OFFICIAL: Michael van Gerwen makes return at US Darts Masters this weekend after enforced break due to marriage split

Michael van Gerwen will return to the professional darts circuit next weekend. The Dutchman temporarily halted his schedule last month after announcing his marriage split, but will make his next appearance at the US Darts Masters in New York this weekend.

For Van Gerwen, it will be his first official tournament since his absence, which followed the conclusion of the Premier League in Sheffield. The three-time world champion announced at the time that he was temporarily distancing himself from the sport due to the end of his relationship with his wife Daphne, with whom he has two children.

In his statement, Van Gerwen candidly stated why he temporarily withdrew. ''As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments. I am sorry to disappoint my fans, but I am confident they understand my choice. We are facing a tough time and ask everyone to respect our privacy during this difficult time.''

During his absence, Van Gerwen missed several tournaments. Among other things, he missed the Euro Tour event in Rosmalen close to his house.

As well as the European Tour tournament in Leverkusen, the Nordic Darts Masters, three Players Championship events and the World Cup of Darts. For the latter, he was replaced by Gian van Veen, who together with Danny Noppert reached the semifinals on behalf of the Netherlands.

Although Van Gerwen disappeared from competition in recent weeks, he did appear on stage last weekend at the Top of Darts 2025 exhibition tournament in Waregem, Belgium. There he visibly enjoyed the atmosphere. "What a phenomenal atmosphere this evening," he announced on social media with images of his appearance.

The US Darts Masters, where Van Gerwen is now making his comeback, will be played at New York's iconic Madison Square Garden. The tournament belongs to the World Series calendar and therefore does not count toward the Order of Merit. The tournament takes place on the night of Friday to Saturday and the night of Saturday to Sunday.