"I saw energy again, bravado, even a bit of arrogance": Michael van Gerwen's return to form in Amsterdam an ominous sign

After a spell marked by sporting setbacks and personal struggles, Michael van Gerwen roared back into the spotlight last weekend. The Dutch star, who in recent years has battled dips in form and difficulties off the oche, claimed the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam – his first major title in two years. For many fans, it was the statement they had been waiting for: proof that “Mighty Mike” still belongs among the sport’s elite. But the question remains – is Van Gerwen truly back?

The Dutchman’s route to glory at AFAS Live could hardly have been more daunting. He swept past young talent Wessel Nijman, former world champions Rob Cross and Luke Humphries, rising star Josh Rock, and, in the final, reigning world champion Luke Littler. One by one, Van Gerwen dispatched opponents of real pedigree, much to the delight of his home crowd.

According to Jacques Nieuwlaat, mastercaller and one of Dutch darts’ foremost experts, the triumph was far from straightforward. “Not the easiest draw,” he admitted to AD.nl with a touch of understatement. “Sometimes you need a bit of luck. In the early rounds, his opponents had match darts that they missed. But what Michael showed on Sunday was pure class.”

That Van Gerwen has produced such a resurgence right now makes the achievement all the more remarkable. His divorce from Daphne remains unresolved, while his father continues to battle serious health issues. In a sport where concentration and mental resilience are vital, such circumstances are not easily set aside.

Vincent van der Voort, close friend and former professional, believes the change has been stark. “The last few months he didn’t throw any tournament average above 98. Now suddenly he’s well above 100 again. That’s purely down to his attitude. I saw energy again, bravado, even a little arrogance – exactly what made him so strong in the past.”

Still, both Nieuwlaat and Van der Voort urge caution. Van Gerwen’s peak years of 2016 and 2017, when he dominated almost every event, remain the benchmark. “That was the exceptional Van Gerwen,” Nieuwlaat explained. “When people say they want the old Van Gerwen back, they mean that level. But realistically, the ‘old Van Gerwen’ is someone who averages around 100 for an entire tournament – and can still beat anyone.”

The challenge now is sustaining that level. The coming weeks feature the Players Championship Finals, open only to the top 64 from the floor events. Van Gerwen currently sits 102nd, leaving qualification in doubt.

“Of the seven tournaments still to come, he’ll need to win at least one or go deep in two,” Van der Voort noted. “It’s certainly possible, but it won’t be easy.”

Regardless of what lies ahead, Amsterdam represented a significant turning point. Van Gerwen proved he can still shine on the biggest stage. For himself, it’s a huge injection of belief; for his rivals, a stark reminder.

As Van der Voort put it: “Lately, whoever drew Michael thought: there’s something to be gained. But after this weekend, everyone knows – if Van Gerwen is in the right flow, beware.”

With his World Series of Darts Finals triumph, Michael van Gerwen reminded the darting world why he remains one of the sport’s greats. Whether this sparks another era of dominance is uncertain. What is certain, however, is that “Mighty Mike” is still very much a force to be reckoned with.