Michael van Gerwen, known as “MVG,” recently expressed his thoughts on rising star Luke Littler, pushing back against the idea that the 17-year-old is “unstoppable” and advising players not to be “scared” of him. Van Gerwen’s comments came after his own triumphant debut at the World Matchplay in the historic Winter Gardens, where he defeated Littler in a 10-6 victory on Monday night. Despite widespread belief that Littler’s momentum would be tough to handle, Van Gerwen, aged 35, entered the arena with fierce determination and came away with a result that left him visibly emotional on stage.
Reflecting on his win, MVG revealed that this game carried extra significance for him, especially given the doubts and criticism that had been circulating about his recent performance. “It was a really massive win for me,” he said. “In the Premier League, we play each other so often it becomes normal, but this is different. The beast has to come out of you.” For Van Gerwen, this match was not just another face-off but a chance to prove that he still has what it takes to compete with younger players and emerging talent like Littler, who has been impressing fans and critics alike with his recent form.
Littler’s impressive rise in the sport has led many to consider him a formidable opponent, and his consistent success had raised speculation that he could be a potential giant in the game. Van Gerwen, however, had a message for the wider darts community, saying, “We have seen he is not unstoppable. This is a sign for the rest of the players who are scared of him to face it, to do the right thing and play your own game.” Van Gerwen acknowledged Littler’s strengths, admitting, “He has been good, he has been playing really well. We know he is big, and he has a lot of following. He did well for the sport, but you still have to keep fighting.”
This victory carries added significance for Van Gerwen, as he’s been contending with doubts about his career trajectory and physical health. Since January, he has been without a title win, a rarity for the typically dominant player. Adding to his challenges, MVG is scheduled to undergo a third surgery on his teeth following the Winter Gardens event, which will necessitate a month-long break from competition. The looming surgery and his struggles with maintaining peak form have led some to speculate that Van Gerwen’s best days might be behind him. However, his response on Monday night suggested otherwise, as he rose to the occasion and silenced those doubts, if only temporarily.
“To win against guys in form is always nice,” Van Gerwen said, reflecting on the pressure he felt going into the match. “There were a lot of stories about this game and how I wasn’t the favourite, how I’ve been having a tough last six months. To win games like this does something for me, of course. I honestly only see it in a positive way that I still like what I do; it still does something to me. If it doesn’t do something to me anymore, it’s time to retire, but I’m not in that position yet and I’m not for the next five, six, seven to 10 years. I’m going to keep annoying them.”
Van Gerwen’s comments on retirement were particularly revealing, as he hinted that despite the challenges, he remains far from contemplating an end to his career. His love for the game continues to drive him, and his resilience in the face of a tough six months only reaffirms his commitment to the sport. “We all know I’m not in massive form, and we all knew this was going to be a tough one for me,” he said. “To actually do it gives me a lot of joy, and you know how much love I’ve got for the game. That was a tough one, but to win does mean a lot to me.”
Van Gerwen also took a moment to reflect on what makes his performances special and why he continues to play. “It’s been a tough last six months, but I’m not playing superbly bad. Tonight I think I did the right thing for myself; the focus was there, the will to win was there. The total package was complete tonight. I think I was by far the better player in the game.”
Looking ahead, Van Gerwen remains focused on the matches to come, including a face-off against Joe Cullen on Wednesday. Confident but grounded, he hinted at having several more victories left in him. “I’ve got a few more on my list, don’t worry about that; that’s how darts works,” he said, hinting at a desire to continue proving himself in the sport.
Van Gerwen’s win over Littler serves as a reminder of his resilience and ability to perform under pressure, even when his form might not be at its best. His victory was more than just a scoreline—it was a statement to both his critics and his peers. The night in Winter Gardens wasn’t just a win; it was a testament to his enduring passion for the game, his fierce competitiveness, and his unwavering dedication. As he recovers from his upcoming surgery and returns to action, MVG’s fans will no doubt be watching closely, eager to see how this seasoned champion navigates the challenges and continues to shape his legacy in the world of darts.