Michael van Gerwen, the three-time PDC World Darts Champion, has vowed to never endure another two-year drought without a major televised title after dethroning teenage sensation Luke Littler in the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals final. The 36-year-old Dutchman ended his 731-day wait for a Premier event victory with an 11-7 triumph over Littler on September 14, 2025, at Amsterdam’s AFAS Live, securing his sixth World Series crown and a £80,000 payday. In a post-match interview with ITV Sport, van Gerwen reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of his comeback, declaring, “I’ll never let that happen again,” signaling a renewed hunger to reclaim his spot at darts’ pinnacle.
Van Gerwen’s Emotional Victory: Ending the Drought
The final was a blockbuster rematch of the 2025 World Championship decider, where Littler had edged van Gerwen 7-3 in January. This time, van Gerwen flipped the script, averaging 98.37 and hitting a clinical 130 checkout to seal the win. Littler, the 18-year-old defending champion, started brightly but couldn’t sustain momentum, recording 12 maximum 180s to van Gerwen’s 11. “I’ve had to dig really deep,” van Gerwen said, his voice cracking with emotion as he lifted the trophy with daughter Zoe on stage. “I miss my son too, but he’s too young. This means the world—I’ve never been away, but I had to look in the mirror during those tough times.”
Van Gerwen’s path to the final was a redemption arc. He dispatched compatriot Wessel Nijman 6-5 in the first round with a clutch 132 finish, overcame Luke Humphries 10-5 in the quarters (averaging 106), and beat Josh Rock 11-6 in the semis. The victory marked his first TV title since the 2023 World Series, snapping a drought that saw him win just one non-televised event in 2024 amid form slumps and personal challenges. “From here on, I think I can show more,” he added. “You need to believe in yourself, and I can do it. There are so many big tournaments coming up, and I need to make sure I’m ready.”
The Vow: “I’ll Never Let That Happen Again”
Van Gerwen’s promise stems from the frustration of his barren period, during which Littler and Humphries dominated. “Two years without a major PDC title—that’s not me,” he told ITV. “I’ll never let that happen again. I’ve got to stay hungry, train harder, and beat these young guns like Luke.” His words echo a determination to reclaim the throne he held with 157 PDC titles, including three world crowns (2014, 2017, 2019). Littler, gracious in defeat, praised van Gerwen: “It’s good to see him back. If he keeps playing like that, there are going to be some good battles.”
Van Gerwen’s resurgence is timely, with the World Grand Prix (October 7-12, 2025) and Grand Slam of Darts (November 9-17) on the horizon. His 2025 season had been inconsistent—quarters at the World Matchplay and UK Open—but this win reignites his challenge for Humphries’ world No. 1 spot.
Littler’s Response and Rivalry Dynamics
Littler, who fought through 6-4 wins over Simon Whitlock and Jonny Clayton before a 11-10 semifinal epic against Gerwyn Price, admitted fatigue played a role: “It’s been tough today, playing two matches. I just feel a bit tired, but I had to get myself over the line.” Despite the loss—his second major final defeat of 2025 after the Premier League—he showed maturity: “People might have said I was nervous – I wasn’t. I just had to dig in.” With 17 PDC titles and over £2 million in earnings, Littler remains darts’ future, but van Gerwen’s vow ensures their rivalry will intensify.
Fan and Expert Reactions
Fans celebrated van Gerwen’s grit on social media, with one X post reading, “MVG’s ‘never again’ vow after beating Littler? The Iceman is back! 🔥” (@DartsFanatic). Another noted, “Van Gerwen ending the drought and promising more—darts is in for a wild ride” (@TheNukeArmy). Pundit Wayne Mardle called it “a statement win,” adding, “Michael’s fire is rekindled. Littler better watch out.”
The World Series Finals, with a £400,000 prize fund, drew packed crowds in Amsterdam, van Gerwen’s emotional homecoming triumph providing a fitting climax. As he eyes the World Grand Prix, his declaration—”I’ll never let that happen again”—serves as a warning to rivals: the Dutch legend is far from finished.
