By Brad Williams
The Premier League of Darts is right around the corner, so let’s get to know the class of 2026.
Michael van Gerwen is a player who needs no introduction. Undoubtedly deserving of a place on the Mount Rushmore of darting icons, which is crazy to say considering he is still just 36-years-old. In fact, many consider him to be either one or two on the list of the greatest darts players of all time.
As far as accolades go, there aren’t many as decorated in the sport as ‘Mighty Mike,’ who holds a remarkable forty-eight major PDC titles, second only to Phil Taylor.
His ever-growing trophy cabinet consists of a record-breaking seven Premier League titles, six World Grand Prix titles, six World Series finals, three Grand Slam of Darts, three World Matchplay titles, and, of course, three World Championship titles. He has also won more Pro Tour events than any other player at a whopping ninety. There are, of course, many more, but I would be here all day trying to name them.
MvG has become quite synonymous with fiery interviews, where he is not afraid to engage in a war of words with his opponents, and his passionate roaring to celebrate big scores and checkouts. This makes ‘The Green Machine’ one of the most compelling characters in the sport.
When he isn’t throwing darts, MvG is a fan of football and supports Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, and before switching to the sport of darts at age thirteen, van Gerwen regularly played football himself, primarily as a defender.
He also worked briefly as a tiler in his youth, where it was said that he worked on the house of Dutch footballing legend Dennis Bergkamp. A claim which was later refuted by MvG, as it was a house just over the road.
MvG will be making his fourteenth appearance in the Premier League this year as he looks to win a record-extending eighth title.