Matt Heasley/PDC

Why aren't Michael van Gerwen, Nathan Aspinall and James Wade competing at the Australian Darts Masters

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Aug 7, 2025 8:30 AM ET

The World Series goes down under for events in Australia and New Zealand coming up, with eight of the best players in the world taking on the best Oceanian talents for glory, but there are a few who have not made the journey.

Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price, Chris Dobey and Damon Heta have completed the long trip to the other side of the world, while Josh Rock and Mike De Decker join them as debutants.

This door has been open through Michael van Gerwen, Nathan Aspinall and James Wade taking the executive decision to not compete, as they take this rare opportunity in a packed schedule to put their darts down and kick their feet up on holiday, spending quality time with their families.

After the disappointment of a second-round defeat in the World Matchplay, van Gerwen decided to party at Tomorrowland in Belgium. Another party location would follow, but this time he would bring his kids with him, enjoying their time at sea on what looks like a luxurious boat, quoting the post with: "Quality time in Ibiza."

After what has been a tough year on and off the oche for the Green Machine, it is fantasticto see him enjoying himself with a smile on his face.

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A post shared by Michael van Gerwen (@mvg180)

Similar to his on-stage rival, Aspinall has taken his family on a special trip out to the Dominican Republic. The 34-year-old has endured a busy campaign so far, but now relinquishes this opportunity to relax and switch off from darts with his loved ones ahead of a busy end of the year.

The former Matchplay and UK Open champion has not just treated his family to a Caribbean holiday, but a luxury form of transport to take them to the airport - a Rolls-Royce - "Starting the family holiday off in style. Dominican here we come."

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A post shared by Nathan Aspinall (@asp180)

In contrast, Wade has ditched the sitting around in the sun to take his sons to Disneyland Paris. The Machine was offered the chance to return to the World Series, but after his Matchplay final defeat to Littler, he prioritised a trip to see Mickey Mouse and the Avengers.

In an Instagram post, he said: "Morning all, we have had the best family holiday away at Disneyland Paris. Thanks for such a great time!! We all loved it and it was very well needed to spend some quality time with the family. Also got to wear my new bag."