Michael van Gerwen is known to be one of the fieriest players on stage on the PDC Tour, but sometimes his passion spills over into the backstage area.
Michael van Gerwen is one of the most popular players on the PDC Tour for his arrogant persona and large ego, backing up his confidence with three World Darts Championship wins.
Mighty Mike’s persona can often get him into trouble with other players on the tour, with World No. 1 Luke Humphries revealing a backstage confrontation with a former major finalist.
Vincent van der Voort punched Michael van Gerwen due to his ‘ego’
On Jaack’s Happy Hour, 2024 World Darts Champion Humphries revealed the Dutchman has the ‘biggest ego’ on the PDC Tour and sometimes it gets him into trouble.
Revealed a backstage confrontation with former UK Open finalist Vincent van der Voort, Humphries said: I think there was a story he told me once, Vincent, that he’s actually punched Michael a couple of times in the face.
“Like punched him. Not like absolutely batter him. But I think the first time was really early, and then they became friends.”
The confrontation between the two friends didn’t end there either, with van der Voort striking Mighty Mike a second time.
Humphries continued: “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.
“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.
“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!”
van Gerwen lost the 2025 World Darts Championship to Luke Littler at Alexandra Palace as he looked to add a fourth World title to his collection.
Michael van Gerwen’s close relationship with Vincent van der Voort
While their multiple confrontations suggest otherwise, van Gerwen and van der Voort are long-time friends.
They often travel together and check in while van Gerwen is on the PDC Tour, with the Dutch Destroyer offering his friend advice.
van Gerwen has often called the 49-year-old one of his best friends and he stood by the star when he lost his PDC Tour Card.
Speaking at the World Darts Championship in 2023, Mighty Mike 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.”
“If I can help him with anything, of course, I will always do it.
van der Voort lost his PDC Tour Card in 2024 after 13 years on the Tour, which saw him reach the last eight of the World Darts Championships on two occasions.