Michael van Gerwen, the three-time PDC World Champion, has issued a bold warning to rivals Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, proclaiming himself “Michael 2.0” as he returns from a month-long break at the 2025 US Darts Masters in New York, June 27–28. Speaking to *Express.co.uk* on June 26, the Dutch star, who stepped away after his divorce from wife Daphne, declared, “This is going to be a new Michael. Michael 2.0. I am really excited,” signaling his intent to reclaim dominance following a challenging 2025 season.[](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/2073878/Michael-van-Gerwen-Luke-Littler-Luke-Humphries-darts)
Van Gerwen, ranked No. 3, has struggled with form, managing only a Players Championship win and a European Tour title this year, alongside a 6-3 loss to Niko Springer in Germany, where health issues, including a respiratory problem linked to frequent flights, impacted his play, per *GBNews.com*. His 7-3 loss to Littler in the 2025 World Darts Championship final underscored the rise of the 18-year-old and World No. 1 Humphries, who have dominated with titles like Littler’s Premier League and Humphries’ 2024 World Championship. Van Gerwen, however, remains defiant, saying, “My head says I have to smash it,” despite his break from competitive darts since the Premier League in Sheffield on May 22.[](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/2073878/Michael-van-Gerwen-Luke-Littler-Luke-Humphries-darts)[](https://www.gbnews.com/sport/darts/michael-van-gerwen-health-problem-luke-humphries)
The US Darts Masters, held at Madison Square Garden, features a star-studded field, including Littler, Humphries, Gerwyn Price, and Nathan Aspinall. Van Gerwen, a two-time champion of the event, faces Danny Noppert in the first round, while Littler takes on Jules van Dongen and Humphries meets James Wade. Humphries, eager for his first US title, told *Express.co.uk*, “This is the one all the players want to win. It’s really special,” highlighting the event’s prestige. Van Gerwen’s earlier 6-5 win over Littler in Belfast’s Premier League opener on February 6, where he defied Littler’s 113.91 average, shows he remains a threat when at his best, per *RuncornandWidnesWorld.co.uk*.[](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/2073878/Michael-van-Gerwen-Luke-Littler-Luke-Humphries-darts)[](https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/sport/24917069.premier-league-darts-luke-littler-loses-michael-van-gerwen/)
Van Gerwen’s warning extends beyond New York, with the World Matchplay in Blackpool next month and Littler’s World Championship title defense looming. His comments reflect a renewed mental resolve, as he told *Sky Sports* after the World Championship, “My mental aspect was good. I get a lot of positives out of this,” despite the loss. Fans on X, like @OfficialPDC, are buzzing about his comeback, with some speculating “MVG 2.0” could disrupt the Littler-Humphries rivalry.
