The professional darts circuit is a pressure cooker of elite skill, relentless travel, and outsized personalities. Behind the bright lights and thunderous 180s lies a close-knit world where rivalries simmer, friendships run deep, and egos occasionally collide in surprising ways. World number one **Luke Humphries** recently lifted the lid on one such colourful episode involving three-time world champion **Michael van Gerwen**, revealing that the Dutch superstar was once punched multiple times in the face by his fellow countryman and close friend, **Vincent van der Voort**.
In a candid podcast appearance, Humphries didn’t hesitate when asked who possesses the biggest ego in darts. “That’s easy: Michael van Gerwen,” he said with a knowing smile. The reigning world champion, nicknamed ‘Cool Hand’ for his ice-cool demeanour under pressure, went on to describe Van Gerwen’s confidence as larger-than-life, sometimes bordering on arrogance, yet somehow perfectly suited to the man himself. “He wears it really well. It kind of suits him in a weird way. I think it’s a Dutch thing as well,” Humphries added, chuckling at the idea.
According to Humphries, the physical clashes between Van Gerwen and Van der Voort happened on two separate occasions. The first took place early in Van Gerwen’s career, when the then-young talent was still finding his feet on the PDC tour and beginning to show flashes of the dominance that would later define him. The second incident occurred around eight years ago, at a point when Van Gerwen’s growing success had inflated his self-belief. “Vincent told me once that he’s actually punched Michael a couple of times in the face,” Humphries recounted. “Not like absolutely battering him, but Michael was getting a bit high on his ego — and Vincent just whacked him because he showed disrespect.”
The story paints a vivid picture of backstage dynamics rarely seen by fans. Rather than a vicious brawl, it sounds more like a blunt, old-school reality check delivered by a senior figure unwilling to tolerate perceived disrespect. Van der Voort, a straight-talking 49-year-old PDC veteran known for his unorthodox throwing style and several tournament titles, has long been regarded as a grounding influence on the younger Dutch star. Despite the punches, the pair share a remarkably close bond. Van der Voort even served as best man at Van Gerwen’s wedding, underscoring a friendship that has weathered both personal and professional storms.
Humphries spoke warmly of Van der Voort, describing him as “one of the coolest people you’ll ever meet.” He praised the veteran’s no-nonsense attitude and sharp sense of humour, noting how these qualities make him “really good for Michael.” In the high-stakes environment of professional darts — where players spend weeks on the road together, practising, travelling, and competing in close quarters — such honest friendships can prove invaluable. They provide perspective when egos threaten to spiral or when the relentless schedule begins to take its toll.
At 35, Van Gerwen remains one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history. His trophy cabinet boasts an astonishing 157 PDC titles, three world championships, and a record seven Premier League titles. His aggressive, high-scoring style and fiery on-stage celebrations have made him a global superstar and a fan favourite for many years. However, 2024 proved a challenging campaign. While he reached the finals of both the World Matchplay and the World Championship — ultimately falling to teenage sensation Luke Littler in the latter — he failed to lift a major title that year. Off the board, Van Gerwen has been open about personal struggles, including his recent divorce, which added another layer of complexity to his form.
Humphries was quick to emphasise that his comments about Van Gerwen’s ego come from a place of affection rather than animosity. “Michael’s a really nice guy — I’m good friends with him too,” he insisted. The two have shared many intense battles on stage, including memorable Premier League nights, and their mutual respect is evident. Van Gerwen’s blunt, passionate interviews — especially during losing streaks against Humphries — have become part of darts folklore, showcasing a competitor who wears his heart on his sleeve.
These anecdotes reveal the very human side of a sport often viewed through the lens of its spectacular on-stage drama. Egos are inevitable when athletes operate at the absolute pinnacle, pushing themselves physically and mentally week after week. In darts, where mental fortitude is as crucial as throwing accuracy, a well-timed “whack” — metaphorical or otherwise — can sometimes serve as a necessary reset. Van der Voort’s willingness to confront his friend directly appears to have helped keep Van Gerwen grounded through various challenges, from form dips to private difficulties.
As the darts world continues its rapid expansion, with growing audiences, bigger prize funds, and increased media scrutiny, stories like this humanise the superstars. Van Gerwen’s bold confidence, even when it occasionally rubs people the wrong way, has been a driving force behind his legendary status. It fuels his relentless pursuit of excellence and keeps him motivated to bounce back stronger. Fans can expect the Dutchman to mount a serious challenge in 2025 and beyond, hungry to reclaim major honours and add to his already remarkable legacy.
Meanwhile, Humphries’ willingness to share these behind-the-scenes tales reflects the camaraderie that exists alongside the fierce competition. The PDC circuit fosters tight bonds precisely because of the shared grind — long hours in practice halls, airport lounges, and hotel rooms. Occasional tensions are almost inevitable, yet they rarely fracture the underlying respect that binds the players.
In the end, the tale of Van Gerwen getting punched by his best mate serves as a light-hearted reminder that even the game’s biggest icons are fallible, relatable, and shaped by the people around them. Vincent van der Voort’s straight-talking influence has evidently played a positive role in Van Gerwen’s career, helping temper the ego that Humphries says fits him so well. As the 2026 season unfolds with fresh rivalries and new storylines, the darts community will continue to celebrate not just the treble-twenties on the board, but the colourful personalities and enduring friendships that make the sport so compelling off it. Van Gerwen’s journey — marked by triumphs, setbacks, and the occasional backstage reality check — remains one of the most fascinating narratives in modern darts. (Word count: 842)