THROWBACK VIDEO: Michael van Gerwen wins his first Premier League after one of most iconic finishes ever
PDC
Michael van Gerwen will attempt to win the Premier League Darts for the eighth time in his career on Thursday night. We look back at his first-ever final victory in 2013 in this article.
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That year, Van Gerwen qualified to participate in the prestigious darts competition for the first time, after experiencing his definitive breakthrough at the PDC in 2012. After winning the World Grand Prix in 2012 and final places at the Grand Slam of Darts and the World Darts Championship, "Mighty Mike" had moved up to fourth in the world rankings.
He immediately caused a stir in his debut year. Taylor had won the league stage in each of the eight previous editions. Six times "The Power" was also able to lift the trophy on Finals Night.
In 2013, Taylor would fail to win the league stage for the first time in Premier League history. Van Gerwen started the league with two losses, but with eleven wins in the fourteen matches that followed, 'The Green Machine' finished at the top of the league standings with 24 points. Taylor was only third with 20 points, as Raymond van Barneveld still managed to squeeze in between them with 23 points.
In the first semifinal, Taylor and Van Barneveld faced each other. 'The Power' shut off a potential all-Dutch final beating 'Barney' 8-4. Van Gerwen then won 8-4 in the second semifinal against James Wade, who had finished fourth in the competition.
So in the final Van Gerwen and Taylor faced each other, almost five months after Taylor had won from the Dutchman in the final of the World Darts Championship. In the final, Taylor took the lead in the early stages by taking a 5-2 lead with an 81 finish. However, Van Gerwen battled his way back to 5-5.
Van Gerwen then picked up two more legs and led 7-5 after 12 legs. Taylor however came back to 7-7 after a wonderful 160 finish. The next three legs went with the darts, making the score 9-8 in Van Gerwen's favor after seventeen legs.
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Then came the moment that entered the history books as one of the most iconic moments in anyway Premier League Darts and perhaps the entire sport of darts because it was symbolic of the changing of the guard between Taylor and Van Gerwen.
Both men began the 18th leg with a single treble in the first turn. Taylor then followed with a 99 score, before Van Gerwen already increased the pressure with a 140 score. In the third turn, Taylor and Van Gerwen both threw two triples, allowing Van Gerwen to reach 132. Taylor was unable to throw for the match from 168, but left tops with a 128 score.
The best dart player of all time did not get that chance, however, as Van Gerwen picked up his first-ever Premier League title with a majestic 132 finish via bull, triple 19 and bullseye. It earned the Dutchman the top prize of 150,000 pounds and his first-ever victory over his great rival Taylor in a major final.
Michael van Gerwen pins majestic 132 finish to seal Premier League title.
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Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
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- Probably i will receive a lot of backlash and hate for this reaction, but well, so be it. I am more than sick and tired of those lies of you Barry Hearn. How dare you defend yourself over the back of Fallon’s son! He has a disability and not an illness, so let me correct that for you! I know because I have the exact same disability. I have tried to reach out to Fallon in the past, and offered her to help her and her son, because I was struggling with the same problems, and I understood the boy. I wanted him to have finally someone who understood him. However she told me that she did not want my help, and I have respected Fallon’s choice. I have never asked Fallon for money. They don’t need money in that case. I only ever wanted the best for Fallon and Rory, but I have to be honest about the situation. Fallon should tell the true story and not be forced to tell lies. I don’t hate Fallon, and I don’t begrudge or envy a single penny that she gets, but this situation/case is just not fair. I hate the lies and the dishonesty and injustice. I don’t want Fallon to be hated because there is an unfair disadvantage created. Don’t proclaim your false lies over the back of Rory! I only stand for integrity and justice. I am precisely the one who always sticks up for Fallon. And you don't, you don't give a damn about them. You were never there for them, and now you only want to save your own position! You are just trying to talk your way out of your own bad behavior at the expense of someone with a disability. And to Fallon, I don’t know if this may ever reach you, and you read it, but I want you to know I love you and I love your son Rory very much, I am sorry how things developed and went. I hope you and Harriet are still friends. I am sorry if I were too persistent to you, or you experienced it that way, but it was never my intention. Please understand I have autism as well. As Barry Hearn would say, I am only just a human being too, and I also make mistakes and misjudge things sometimes. I promise you I did everything out of the deepest love and care for you and Rory. If I were you, I should just keep all the money, only please never be dishonest or tell lies anymore for Barry Hearn, or anyone else. I hope you have the best life, and I wish nothing more than the best for you. I have always loved the two of you. Farewell.Hiddo05-11-2026
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