The Dutch star produced a memorable display at AFAS Live, overcoming his rival Luke Littler in a thrilling final to extend his dominance at the event. It was his first PDC Premier success since winning the same title in 2023, adding to his earlier triumphs in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019.
Van Gerwen survived match darts in dramatic last-leg wins over Wessel Nijman and Rob Cross to reach Finals Day, before storming past Luke Humphries, Josh Rock and Littler to scoop the £80, 000 prize. He averaged 106 in dispatching world number one Humphries, then won six of the last seven legs to beat Rock 11-6 in the semis. In the final – a repeat of January’s World Championship decider – Van Gerwen prevailed 11-7.
“I have goosebumps – it’s amazing to hold a trophy again, ” said an emotional Van Gerwen, who celebrated on stage with his daughter Zoe. “It means so much to win in front of my home crowd. I had to dig deep, but I still love what I do. Hopefully this is the start of a bright future.”
The final itself swung both ways. Littler hit back from 3-1 down with a ten-darter to level at 3-3, before Van Gerwen reeled off three straight legs to lead 6-3. Littler responded to tie it at 6-6, but Van Gerwen restored control, pulling clear to 10-7 and sealing the title with a superb 130 finish on double five.
Littler, who was chasing back-to-back PDC Premier titles for the first time, had impressed throughout the weekend. He beat Simon Whitlock and Jonny Clayton 6-4, averaged 107 in a classic quarter-final win over Ross Smith, then staged a stunning comeback to edge Gerwyn Price 11-10 after trailing 9-5.
“It was another good tournament for me, ” Littler reflected. “Michael was back to his best this weekend. If he keeps playing like that, we’ll have some great battles.”
Elsewhere, Price followed his victory over Raymond van Barneveld with another comeback against Chris Dobey, before bowing out to Littler in the semis. Josh Rock also impressed, seeing off Mike De Decker and Danny Noppert en route to the last four.
2025 World Series of Darts Finals
Sunday September 14
Afternoon Session
Quarter-Finals
Josh Rock 10-6 Mike De Decker
Michael van Gerwen 10-5 Luke Humphries
Luke Littler 10-8 Ross Smith
Gerwyn Price 10-8 Chris Dobey
Evening Session
Semi-Finals
Michael van Gerwen 11-6 Josh Rock
Luke Littler 11-10 Gerwyn Price
Final
Michael van Gerwen 11-7 Luke Littler