Michael van Gerwen Returns to Form with Victory at German Darts Grand Prix
Michael van Gerwen made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle at the Elten Safety Shoes German Darts Grand Prix on Monday, securing a record-extending 38th European Tour title in Munich with an 8-5 win over compatriot Gian van Veen.
Van Gerwen delivered a series of impressive performances to claim the £30, 000 winner’s prize at the Zenith venue. He overcame Ryan Searle, Ryan Joyce, Josh Rock, and Van Veen on Finals Day to capture his first ranking title of the 2025 season.
After a period of well-documented struggles, the Dutchman reasserted his credentials in style, capturing his fourth German Darts Grand Prix title with a vintage display.
He narrowly escaped defeat in his opening match on Sunday, surviving three match darts against Kim Huybrechts. However, he bounced back in spectacular fashion, hitting a nine-darter and averaging 104 in a 6-1 demolition of Searle in the last 16.
In the quarter-finals, Van Gerwen produced a flawless finishing display to dispatch Joyce, before storming past Rock 7-2 in the semi-finals, rattling off five consecutive legs to seal the deal.
The final pitted Van Gerwen against World Youth Champion Van Veen in a rematch of last year’s Hungarian Darts Trophy showdown—once again, it was Van Gerwen who emerged victorious.
Van Veen recovered from a slow start to level at 2-2, firing in a 12-darter and a precise 76 finish to ignite a stretch of eight straight holds of throw. But Van Gerwen broke the deadlock with a 13-darter to lead 7-5, and sealed the title with a composed double 16 to end Van Veen’s strong resistance.
“This means a lot to me, ” Van Gerwen admitted after the win, hoping the result will spark a push in the Premier League Play-Off race.
“We all know what I’ve been going through. I’ve been battling myself lately. The past few weeks, I haven’t played well, even though I know what I’m capable of. But performing week in, week out—that’s where the pressure comes in.
“This means the world to me. I really needed this.”
Acknowledging his current Premier League struggles, Van Gerwen added: “I’m in a tough spot, but everyone who knows me knows I never give up. I always fight.”
Despite falling short of a maiden European Tour title just days before his 23rd birthday, Van Veen impressed throughout the weekend.
He cruised past Rene Eidams in the first round and followed it up with victories over Andrew Gilding, Martin Schindler, Ross Smith, and Luke Littler to reach his second European Tour final.
Van Veen’s standout moment came in the semi-finals, where he averaged 110.81 in a thrilling comeback win against Littler, reeling off three straight legs from 4-3 down to end the World Champion’s unbeaten European Tour streak.
“It’s been an amazing three days, ” said Van Veen, who now climbs to a career-high world number 23.
“We didn’t play our best in the final. I held my throw well, but didn’t pressure Michael enough on his. He deserved the win.
“I’m a little disappointed, but I’m proud of second place. My first European Tour title is coming—I can feel it!”
Littler, returning to European Tour action, had to settle for a semi-final finish. He opened with a stunning 107 average against Cam Crabtree, hit a 170 checkout to beat Joe Cullen in round three, and edged out Peter Wright in a gripping quarter-final encounter.
2025 Elten Safety Shoes German Darts Grand Prix
Monday April 21
Afternoon Session
Third Round
Josh Rock 6-4 Gerwyn Price
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Rob Cross
Ryan Joyce 6-4 Niels Zonneveld
Michael van Gerwen 6-1 Ryan Searle (Michael van Gerwen hit a nine-darter)
Ross Smith 6-2 Dave Chisnall
Gian van Veen 6-4 Martin Schindler
Peter Wright 6-4 Madars Razma
Luke Littler 6-3 Joe Cullen
Evening Session
Quarter-Finals
Josh Rock 6-5 Krzysztof Ratajski
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Ryan Joyce
Gian van Veen 6-3 Ross Smith
Luke Littler 6-5 Peter Wright
Semi-Finals
Michael van Gerwen 7-2 Josh Rock
Gian van Veen 7-4 Luke Littler
Final
Michael van Gerwen 8-5 Gian van Veen
