“Show you can do it outside the Netherlands too” – Luke Littler throws down the gauntlet to Michael van Gerwen

It was a feast for darts fans last weekend. In a raucous AFAS Live in Amsterdam, Michael van Gerwen was crowned champion of the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals after a thrilling showdown with reigning world champion Luke Littler. The Dutchman took it 11–7 to claim his sixth title in the event – but more importantly, a victory that felt like liberation. For the first time in two years, Van Gerwen lifted a major PDC trophy again.

For Littler, the 18-year-old sensation who has taken the sport by storm, the defeat was a bitter one. Still, the young Englishman showed class in defeat, offering praise for his rival. "Michael was playing some of his best darts this weekend. It’s good to see him back. He’s had a tough time, but if he keeps playing like that, we’re going to have some great battles," Littler said afterwards.

On social media, he added: "Really good seeing @mvg180 back playing his best and congrats on the title."

Yet Littler wasn’t shy of pointing out where the real test lies. However impressive Van Gerwen’s Amsterdam display may have been, the teenager believes the next step must come abroad. Speaking at a promotional event in Manchester, where he attended the launch of a Target Darts pop-up store, Littler said: "Like I said on stage, Michael, is he back? Obviously he played very well, but for ourselves as the players, he’s just got to bring that form out of his home country and hopefully he can perform in England."

Littler left no doubt that he takes his Dutch opponent seriously, but also indicated that the next few months will be crucial. "Like Michael said, he’s not been away. He’s just not been performing."

Van Gerwen’s dip in recent years is widely believed to have been shaped by events away from the board. The three-time world champion recently revealed he is going through a divorce after ten years of marriage. In an interview with AD.nl, he offered a glimpse into the upheaval.

“I’ve got so much to sort out. The divorce is still ongoing. That’s not something you wrap up in a few days – you’re dealing with settlements, arrangements and aftercare. It all has to be handled carefully, without mistakes,” Van Gerwen explained.

Despite his private struggles, he insists darts remains central to his life, albeit in a different order. “Since having kids I’ve always said they come first. Then comes everything else, darts included. But darts is my job. The better I play, the more I can give my children. Everything is connected, and I’m very aware of that.”

On Sunday evening in Amsterdam, Van Gerwen proved he still has it. En route to the title he beat Littler, Luke Humphries and Josh Rock. His quarter-final against Humphries in particular was vintage MvG: rapid rhythms, sky-high averages and ruthless punishment of the slightest slip.

When the final was over, the relief was written all over him. “I’ve got goosebumps. It’s fantastic to hold a trophy again,” Van Gerwen beamed. “Everyone knows I’ve been through a tough time. To win here, in front of my own crowd, means so much. I played brilliantly, it gave me energy and joy. That’s exactly what I needed. This feels like a new beginning.”

The win earned him £80,000 and underlined that he still belongs among the world’s elite. The big question now: can Van Gerwen replicate this outside the Netherlands? Over the coming months the tour heads to England, Germany and eventually the World Championship in London. That’s where it will become clear whether Amsterdam was a one-off, or the launchpad for a new era of success.