Michael van Gerwen 3rd in Order of Merit & Premier League table despite perceived lack of form: "So could you imagine if I played my best darts?"

Michael van Gerwen has already won the Premier League Darts seven times in his career, and is therefore aiming for an eighth triumph in 2025. In fact, only by lifting the title on finals night would the 35-year-old Dutchman consider this year's edition of this prestigious competition successful.

Van Gerwen won the Premier League Darts for the first time in 2013 and most recently in 2023. With seven final wins, "Mighty Mike" is the record holder for most successful darter of all time in the competition. However, he remains motivated to be in action every week in front of so many spectators. "I've been playing in the Premier League for a little while, so to perform in front of all those people, it gives you joy, it gives you energy, and that's what's so nice about darts," Van Gerwen says to Sky Sports.

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"A lot of people, they don't have a mindset. You know what I mean? They just say they have a mindset, but they're weak as f***. And that's the way how it is," he continues. "You have to be honest to yourself, and when something is good, it's good. When it is bad, it's bad, and you have to move on, you have to face the problems, and when things don't go your way, you have to work on it, and then have to move forward."

Michael van Gerwen in action

Van Gerwen won just about everything there is to win over the course of his illustrious career, but has been waiting for another major title since 2023. Despite the relatively barren run by his own high standards though, the Dutchman remains world number 3. "(Talk about my form) happens when I am not even playing my best darts, so could you imagine if I played my best darts?"

Despite his lesser form, Van Gerwen does not doubt himself and continues to set the bar high. Van Gerwen has already reached the semifinals on each of the first three days of play and is provisionally in third place in the standings, four points off leader Luke Humphries. As mentioned though, when it comes to 'Mighty Mike' and the 2025 Premier League Darts only one thing matters. "A win. The finals night. That's where the trophy's going to be given away."

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