Nordic Darts Masters Saturday Evening Round-up | Michael van Gerwen survives match dart in dramatic final against Luke Humphries to clinch second World Series title in 2026

Michael van Gerwen has become the first player to win the Nordic Darts Masters multiple times as he continues his brilliant form on the World Series of Darts in 2026. It is a second title this year after defeating Luke Humphries 8-7 in what was a dramatic final.

Both players improved throughout the rounds while playing at contrasting levels going into the final. Humphries was playing the better and had defeated the world number one and three enroute to the final in Copenhagen.

He began on the front foot and missed doubles to go 4-1 ahead. In the blink of an eye, van Gerwen was level at 3-3 at the end of the first session. The three-time world champion made it four legs on the spin to take the lead for the first time and gain a cushion.

This was extinguished by Humphries who got level with a two-game burst. Breaks were traded as the score remained level at 6-6. It went the distance where Humphries missed a match dart. Van Gerwen was there to pounce and makes it 18 World Series of Darts titles.

Van Gerwen’s night in Copenhagen could have abruptly ended a lot quicker than anticipated. He averaged just over 86 in a very poor match against Viktor Tingstrom who dumped out the reigning champion, Stephen Bunting, yesterday. ‘Mighty Mike’ was pushed to a final leg decider by the determined Swede who missed a match dart on tops. Van Gerwen escaped a huge scare as he came through a tense match of darts.

He knew improvements where needed, and that was exactly what happened. He averaged 101.55 in a mesmerising performance to defeat Jonny Clayton 7-4. After falling 2-0 behind, van Gerwen won five legs in a row culminating with an eye-catching 110 checkout on double 16. He would miss three match darts on this target, sending his tally to four, after Clayton came perilously close to pinning the bull for a 161. He got the job done and the inconsistent showings on the oche were not punished this time around.

Humphries had a tough task ahead of him. He would face off the world number three Gian van Veen in a fairly routine match for the most part. In the end, the holds of throw would stop and Humphries won 6-5. The doubling was not at the level either player would have been hoping for with ‘Cool Hand Luke’ visibly not pleased with his showing.

He would be much happier when defeating the world number one Luke Littler 7-5 while averaging over 105. He took out splendid checkouts of 164 and 132 on double 16. These got him the lead before Littler broke back to make it 4-4. The two-time world champion won just one leg from this point as Humphries flexed his muscles to book a fourth World Series final, and a first in Europe.

Humphries sailed clear in the opening stages with his third dart at tops being pinned for a break of throw. He needed all three darts again as van Gerwen failed to start the 124. He traversed across the board to double nine and doubled his advantage. Another break was in Humphries grasp as he almost salvaged a 100 checkout on double 19. Van Gerwen did successfully salvage a 109 checkout on the bull expertly to survive a scare.

Humphries again extends his lead on tops, but it is overshadowed by a vicious look towards the crowd after whistles are echoed around the arena. Referee, Owen Binks, responds with a message to the crowd. Humphries came back from this well and left 32 after 10 but could not finish for another break. Van Gerwen could for a 47 outshot in three. Those were the first doubles on the outer ring with his only dart at double before that being at the bull.

Van Gerwen came out of the blocks like a rocket in the second session. Six perfect darts teased the crowd before seeing it out in a fabulous 11-dart hold to take the lead for the very first time. He backed this up with a 100 checkout on double 10 after the Englishman missed the bull for a 123 checkout.

The score was 5-3 to the former champion who looked to stamp his authority more on this tie. It was now van Gerwen who missed a crucial dart. He spurned a dart at tops for a 112 checkout with Humphries finding double five with his final dart to break back. He levelled proceedings once more on double 19.

Humphries was let off the hook after missing the 11 segment on a 121 after a dragged dart on tops by van Gerwen left an opening that Humphries took. He led for the first time since the fifth leg with a pivotal break. This was abolished as van Gerwen broke back, setting up a best-of-three clash. Van Gerwen seized the initiative to move one away. Humphries forced the match the distance and gave the Danish crowd more spectacular drama to end the tournament. Van Gerwen had the throw and was first to a finish. He could not finish it with the 170 as Humphries missed a match dart on the bull for a 127. Van Gerwen made him pay by taking out 72 on tops to seal another title in Denmark.