modern star in high esteem. “He can mix in. I think he has got a good character,” the veteran said warmly. Their interactions, filled with teasing nicknames like “Grandad” and playful one-upmanship, show that respect and rivalry can coexist beautifully with genuine friendship.
As darts continues its upward trajectory, with new talents emerging and established stars like van Gerwen still dominating, anecdotes like these keep the sport feeling approachable and fun. They humanise the athletes who seem superhuman when the arrows are flying. Whether it’s sneaking a cheeky cigarette, fiddling with flights, or locking doors in jest, these light-hearted episodes add colour to the narrative of professional darts.
For fans, hearing legends like Bobby George share these tales is a treat. It offers a peek behind the curtain into the green rooms and practice areas where the real personalities shine through. Michael van Gerwen may be one of the most focused and successful players of his generation, but his willingness to engage in harmless fun shows he understands the importance of balance – and of keeping the spirit of the game alive.
In the end, darts isn’t just about hitting the treble 20 or lifting trophies. It’s about the stories, the bonds, and the laughter that echo long after the final leg is played. Thanks to characters like Bobby George and Michael van Gerwen, that boisterous, entertaining essence remains as strong as ever. And with plenty more tournaments, exhibitions, and inevitable pranks on the horizon, the world of darts promises to stay as dazzling and delightful as the man they call Bobby Dazzler himself.