"Michael van Gerwen's got to be selfish" - Paul Nicholson claims mentality shift is needed for MVG to return to the top

After a two-year title drought, Michael van Gerwen finally returned to winning ways at a major TV tournament recently. 'Mighty Mike' lifted the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals trophy on home soil, defeating Luke Littler 11-7 in the final. Former major winner Paul Nicholson sees a pivotal role behind Van Gerwen’s resurgence — both from within and through those closest to him.

Van Gerwen’s recent victory was met not only with rapturous applause from the Dutch crowd, but also high praise from prominent voices in the darts world. According to Sky Sports analyst Michael Bridge, the win is “great for darts” and, more importantly, a huge psychological lift for Van Gerwen himself.

“So for him to win that final — with everything that’s been going on in his personal life over the last few months, because it does affect you — I was absolutely over the moon," Bridge reflected on Sky Sports' Love the Darts podcast. "I was really delighted. And I think it’s great for darts that he won that.”

Bridge believes the victory could be the spark Van Gerwen needs to reassert himself at the top of the sport. “It’ll give him huge confidence. With the likes of Luke Humphries or Luke Littler, if they lose a tournament the week before, I don’t think it really affects them much. And I don’t mean to be controversial when I say this, but there are probably times when Humphries thinks, ‘I miss my son, I miss my wife — I’m going home a day early.’ And I don’t mean that in a bad way — just in the sense that they travel a lot. There are so many tournaments. But Michael van Gerwen will get so much out of this — it’s a reminder… ‘I’m still here.’”

That sentiment is widely shared. Paul Nicholson, a former professional player and now a respected pundit, stressed just how important it was for Van Gerwen to secure victory — particularly in front of his home crowd. “Yeah, I think it was really important that he put his name on that trophy again. It mattered to him to win on home soil, to feel that buzz again — that sense of, ‘this is my backyard.’ Because in the Netherlands over the past few years, there have been times where he’s looked quite fragile.”

Nicholson also highlighted Van Gerwen’s personality — one often underappreciated outside the sport. “I’ve got a strong opinion about Michael. I’m one of his biggest fans — I think he’s an amazing guy. Genuinely, the most generous person I’ve ever met — with his time, his money, and just how selfless he is.”

However, he believes a shift in mindset is now necessary: “But now, he’s got to be selfish. If his career is going to have another big, boisterous chapter, he has to look after himself.”

One of the most intriguing aspects of Van Gerwen’s recent resurgence is the influence of close friend and compatriot Vincent van der Voort. Nicholson didn’t hesitate to credit Van der Voort for helping Van Gerwen get back on track.

“I give him credit for what he’s doing — but I also give credit to Vincent van der Voort for getting him off his butt and saying, ‘Right, back to work, you,’” he says. “Yes. I’ve spoken to Vincent, and he said, ‘I’m going to read him the riot act — he’s getting back to work.’ And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Michael won in the Netherlands — not when his best friend gave him that push. We all need a friend like Vincent.”

Van der Voort, long regarded as Van Gerwen’s confidant both on and off the oche, once again proved just how valuable that support system can be. His honesty and friendship may well have provided the final nudge Van Gerwen needed to reignite his fire.

This World Series title feels like a fresh beginning for Van Gerwen. After a period of injury setbacks, personal strain and inconsistent form, he’s back — and with renewed focus. The confidence taken from this win could well drive a strong finish to the season.

There’s real anticipation within the darts world over what Van Gerwen might produce in the months ahead. One thing is clear: with his elite talent, renewed self-belief, and the backing of friends like Van der Voort, 'Mighty Mike' remains firmly among the sport’s elite.

Or, as Bridge neatly put it: “This win is great for him — but also great for the sport.”