Dutch · Boxtel, Netherlands · Born 9 April 1984Dutch professional darts player, three-time PDC World Champion and former world number one, known for his aggressive throwing style and record averages.
Born in Boxtel, the Netherlands on 9 April 1984, Michael van Gerwen emerged as a prodigious talent in darts from an early age. He began playing professionally as a teenager and achieved remarkable success in the British Darts Organisation (BDO), winning the World Youth Championship at 17 to become the youngest ever BDO major champion at the time. This early breakthrough established him as one of the sport's most promising prospects before his transition to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in 2007. Van Gerwen's career reached extraordinary heights during the 2010s, when he established himself as the dominant force in world darts. He captured three PDC World Championship titles in 2014, 2017, and 2019, while simultaneously excelling across multiple major tournaments including the Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts, and World Matchplay. His peak years between 2016 and 2018 showcased unprecedented scoring power, with match averages regularly exceeding 110. During this period, he set a record 123.40 average in a Premier League match, marking the highest ever recorded in a televised game. The Dutchman's statistical achievements remain unparalleled in professional darts. He has completed over 60 nine-dart finishes in competitive play, more than any player in history, demonstrating remarkable consistency at the highest level. His dominance extended to the world rankings, where he held the number one position for over 200 consecutive weeks across multiple stints at the top of the sport. Van Gerwen's impact transcended pure statistics, as his distinctive on-stage presence became synonymous with modern darts. His green and black attire, emphatic celebrations, and commanding performances made him the sport's defining personality throughout the 2010s. While emerging talents like Luke Littler have begun to challenge the established order, van Gerwen's statistical records and influence on professional darts remain largely untouched, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the sport's history. Van Gerwen reached the 2025 World Championship final, where he was beaten 7-3 by Luke Littler, and continued to feature among the seeds at the expanded 2025/26 tournament at Alexandra Palace as he chased a fourth world title.
Holding the highest televised nine-dart average of 123.40
His 123.40 three-dart average against Michael Smith in the 2016 Premier League is the highest ever recorded in a televised darts match.
Did You Know?How They Played
Aggressive, fast-paced throwing with exceptional scoring ability and high finishing percentage
Lasting Impact
Widely regarded as one of the greatest darts players of all time, revolutionized the sport with his speed and scoring power
Career Honours
- PDC World Champion 2014, 2017, 2019
- Premier League Darts 7x
- Grand Slam of Darts 4x
- World Matchplay 3x
- World Grand Prix 6x
- European Championship 5x
- World No.1 for 300+ weeks
Dutch Athletes