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'I’d rather be honest than politically correct' - Fired-up Dirk van Duijvenbode reacts to dumping Van Gerwen out of World Grand Prix 2025

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 9:21 AM ET

Dirk van Duijvenbode produced one of the standout results of the opening round at the 2025 World Grand Prix, defeating Michael van Gerwen 2–0 in a Dutch derby that sent shockwaves through Leicester’s Morningside Arena. Afterwards, he spoke to Dartsnews.com in his post-match press conference.

For Van Duijvenbode, it was more than just a win over a compatriot — it was a long-awaited breakthrough against one of darts’ dominant figures on a major televised stage.

Clinical start, chaotic finish

The Aubergenius came out firing, particularly on his finishing in the early exchanges.

“My finishing in the first set was really good,” Van Duijvenbode reflected afterwards. “When I was two up and had 152 left, my heart rate went way too high and I threw 58, 58, 58 — I should’ve finished it off there, but Michael came back big time. In the end I’m just happy with the win, to be fair.”

He wasn’t entirely satisfied, though. “You said my composure was good — but no, it was bad,” he admitted. “If you start a leg with 152 and then throw three 58s, that’s not good enough. The final leg was good, not the finishing, but I won it in the end.”

“He beats me too much”

Van Duijvenbode has endured a frustrating record against Van Gerwen, and his honest, self-deprecating humour was on full display when asked about it.

“I don’t like playing Michael because he beats me too much,” he said with a shrug. “Apart from that, I like him as an opponent, but he’s beaten me more often than I’ve beaten him — and you don’t like that. Don’t believe everything the media tells you, though. They can’t always show the full context of what I say.”

Despite the fierce rivalry, there’s no animosity. “We get along,” Van Duijvenbode added. “We’re not friends, but we go on fine. We respect each other as professionals.”

A ‘first’ win, depending who you ask

The victory marked Van Duijvenbode’s first televised triumph over Van Gerwen, though he was quick to add some context. “To be fair, in Holland everything’s on Viaplay — the European Tours too,” he explained. “I’ve already beaten him there, on the same platform that’s showing this event. So for me, it’s not really the first time on TV, even if it feels that way for fans here in England.”

Asked if his previous win helped him this time around, he nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure. Before that Euro Tour match I’d never beaten him on stage — well, only in exhibitions, but that doesn’t count. The Euro Tour win was big for me. It gave me confidence for this game. The stakes are higher here, but that win gave me belief.”

Only a few weeks ago, Van Gerwen had lifted the World Series Finals title in Amsterdam, seemingly rediscovering his best form. Yet against Van Duijvenbode, he looked a shadow of that player — missing darts to win every leg. “Yeah, I was surprised,” Van Duijvenbode admitted. “If I’d hit that 145 finish, I would’ve won every leg. But I didn’t, and it went two-all. If he’d shown up in that last leg, maybe it’s one set all and a different story. In Holland we say, ‘It’s like looking in the cow’s eyes’ — it means it could’ve gone another way, but it didn’t.”

As ever, Van Duijvenbode’s post-match reflections blended honesty, humour, and a touch of brutal self-assessment. “Yeah, call it excellent if you want,” he quipped when told how impressive his display looked. “But I think it was bad. You can’t say starting 152 and throwing three 58s is good. I’m just honest. Sometimes the media take things out of context, but I’d rather be honest than politically correct.”

It’s that candour — along with his fiery on-stage energy — that’s made Van Duijvenbode a fan favourite. But beneath the entertainment lies a clear ambition to kick on after a mixed couple of seasons. “I’m happy with the win, but I need to play better if I want to go further,” he said. “This match shows I can still win even when I’m not at my best.”

A symbolic step forward

The win over Van Gerwen may prove more than just a statistical milestone. After years of falling short against his illustrious compatriot, this felt like a mental barrier being lifted.

“Michael’s beaten me so many times that it became a mental thing,” Van Duijvenbode admitted. “Today I showed I can beat him, and that feels good. Maybe it helps me play with more calm and confidence in the next rounds.”

Then, with a grin that summed up his personality as much as his night’s work, he added: "A bit surprised, yeah. But hey, it’s darts — you never know what’s going to happen. Today was my day.”