Michael van Gerwen has sent a strong message to Luke Littler, warning the young sensation that his time at the top of the darts world may be short-lived. The Dutchman has made it clear that he intends to reclaim his dominance in the sport, setting the stage for an intense rivalry in the coming years.
Van Gerwen’s bold statement comes at a time when he is beginning to find his form again, after enduring a difficult stretch that saw him go 16 months without a title on the European Tour. His victory at the Hungarian Darts Trophy last month ended that drought, marking his first silverware since the Belgian Darts Open in May 2023. The triumph was an important milestone for the three-time world champion, who has struggled to maintain his once-unquestioned supremacy in the face of rising competition.
Just days before lifting the Hungarian Darts Trophy, Van Gerwen secured his first ranking tournament win of the year at the Players Championship 21. These back-to-back victories have reignited his confidence, reinforcing his belief that he still belongs among the elite in the sport.
This resurgence comes in the midst of a seismic shift in the darts landscape, as the emergence of Littler and Luke Humphries has threatened to usher in a new era. Humphries, in particular, has enjoyed a phenomenal run, capturing the PDC World Championship title earlier this year by defeating Littler in a thrilling final. Meanwhile, Littler has continued his meteoric rise by winning the Premier League title in his debut year, an achievement that places him in the conversation among the sport’s biggest names.
However, Van Gerwen is not ready to relinquish his place at the top so easily. With seven Premier League titles to his name, he remains the most successful player in the history of the competition. His desire to reassert his dominance is evident, and he is relishing the challenge of battling both Littler and Humphries for the sport’s highest honors.
Speaking to the Daily Express, Van Gerwen made it clear that he is far from finished and fully intends to remain among the world’s best for years to come.
“I’ll definitely be there [among the best darts players in the world five years from now],” Van Gerwen said. “I’m not going to stop in five years, they’ll [Littler and Humphries] need to do really well to keep me off my position and if they want to win as many tournaments [as me] in five years. I can’t see that happening, but you never know.”
The Dutchman drew a parallel to his own rise in the sport, recalling how he forced the legendary Phil Taylor into retirement. Van Gerwen believes that the same fate could await Littler and Humphries if they fail to match his hunger and consistency.
“Nobody knew there was a kid from Holland coming on the block who made Phil Taylor retire, do you know what I mean? That’s how quickly it can go,” he added.
Van Gerwen’s rivalry with Taylor defined an era in darts, as he took over the mantle of the world’s best player when the 16-time world champion began to fade in his later years. While Taylor still holds the all-time record for World Championship titles, Van Gerwen’s own accolades are nothing short of remarkable. With 155 PDC titles to his name, including a record 89 PDC Pro Tour event victories, he has cemented his place as one of the greatest players in history.
Despite Taylor’s superior head-to-head record against Van Gerwen and his triumph over him in the 2013 World Championship final, there is little doubt that the Dutchman has been the defining force in darts over the past decade. However, with Littler and Humphries now threatening to take control of the sport, the battle for supremacy has never been more intense.
Littler, in particular, has captured the imagination of darts fans worldwide with his fearless performances and rapid ascent. His Premier League victory in his first season was a statement of intent, proving that he has the talent and temperament to compete with the very best. Humphries, meanwhile, has consistently demonstrated his class, and his World Championship win was a fitting reward for his relentless dedication and skill.
While the rise of these two young stars has led some to speculate that a new era is dawning, Van Gerwen is determined to ensure that he remains a dominant force. His recent victories suggest that he is far from finished, and his experience, combined with his sheer competitive drive, makes him a formidable opponent for anyone who dares to challenge him.
As the darts world looks ahead to the coming months and years, the battle between Van Gerwen, Littler, and Humphries promises to be one of the most captivating storylines in the sport. The Dutchman has no intention of stepping aside quietly, and his warning to Littler is a clear indication that he is ready to fight for his place at the top.
For Littler and Humphries, the challenge is clear: they must continue to raise their game if they hope to surpass Van Gerwen and establish themselves as the new kings of darts. But with the Green Machine back in top form and determined to prove that he still belongs among the elite, the road to dominance will be anything but easy.
In a sport where momentum can shift rapidly, the coming months will be crucial in determining who will emerge as the true leader of the next generation. One thing is certain: Van Gerwen is not ready to hand over the throne just yet, and anyone who underestimates him does so at their own peril.