Cameron Menzies, the passionate Scottish darts player whose intense on-stage energy has made him a fan favorite, has bravely shared the deeply personal health battle that has reshaped his life in recent months. In an emotional interview following his dominant first-round victory at the 2026 Belgian Darts Open, the 36-year-old from Scotland revealed a heart condition that prompted a complete lifestyle transformation, significant weight loss, and a renewed focus on both physical and mental wellbeing.
After dispatching Dutch qualifier Sietse Lap 6-1 in impressive fashion, Menzies appeared visibly relieved and reflective. When asked how life was treating him, he responded with refreshing honesty: “In life, a lot better, mate. I’m at the gym and just trying to look after myself a bit more.” What followed was a revelation that surprised many in the darts world. “I’ll tell you something not many folk know – I have issues with my heart,” Menzies explained. “I’ve got high blood pressure and an ectopic heartbeat, which is quite common, but there’s a history of heart issues in my family.”
An ectopic heartbeat involves extra or skipped beats that can lead to palpitations and discomfort, often benign but more concerning when paired with high blood pressure and a family history of cardiac problems. For Menzies, this diagnosis acted as a powerful catalyst for change. His weight had become a serious concern, ballooning to 21 and a half stone. Under strict doctor’s orders, he has since shed an impressive three stone, bringing his weight down to around 18 stone, with plans to continue the downward trend. “My weight was bad. I was 21 and a half stone and I am 18 stone at the moment. Hopefully I can keep going down. That’s all doctor’s orders,” he stated, underscoring that the transformation is driven by medical necessity rather than vanity.
The changes extend well beyond the weighing scales. Menzies has embraced regular gym sessions as part of a broader commitment to self-care. “I am hitting the gym,” he shared, his tone carrying a mix of pride and determination. This physical shift is complemented by dedicated mental health support. He is nearing the completion of an eight-week program provided by the Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA), which he described positively: “I’ve never left an appointment feeling bad – I always feel quite good about myself. It just tries to make life easier.”
A particularly impactful element of his recovery has been hypnotherapy. Menzies credited the sessions as “a massive thing,” explaining how they help him process challenges more effectively. “When things become complicated and hard, you break them down into smaller problems. You deal with smaller problems better than you do with the big ones.” This practical approach has helped him navigate the intense pressures of professional darts, a sport that has evolved dramatically from its pub roots into a high-stakes arena for elite athletes. “It just shows we’re not just pub players anymore. We’re professional athletes,” he noted with a wry smile, while acknowledging the mental toll when results falter. “The game is massive and you don’t realise the pressure when things aren’t going right. It’s a dark place to be in.”
Menzies’ openness comes after a challenging period that included a difficult start to the 2026 season and past frustrations, such as the incident at the World Darts Championship where emotions boiled over. Yet his recent form on the oche suggests a player turning a corner. The convincing win in Belgium, where he will next face seeded player Ross Smith, followed strong showings at the Poland Darts Masters and recent Players Championship events. “The result today is the most important thing. I was nervous, and I wanted to win more than anything else. I have not had a great start to the year, but I do think I am playing well at the moment,” he reflected.
Beyond the competitive stage, Menzies painted a picture of genuine improvement in his day-to-day life. “Life generally is in a good place at the moment compared to three or four months ago,” he said. Even the simple pleasure of sunshine lifted his spirits: “Life’s good at the moment. The sun’s shining, which is a big thing – especially as a Scotsman, you don’t get that very often. I feel like I’m in a good place.”
This candid interview humanizes a competitor often remembered for his fiery celebrations and raw emotion on the board. By sharing his heart diagnosis, dramatic weight loss journey, commitment to the gym, and engagement with hypnotherapy and PDPA support, Menzies demonstrates remarkable courage and vulnerability. His story highlights the unseen struggles many professional athletes face, even in a sport as outwardly boisterous as darts.
As he continues monitoring his heart condition and progressing with his health goals, Menzies appears energized for the challenges ahead. The Belgian Darts Open victory serves as both a sporting milestone and a symbol of personal resilience. In an era where discussions around mental and physical wellbeing in elite sport are gaining momentum, his willingness to speak openly could inspire countless others—inside and outside the darts community—to prioritize their health and seek support when needed.
For Cameron Menzies, the road to better health is ongoing, guided by medical advice and sustained by newfound habits. His message is clear and uplifting: life is a lot better now, and he is determined to keep it that way, one gym session, one smaller problem broken down, and one confident arrow at a time. Fans will no doubt rally behind the Scot as he balances his renewed personal journey with the pursuit of further success on the PDC tour.