Michael van Gerwen is facing the prospect of needing a wildcard for the 2026 Premier League after his early exit from the PDC World Darts Championship. The Dutchman, a seven-time Premier League winner, lost 4-1 to Gary Anderson at Alexandra Palace, putting his top-four ranking at risk.
Currently ranked third in the world, Van Gerwen could be overtaken by Jonny Clayton and Gian van Veen if they win their quarter-final matches on New Year's Day. Clayton faces Ryan Searle, while Van Veen takes on Luke Humphries. Should that happen, Van Gerwen would drop out of the automatic qualification spots for the eight-player Premier League field, which includes four wildcard picks.
The 2026 Premier League will feature a increased prize fund of £1.25 million, with £350,000 awarded to the winner. Despite his ranking slide, the 35-year-old's iconic status would almost certainly earn him a wildcard selection. Nevertheless, the possibility highlights a significant decline in his form since his last world title in 2019.
Van Gerwen has struggled for consistency in recent years, with his last ranking title coming at the 2022 Players Championship Finals. He did win the 2023 Premier League, a non-ranking event, but has been overshadowed by the rise of Luke Humphries and Luke Littler. Off the oche, he described 2025 as the worst year of his life following his separation from his wife Daphne Govers.
Following his defeat, Van Gerwen told NU.nl: 'I know better than anyone that it's going to be a very important year. I'm not running away from that. ... It hurts that I don't always show it, but I won't give up. Ever.' The Premier League line-up will be announced early in the new year, with the opening night in Newcastle on February 5.
