Michael van Gerwen has finally remembered where the winner’s circle is. After a two-year dry spell at the big-boy table of darts, the shiny headed Dutch wrecking ball has muscled his way back to glory – picking up his sixth World Series of Darts Finals crown in Amsterdam, just in case anyone thought he was finished. Truth is, no one seriously ever believed he was.
The setting was AFAS Live, the soundtrack was a deafening chorus of native chants, and the script was familiar: Van Gerwen, in front of his people, clutching silverware like it’s a family heirloom. His victim this time? Reigning World Champ, Luke Littler, who left with second place, ten fewer doubles but I note in his dairy to soon return the favour.
This wasn’t just another win. This was Van Gerwen reminding everyone that his favourite hobby is collecting this title – six of them now, spanning 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2023, and now 2024. Like clockwork, except the hands had been broken for a couple of years.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, of course. On the way to Finals Day, Mighty Mike had to survive match darts against Wessel Nijman and Rob Cross – squeaky-bum stuff that made you wonder whether he was trying to keep his fans entertained or simply allergic to winning easily.
But once the crowd filled the arena on Sunday, Van Gerwen turned into the Dutch Hulk. He blew past Luke Humphries with a casual 106 average, then slapped Josh Rock aside in the semi-finals by winning six of the last seven legs. By the time Littler stepped up for the final, the scriptwriters had already pencilled in MVG wins, cue chaos. And win he did: 11–7, £80,000 banked, trophy kissed, reputation restored.
“I have goosebumps – it’s amazing to hold a trophy again,” said Van Gerwen, sounding suspiciously like a man who has held a lot of them. This time, though, it was different. He celebrated on stage with his daughter Zoe, which will soon be a framed photo she will cherish forever. A very happy MVG and proud father said:
“Everyone knows I’ve had a difficult time in the last few months, but to win in front of my home crowd means a lot to me.
“I was playing some fantastic darts, and that gives you energy, that gives you joy, and I’m really glad I could perform like this. It means the world to me.
“I had to dig really deep to do this. I still love what I do, and hopefully this is the beginning of a bright future for me.”
In other words: I was in a slump, but I’ve hit the reset button and now plan to once again terrify everyone.
Credit where it’s due: Littler as always, played a staring role. He started someone possessed, clawed back to 3–3 with a ten-darter, then watched as Van Gerwen went full Terminator with an 11-darter of his own. The teenager even restored parity at 6–6 with another showpiece leg, but eventually the old master flexed his experience. Pinned doubles, a 130 checkout, the home crowd foaming at the mouth – Littler never stood a chance.
Still, the World Champion showed his steel all weekend. He beat Simon Whitlock and Jonny Clayton, survived a thriller against Ross Smith (who averaged 106 and still lost), and staged a ridiculous comeback against Gerwyn Price in the semis – overturning a 9–5 deficit because apparently Littler doesn’t believe in the concept of being finished.
After the match, a shrugging Nuke said:
“It was another good tournament for myself. Michael was playing some of his best darts this weekend. It’s good to see him back. He’s had a tough time, but if he keeps playing like that, we’re going to have some great battles.”
Spoken like a man who knows he’ll be trading finals with Van Gerwen for the next decade. Already, we cannot wait for the next one.
Gerwyn Price did his usual party trick of being both brilliant and tragic in the same breath. He survived Raymond van Barneveld, staged a comeback against Chris Dobey, then somehow threw away a commanding lead against Littler.
Meanwhile, Josh Rock looked the part until he ran into MVG’s semi-final steamroller. The Northern Irishman had earlier dismantled Mike De Decker and Danny Noppert with the efficiency of a man high on confidence, but against Van Gerwen he found out what many already know: in Amsterdam, Mighty Mike doesn’t just win, he devours.
So, Michael van Gerwen is back. Littler is still frighteningly good. Price remains darts’ most reliable chaos merchant. And Rock continues to quietly make himself a regular fixture at the business end of tournaments.
But Sunday night belonged to MVG. The crowd, his people, the goosebumps, the double five, the 130 checkout – the Mark Twain esque message was simple: rumours of my decline have been greatly exaggerated.
Quarter-Finals
Josh Rock 10-6 Mike De Decker
Michael van Gerwen 10-5 Luke Humphries
Luke Littler 10-8 Ross Smith
Gerwyn Price 10-8 Chris Dobey
Semi-Finals
Michael van Gerwen 11-6 Josh Rock
Luke Littler 11-10 Gerwyn Price
Final
Michael van Gerwen 11-7 Luke Littler
——-ENDS——
Images: Kelly Deckers / PDC Europe
