The countdown to the World Darts Championship is underway, with 96 players set to battle for glory at London’s Alexandra Palace starting December 15. Among them is Michael van Gerwen, a three-time World Champion and one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history.
However, Van Gerwen’s form has raised eyebrows this season. The 35-year-old Dutchman has not claimed a major title in 2024, and for the first time in years, he isn’t considered a top favorite heading into Ally Pally. That status belongs to rising star Luke Littler and reigning champion Luke Humphries, who have dominated headlines in the lead-up to darts’ most prestigious tournament.
Yet Van Gerwen remains unfazed by the hype surrounding the 17-year-old Littler, who many have dubbed the future of darts.
“Am I Scared? Not a Chance!”
Speaking at the World Championship draw, Van Gerwen dismissed any notion that Littler has a psychological edge over him.
“I’m not playing my best, and he’s still not beaten me more than I’ve beaten him,” Van Gerwen said, as quoted by The Sun. “Am I scared of him? Not a chance!”
Acknowledging Littler’s immense talent, Van Gerwen continued: “He’s a good player, of course he is. He has the media attention, and everything goes his way at the moment. He’s in a flow. But Luke Littler is not unbeatable.”
Van Gerwen pointed to Littler’s struggles in big moments earlier this season as evidence that the young star still has room to grow.
“He lost in the first round at the World Matchplay to me, and he lost in the first round at the Grand Prix,” Van Gerwen noted. “Then he wins a tournament, then [Luke] Humphries wins one. You have Mike De Decker winning a tournament and Richie Edhouse the European Championship. No one is unbeatable.”
Giving Credit Where It’s Due
Despite his competitive stance, Van Gerwen didn’t shy away from praising Littler and Humphries for their contributions to the sport.
“I think they [Humphries and Littler] deserve the credit,” he said. “For me, I’m not worrying about what they do. I have to deal with my situation, focus on my own game, and we’ll see what happens at the World Championship.”
Van Gerwen emphasized the unique nature of the tournament, expressing confidence in his ability to perform at Ally Pally.
“It is a different tournament. I’ve never played badly there, so that’s a good thing,” he said.
A Focused Approach
While acknowledging his less-than-stellar season, Van Gerwen remains optimistic about his chances of securing a fourth world title.
“I’m more relaxed now, and my darts have to do the talking,” he explained. “The only way to reply to everything is to work hard, practice hard, and make sure I’m mentally ready for the World Championship.”
With the pressure mounting and the competition fiercer than ever, Van Gerwen’s self-belief and experience could prove crucial as he aims to reclaim darts’ ultimate crown.
Can Van Gerwen Silence the Doubters?
The 2024/25 World Darts Championship promises to be an electrifying showcase of the sport’s best talents. Will Van Gerwen return to his former glory, or will the new generation, led by Littler and Humphries, continue to steal the spotlight?
Stay tuned for all the latest updates and insights as the road to Ally Pally heats up.
Ben Evans is a passionate darts writer with a keen eye for statistics and news. With years of experience following the PDC scene, Ben brings in-depth coverage of tournaments, player performances, and emerging dart trends. Known for his detailed analysis and love for the game, he keeps fans updated with the latest stats, match insights, and memorable moments. When he’s not covering the action on the oche, Ben enjoys a game of darts, staying sharp on the sport he loves.