Michael van Gerwen

Michael van Gerwen was born on 25 April 1989 in Boxtel in the Netherlands. He played football as a defender until he was 12 and began playing darts regularly at 13.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/dec/15/michael-van-gerwen-phil-taylor-world-darts-championship|title=Michael van Gerwen: I see more of Phil Taylor than of my wife|work=The Guardian|first=Donald|last=McRae|date=15 December 2014|access-date=22 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221130859/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/dec/15/michael-van-gerwen-phil-taylor-world-darts-championship|archive-date=21 December 2014|url-status=live}} He reached the final of the Primus Masters Youth event at the age of 14 in 2003. He then started to amass youth titles in 2006. He also won the Men's events in the Norway and Northern Ireland Opens in the same year that he took the youth titles. Before he became a professional darts player, he worked as a tiler.

Van Gerwen picked up several Open titles and rose up the BDO/WDF World Rankings having climbed to third before his 18th birthday.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/darts/6235145.stm|title=Teen eyes Dutch darts hat-trick|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 January 2007|access-date=24 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917040230/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/darts/6235145.stm|archive-date=17 September 2016|url-status=live}} He reached the semi-finals of the Bavaria World Darts Trophy in 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/EventResults.aspx?EventKey=127|title=2006 World Darts Trophy Results|publisher=Darts Database|access-date=24 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815131228/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/EventResults.aspx?EventKey=127|archive-date=15 August 2016|url-status=live}} Despite losing to Martin Adams, the Dutch youngster came within one dart of the perfect nine-dart finish, just missing double twelve. He did manage the highest possible checkout of 170 during the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/18v4wi7axts8g1b4epfo73auxt/title/www.888casino.com|title=Amazing Taylor Storms into Final|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=10 September 2006|access-date=24 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815131735/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/18v4wi7axts8g1b4epfo73auxt/title/www.888casino.com|archive-date=15 August 2016|url-status=dead}}

He managed to eclipse that performance at the 2006 Winmau World Masters by becoming the youngest ever champion. Having trailed 1–4 and 2–5 to Adams, he came back to win the title and took Eric Bristow's record as the youngest ever winner at the age of 17 years and 174 days.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10199166/michael-van-gerwen-showed-early-signs-that-he-could-conquer-the-world-says-rod-studd|title=Michael van Gerwen showed early signs that he could conquer the world, says Rod Studd|publisher=Sky Sports|date=10 March 2016|access-date=24 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815080121/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10199166/michael-van-gerwen-showed-early-signs-that-he-could-conquer-the-world-says-rod-studd|archive-date=15 August 2016|url-status=live}}

His early career success led to speculation that he would join the other professional circuit of darts, the Professional Darts Corporation.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/darts/6228093.stm|title=The new Barney?|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 January 2007|access-date=24 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916204531/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/darts/6228093.stm|archive-date=16 September 2016|url-status=live}} However, during the 2006 World Darts Trophy, Van Gerwen held a press conference to make it clear that he wanted to stay with the BDO/WDF. He also finished top of the DDF (Dutch Darts Federation) Rankings, which would have secured him a place at the PDC World Championship, if he chose to accept. He had already committed to playing at Lakeside, so the place went to Rico Vonck, who finished second in the rankings.

Van Gerwen was the bookmakers' pre-tournament favourite to win the 2007 Lakeside World title, but his hopes were ended in the first round by Gary Robson.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/darts/6239361.stm|title=Big names crash out at Lakeside|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 January 2007|access-date=24 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916220713/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/darts/6239361.stm|archive-date=16 September 2016|url-status=live}} On the night of the 2007 BDO World Championship final, it was announced on Dutch television that Van Gerwen, along with Jelle Klaasen and Vincent van der Voort, would be switching to the Professional Darts Corporation.{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/triple-dutch-defection-to-glamour-game-7253495.html|title=Triple Dutch defection to glamour game|work=London Evening Standard|date=15 January 2007|access-date=24 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821151146/http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/triple-dutch-defection-to-glamour-game-7253495.html|archive-date=21 August 2016|url-status=live}}

Although he was a BDO player he was eligible for certain PDC events in his home country, even before he switched to the PDC. This included the Open Holland in 2006, in which he took the title. He made his PDC debut on 20 January at the non-televised Players Championships in Gibraltar and beat Andy Hamilton before losing in the last 16 to Roland Scholten. In the second Players Championship the following day, he beat Raymond van Barneveld in the early rounds only to lose to Alan Warriner-Little in the quarter-finals. He followed up his victory over Van Barneveld by beating 13-time World Champion Phil Taylor 3–0 in sets on the opening night of the Masters of Darts tournament. He went on to reach the semi-final of the tournament and achieved a nine-dart finish against Van Barneveld, but lost the match.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or9mhJ-EVq8 |title=Van Gerwen's 9-dart finish at 2007 Masters of Darts |website=YouTube |access-date=11 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211181229/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or9mhJ-EVq8 |archive-date=11 December 2013 |url-status=live }}

His televised PDC debut came at the 2007 UK Open, where he lost in the last 32 to Colin Osborne. His first PDC World Championship saw him play Phil Taylor in 2008's first round; notably, he had one match dart to knock Taylor out.{{cite web|url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/TournamentDetails.aspx?TournKey=11|title=PDC World Championship Winners|publisher=Darts Database|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316213841/http://dartsdatabase.co.uk/TournamentDetails.aspx?TournKey=11|archive-date=16 March 2015|url-status=live}}

Van Gerwen ended his long wait for a tournament victory by beating Vincent van der Voort 6–3 in the final of the Players Championship in Taunton on 11 April 2009. Van Gerwen was defeated 6–4 by Arron Monk in the final of the inaugural PDC Under-21 World Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2257340,00.html |title=Monk Claims PDC Unicorn U21 Title |publisher=Professional Darts Corporation |date=3 January 2011 |access-date=24 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106035820/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0%2C%2C10180~2257340%2C00.html |archive-date=6 January 2011 }}

In the 2012 World Championship, Van Gerwen made it to the last 16 for the first time by beating Colin Osborne and Mervyn King.{{cite web|url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/FixtureList.aspx?EventKey=3069|title=2012 PDC World Championship Results|publisher=Darts Database|access-date=29 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108065610/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/FixtureList.aspx?EventKey=3069|archive-date=8 January 2012|url-status=live}} However he lost to Simon Whitlock 4–3.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2560198,00.html|title=World Championship – Day 12|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=29 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108000123/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0%2C%2C10180~2560198%2C00.html|archive-date=8 January 2012}}

Van Gerwen was named Young Player of the Year at the PDC annual awards ceremony on 3 January 2012, for winning four PDC Unicorn Youth Tour events during 2011 and his World Championship run.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2565367,00.html|title=Taylor Named Player of the Year|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=5 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108233649/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0%2C%2C10180~2565367%2C00.html|archive-date=8 January 2012}}

In 2012, he won the second UK Open qualifier of the season, defeating Dave Chisnall in the final 6–1. In the UK Open itself he lost in the last 16 to Terry Jenkins.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2807023,00.html|title=Speedy Services UK Open RD5|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=18 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611045702/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2807023,00.html|archive-date=11 June 2012}} Van Gerwen topped the PDC Youth Tour Order of Merit going into the 2012 PDC World Youth Championship, but went on to lose in the final for a second consecutive year, this time against James Hubbard. Van Gerwen won the eighth Players Championship event in June after beating Simon Whitlock 6–1 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2814179,00.html|title=Mighty Mike's Birmingham Joy|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=18 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619190307/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2814179,00.html|archive-date=19 June 2012|url-status=dead}} At the World Matchplay, he won 5 legs in a row to record a 10–6 victory over Simon Whitlock in the first round,{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2856601,00.html|title=Betfair World Matchplay – Night Two|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=22 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724182559/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2856601,00.html|archive-date=24 July 2012}} and then faced a last 16 encounter with Steve Beaton, which he won 13–9 while throwing the fourth nine-dart finish in the tournament's history in the tenth leg.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2859832,00.html|title=Betfair World Matchplay – Night Five|publisher=PDC|access-date=25 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728050609/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2859832,00.html|archive-date=28 July 2012}} Van Gerwen was 5–11 down in his quarter-final against James Wade, but produced a fightback to only trail 11–12 and then missed one dart to level the game. He went on to lose 13–16.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2862225,00.html|title=Betfair World Matchplay – Quarter Finals|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=28 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729232515/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2862225,00.html|archive-date=29 July 2012}}

Van Gerwen's third title of the year came at the 11th Players Championship, where he defeated Ian White 6–1 in the final with a 107.85 average.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2919423,00.html|title=Mike's Mighty Barnsley Win!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=19 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918045409/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2919423,00.html|archive-date=18 September 2012}} Van Gerwen was involved in an exceptional match in the last 16 of the European Championship as he was defeated by compatriot Raymond van Barneveld 9–10, despite averaging 104.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2926205,00.html|title=PartyPoker.net Euro Champs – Sat|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=23 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924073120/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2926205,00.html|archive-date=24 September 2012}} Another Players Championship success followed with a 6–5 victory over Robert Thornton.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2940975,00.html|title=Van Gerwen Glory in Dublin|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=6 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009054928/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2940975,00.html|archive-date=9 October 2012|url-status=dead}}

In October 2012, Van Gerwen won his first PDC major title at the World Grand Prix. He came from behind to knock out Colin Lloyd 2–1 in the first round,{{cite web|url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/FixtureList.aspx?EventKey=3834|title=2012 World Grand Prix Results|publisher=Darts Database|access-date=13 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111015222/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/FixtureList.aspx?EventKey=3834|archive-date=11 November 2013|url-status=live}} and then beat an out of sorts Adrian Lewis 3–1 in the second.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2945565,00.html|title=PartyPoker.com WGP – Thursday|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=12 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013223022/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2945565,00.html|archive-date=13 October 2012}} In the quarter-final against Andy Hamilton, he missed four darts to win 3–1, only for Hamilton to take out a 160 finish to force a decider.{{cite news|title=PartyPoker.com WGP Quarter-Finals|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2946540,00.html|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=12 October 2012|access-date=13 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014014630/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2946540,00.html|archive-date=14 October 2012}} Van Gerwen maintained his composure and took the final set 3–2 and then heavily out-scored Wes Newton in the semi-finals in a 5–1 win.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2947431,00.html|title=PartyPoker.com WGP Semi-finals|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=13 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015020837/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2947431,00.html|archive-date=15 October 2012}} He played Mervyn King in the final, defeating him 6–4, after being 0–3 and 1–4 down. Van Gerwen afterwards described the win as the best day in his life and in claiming the £100,000 prize he rose to world number eight, overtaking Van Barneveld as the highest placed Dutchman.{{cite news|title=Dublin Glory For Comeback Kid!|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2948697,00.html|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=14 October 2012|access-date=14 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017225834/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2948697,00.html|archive-date=17 October 2012}} He did not have to wait long for his sixth title of the year, as he won the following week's Players Championship averaging 113 against Jamie Caven in the semi-finals, before beating Nick Fullwell 6–3 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2952658,00.html|title=Van Gerwen Continues Superb Form|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=22 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023223240/http://www.pdc.tv/page/NewsdeskDetail/0,,10180~2952658,00.html|archive-date=23 October 2012|url-status=dead}}

In a Championship League game, van Gerwen averaged 121.86 while defeating Steve Beaton 6–0. He won six of his seven league matches to finish top of the table, but then lost 5–6 to the same opponent in the semi-finals.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/kdyp21ncspo91bd4ichbl1isa/title/third-time-lucky-for-walsh|title=Third Time Lucky For Walsh!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=2 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102054836/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/kdyp21ncspo91bd4ichbl1isa/title/third-time-lucky-for-walsh|archive-date=2 November 2012}} He soon returned to winning ways by taking another Players Championship title, coming back from 0–4 in the final against Ian White to triumph 6–5.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/fwauhogdz9ws1b578pmysoi9e/title/dutch-ace-continues-winning-run|title=Dutch Ace Continues Winning Run|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=4 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107000119/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/fwauhogdz9ws1b578pmysoi9e/title/dutch-ace-continues-winning-run|archive-date=7 November 2012}}

Van Gerwen won all three of his group games at the Grand Slam of Darts to top Group B and face Phil Taylor in the last 16, in a match billed as a clash between the current best two players in the world.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/other-sports/news/article/2/8250472/mighty-mike-causes-power-cut|title=Mighty Mike causes Power cut|publisher=Sporting Life|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130105035847/http://www.sportinglife.com/other-sports/news/article/2/8250472/mighty-mike-causes-power-cut|archive-date=5 January 2013|url-status=live}} There, Van Gerwen ended a five-year, 15-game losing streak against Taylor to defeat him 10–5 with a 108.38 average in a performance he described as the best of his career.{{cite web|url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/HeadToHead.aspx?plaKey=1395&plbKey=1|title=Michael van Gerwen V Phil Taylor Head To Head|publisher=Darts Database|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203084754/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/HeadToHead.aspx?plaKey=1395&plbKey=1|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/km86nk6h1n4q1p2amtykob49a/title/william-hill-grand-slam---thursday|title=William Hill Grand Slam – Thursday|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=16 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117234739/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/km86nk6h1n4q1p2amtykob49a/title/william-hill-grand-slam---thursday|archive-date=17 November 2012}} He played Scott Waites in the quarter-finals, who himself had already beaten Taylor in the tournament, and produced another superb display as he hit two 170 finishes and an average of 106.63 in a 16–12 win.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/batnbief68kr102s62b5d7a0u/title/william-hill-grand-slam-quarter-finals|title=William Hill Grand Slam Quarter-Finals|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=17 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119223003/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/batnbief68kr102s62b5d7a0u/title/william-hill-grand-slam-quarter-finals|archive-date=19 November 2012}} He averaged over 100 once more to defeat Dean Winstanley 16–8 in the semi-finals, to set up a clash in the final against compatriot and five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/mlntbbjdol8b1cjy3whmx3qal/title/william-hill-grand-slam-semi-finals|title=William Hill Grand Slam Semi-finals|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119224229/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/mlntbbjdol8b1cjy3whmx3qal/title/william-hill-grand-slam-semi-finals|archive-date=19 November 2012|url-status=live}} Van Gerwen was never ahead in the final and couldn't quite match the heavy scoring and clinical finishing he had produced earlier in the tournament as he was beaten 14–16.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/6rvx3dprf1wh13zkai21y9kuq/title/william-hill-grand-slam-final|title=Brilliant Barney's Grand Slam Triumph!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=19 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122003020/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/6rvx3dprf1wh13zkai21y9kuq/title/william-hill-grand-slam-final|archive-date=22 November 2012}}

His eighth tournament win of 2012 came at the 20th and final Players Championship, where he beat Taylor for the first time in a final and also beat reigning world champion Adrian Lewis in the semi-finals.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/11jdth6t3mr04153zmewbt05od/title/seventh-heaven-for-van-gerwen|title=Seventh Heaven For Van Gerwen|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=25 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128052442/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/11jdth6t3mr04153zmewbt05od/title/seventh-heaven-for-van-gerwen|archive-date=28 November 2012}} He was 4–5 down to Taylor, but produced back-to-back finishes of 164 and 124 to win and in doing so finished third on the ProTour Order of Merit to qualify for the Finals.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1jjo6dk429szw19meecaul7ax7/title/minehead-qualifiers-confirmed|title=Minehead Qualifiers Confirmed|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=25 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304004011/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1jjo6dk429szw19meecaul7ax7/title/minehead-qualifiers-confirmed|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}} Van Gerwen went out of the Finals in the second round 10–8 to Andy Hamilton.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/tpxhkuyhy9bs1ps6wqgzg22v1/title/cash-converters-pcf-day-two|title=Cash Converters PCF Day Two|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=1 December 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204113757/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/tpxhkuyhy9bs1ps6wqgzg22v1/title/cash-converters-pcf-day-two|archive-date=4 December 2012}}

After his exceptional year in 2012, Van Gerwen entered the 2013 World Championship as the second favourite behind Phil Taylor.{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2012/12/04/michael-van-gerwen-unsure-of-rivals-form-for-world-darts-championship-3301052|title=Michael Van Gerwen unsure of rivals' form for World Darts Championship|work=Metro|first=Danny|last=Griffiths|date=4 December 2012|access-date=5 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210133811/http://metro.co.uk/2012/12/04/michael-van-gerwen-unsure-of-rivals-form-for-world-darts-championship-3301052/|archive-date=10 December 2012|url-status=live}} In his semi-final match against James Wade, Van Gerwen hit a nine-dart finish. He almost repeated the feat in the very next leg, after hitting eight perfect darts before missing one dart at double 12 that would have seen him become the first player ever to hit back-to-back perfect legs. However, he lost the set but won the match 6–4.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1mq69t2ndkaia1etddpgilpjs8/title/ladbrokes-wdc-semi-finals|title=Ladbrokes WDC Semi-finals|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=30 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103115519/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1mq69t2ndkaia1etddpgilpjs8/title/ladbrokes-wdc-semi-finals|archive-date=3 January 2013|url-status=live}} In his first World Championship final, he played Phil Taylor and led 2–0 and 4–2, but lost 7–4. Van Gerwen's run in the tournament saw him climb to number four on the Order of Merit, which guaranteed his place in the Premier League for the first time.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/16qmx6b1dwpbj1kkcrfbbichlc/title/ladbrokes-world-championship-final|title=Sweet 16 For Champion Taylor!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=1 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103234641/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/16qmx6b1dwpbj1kkcrfbbichlc/title/ladbrokes-world-championship-final|archive-date=3 January 2013}}

At the PDC awards dinner in January 2013, Van Gerwen won three awards; Young Player of the Year, PDPA Player of the Year and Fans' Player of the Year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2013/01/02/mvgs-awards-treble-taylor-scoops-top-honour|title=MVG's Awards Treble as Taylor Scoops Top Honour}} In his first World Cup of Darts, he partnered Van Barneveld and the Dutch pair suffered a shock in the last 16 when they were beaten 3–5 by the Finnish duo of Jani Haavisto and Jarkko Komula.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/k0gar7qr21pn1vws6i2w96ekk/title/betfair-world-cup-of-darts---last-16|title=Betfair World Cup of Darts – Last 16|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=2 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303165020/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/k0gar7qr21pn1vws6i2w96ekk/title/betfair-world-cup-of-darts---last-16|archive-date=3 March 2017|url-status=live}} Van Gerwen won his first tournament of 2013 at the first UK Open Qualifier of the year with a 6–2 victory over Dave Chisnall in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1xse6jqhc6bcj17mgges2z19y7/title/van-gerwen-races-to-uk-open-qualifier-win|title=Van Gerwen Races To UK Open Qualifier Win|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=23 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225113730/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1xse6jqhc6bcj17mgges2z19y7/title/van-gerwen-races-to-uk-open-qualifier-win|archive-date=25 February 2013}} He completed a weekend double a day later by defeating Brendan Dolan also by a 6–2 scoreline in the second Qualifier. The win saw Van Gerwen replace Wade as the world number three.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/vsirz8cppe2g1fqrvrjtob834/title/mighty-mike-completes-crawley-double|title=Mighty Mike Completes Crawley Double|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=24 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227012058/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/vsirz8cppe2g1fqrvrjtob834/title/mighty-mike-completes-crawley-double|archive-date=27 February 2013}} His run continued by taking the third event with a 6–2 win against Michael Smith.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/11uq88q6ca7zu1efirgkyvh8pv/title/three-and-easy-for-van-gerwen|title=Three And Easy For Van Gerwen!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=16 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319200952/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/11uq88q6ca7zu1efirgkyvh8pv/title/three-and-easy-for-van-gerwen|archive-date=19 March 2013|url-status=live}} Van Gerwen's first defeat on the 2013 Pro Tour came a day later when Robert Thornton beat him 4–6 in the semi-finals of the fourth Qualifier. His unbeaten run stood at 29 matches until this defeat.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/19rx65en5uja71093tl3sxbh04/title/thorn-strikes-for-qualifier-four-win|title=Thorn Strikes For Qualifier Four Win|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=17 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320031050/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/19rx65en5uja71093tl3sxbh04/title/thorn-strikes-for-qualifier-four-win|archive-date=20 March 2013}} Despite losing in the semi-finals of the European Darts Trophy to Paul Nicholson in April, Van Gerwen replaced Adrian Lewis as the world number two.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/zx6mstjt95hd17wi82afhg3rm/title/van-gerwen-moves-up-to-second|title=Van Gerwen Moves Up To Second|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=1 April 2013|access-date=2 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403145535/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/zx6mstjt95hd17wi82afhg3rm/title/van-gerwen-moves-up-to-second|archive-date=3 April 2013|url-status=dead}} Van Gerwen won the sixth qualifier with a 6–5 defeat of Kim Huybrechts in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1kn78nqpdwk551xrv251avp8da/title/four-some-van-gerwen-wins-again|title=Four-Some Van Gerwen Wins Again!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=15 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417171625/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1kn78nqpdwk551xrv251avp8da/title/four-some-van-gerwen-wins-again|archive-date=17 April 2013}} He also won the final event with a 6–0 win against Mervyn King in the final, meaning he had won five of the eight Qualifiers.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/rfpuqgenayrh1vcsqtooax3kb/title/speedy-services-uk-open-q8-latest|title=Van Gerwen's Five Alive With Whitewash!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=28 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501082407/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/rfpuqgenayrh1vcsqtooax3kb/title/speedy-services-uk-open-q8-latest|archive-date=1 May 2013|url-status=live}} His sixth title of the year came a week later at the second Players Championship by beating Stuart Kellett 6–1 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/18e7hsnyphyx51nwatch2ekzm4/title/super-van-gerwen-kos-kellett|title=Super Van Gerwen KO's Kellett!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=5 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508011304/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/18e7hsnyphyx51nwatch2ekzm4/title/super-van-gerwen-kos-kellett|archive-date=8 May 2013}}

In the 2013 Premier League, Van Gerwen became the first player other than Phil Taylor to finish top of the league after Taylor had done it in all eight previous stagings of the event.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/6zo0g363n0oh1ayvsj80mfghr/title/McCoy%27s%20Premier%20League%20Darts%20Night%2014|title=McCoy's Premier League Darts Night 14|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=17 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024062821/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/6zo0g363n0oh1ayvsj80mfghr/title/McCoy%27s%20Premier%20League%20Darts%20Night%2014|archive-date=24 October 2014}} He won 11, drew two and lost three of his 16 games, averaging over 100 in nine of them.{{cite web|url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/EventResults.aspx?EventKey=4270|title=2013 Premier League Results|publisher=Darts Database|access-date=17 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619155024/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/EventResults.aspx?EventKey=4270|archive-date=19 June 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/EventStats.aspx?EventKey=4270|title=2013 Premier League Stats|publisher=Darts Database|access-date=17 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929205243/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/EventStats.aspx?EventKey=4270|archive-date=29 September 2013|url-status=live}} He beat James Wade 8–4 in the semi-finals to face Taylor in the final. Van Gerwen was 2–5 down but then won five unanswered legs before Taylor stopped the rot by taking out a finish of 65. In the next leg, Van Gerwen declined a dart at the bull when on a finish of 87 to set up 32, but Taylor stepped in to finish 160 to level the match at 7–7. However, Van Gerwen began the 15th leg with a 180 and won two consecutive legs to move within one game of the title. He missed two darts at double eight to win 10–7, but with Taylor leaving 40 after 12 darts in the next, Van Gerwen finished 132 on the bull to become only the fourth player to win the Premier League.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/16z7yw9dzy7ge1cs2rc3k7w7yh/title/van-gerwens-mccoys-premier-league-glory|title=Van Gerwen's McCoy's Premier League Glory|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=17 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607180900/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/16z7yw9dzy7ge1cs2rc3k7w7yh/title/van-gerwens-mccoys-premier-league-glory|archive-date=7 June 2013}}{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/darts/premier-league-darts-michael-van-1894201|title=Premier League Darts review: Michael van Gerwen dethrones Phil Taylor at the top of the darting world|work=Daily Mirror|first=Lenny|last=Boyle|date=17 May 2013|access-date=17 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606212421/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/darts/premier-league-darts-michael-van-1894201|archive-date=6 June 2013|url-status=live}}

Van Gerwen's play continued as he won the European Darts Open in Düsseldorf, Germany, saving his best performance for the final where he beat Simon Whitlock 6–2 with an average of 106.68.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/w7109h3zwzss1k28ehr2zjae7/title/van-gerwen-claims-european-darts-open-win|title=Van Gerwen Claims European Darts Open Win|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=19 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111025848/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/w7109h3zwzss1k28ehr2zjae7/title/van-gerwen-claims-european-darts-open-win|archive-date=11 November 2013}} Another title followed less than a week later as he won the non-ranking Dubai Darts Masters, taking out finishes of 170 and 164 during an 11–7 triumph over Raymond van Barneveld in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/ey8lk5khydz913j729bnmhxt6/title/mighty-mike-is-first-dubai-master|title=Mighty Mike Is First Dubai Master!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=24 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607180205/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/ey8lk5khydz913j729bnmhxt6/title/mighty-mike-is-first-dubai-master|archive-date=7 June 2013}} His 10th tournament win came in June at the Austrian Darts Open by beating Mervyn King 6–3 in the final. It was Van Gerwen's fifth title in a row and he was on a run of 24 unbeaten games.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/3ietstu5g6q01vexugmjw05ii/title/austrian-darts-open---final-session|title=Ten of the Best For Van Gerwen!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=2 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130912171513/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/3ietstu5g6q01vexugmjw05ii/title/austrian-darts-open---final-session|archive-date=12 September 2013}} He was the number one seed for the UK Open having earned £35,600 in the eight qualifying events, just over £25,000 ahead of Robert Thornton in second place. Van Gerwen stretched his unbeaten streak to 27 games before he met Taylor in the quarter-finals. Van Gerwen did not quite produce his best game as he was beaten 7–10.

{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1napht2xady4t1ebo3mpm0tsci/title/speedy-services-uk-open-quarter-finals|title=Speedy Services UK Open Quarter-Finals|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=9 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613021535/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1napht2xady4t1ebo3mpm0tsci/title/speedy-services-uk-open-quarter-finals|archive-date=13 June 2013}} Two weeks later he won the sixth Players Championship by defeating Andy Hamilton 6–1 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/rn68nzy9mz9d1nomlsdl56dc3/title/van-gerwen-triumphs-in-crawley|title=Van Gerwen Triumphs in Crawley|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=23 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626120225/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/rn68nzy9mz9d1nomlsdl56dc3/title/van-gerwen-triumphs-in-crawley|archive-date=26 June 2013|url-status=live}} At the Gibraltar Darts Trophy his unbeaten run of 15 matches in European Tour events was ended as he lost to Adrian Lewis 5–6 in the quarter-finals.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/european-tour/article/nhnuf7yl5shh1ufi56pxmx6aw/title/super-taylor-wins-gibraltar-darts-trophy|title=Super Taylor Wins Gibraltar Darts Trophy|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=30 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015164358/http://www.pdc.tv/european-tour/article/nhnuf7yl5shh1ufi56pxmx6aw/title/super-taylor-wins-gibraltar-darts-trophy|archive-date=15 October 2013|url-status=dead}}

At the European Championship, Van Gerwen beat Mervyn King and Jelle Klaasen both with 104 averages, but was defeated 8–11 by Lewis in the semi-finals.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/partypoker-european-championship/article/1r1ewiy269ul71inrt0jw6hpxr/title/brilliant-lewis-is-european-champion|title=Brilliant Lewis Is European Champion|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=7 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015172912/http://www.pdc.tv/partypoker-european-championship/article/1r1ewiy269ul71inrt0jw6hpxr/title/brilliant-lewis-is-european-champion|archive-date=15 October 2013|url-status=dead}} Lewis was also the victor when the two met at the same stage of the World Matchplay, beating Van Gerwen 17–15.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/tf900dci9nqj12a1q21ebfsp9/title/betvictor-world-matchplay-semi-finals|title=BetVictor World Matchplay Semi-finals|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=27 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729042009/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/tf900dci9nqj12a1q21ebfsp9/title/betvictor-world-matchplay-semi-finals|archive-date=29 July 2013}} Van Gerwen overcame Lewis in the semi-finals of the Sydney Darts Masters 10–7, but was then defeated 10–3 in the final by Taylor.{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/more-sports/phil-taylor-defeats-michael-van-gerwen-to-claim-inaugural-sydney-darts-masters-victory/story-fndukor0-1226708377685|title=Phil Taylor defeats Michael van Gerwen to claim inaugural Sydney Darts Masters victory|publisher=news.com.au|access-date=31 August 2013|date=1 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901213121/http://www.news.com.au/sport/more-sports/phil-taylor-defeats-michael-van-gerwen-to-claim-inaugural-sydney-darts-masters-victory/story-fndukor0-1226708377685|archive-date=1 September 2013|url-status=live}} In the defence of his World Grand Prix title, Van Gerwen swept past John Part 2–0 and Van Barneveld 3–0 in 21 minutes to play Dave Chisnall in the quarter-finals.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1t9e2q9xpps2y1lgz36jsginga/title/partypokercom-world-grand-prix-day-four|title=partypoker.com World Grand Prix Day Four|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=10 October 2013|access-date=11 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013015911/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1t9e2q9xpps2y1lgz36jsginga/title/partypokercom-world-grand-prix-day-four|archive-date=13 October 2013|url-status=live}} Van Gerwen came from 2–0 down to level the match but Chisnall halted his momentum by winning the final set by three legs to one.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1eah222w6zowy1qdvqw7z539s7/title/partypokercom-world-grand-prix-qfs|title=partypoker.com World Grand Prix QFs|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=12 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013222400/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1eah222w6zowy1qdvqw7z539s7/title/partypokercom-world-grand-prix-qfs|archive-date=13 October 2013|url-status=live}} He qualified from Group 5 of the Championship League having lost in the final of two previous groups which included a nine-dart finish in a 6–5 loss to Terry Jenkins in Group 4.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1i3lbwtf6bbvi17ivdiwyyfod2/title/championship-league-darts-group-five|title=Championship League Darts Group Five|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=15 October 2013|access-date=25 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018052915/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1i3lbwtf6bbvi17ivdiwyyfod2/title/championship-league-darts-group-five|archive-date=18 October 2013}}

In the Winners Group, Van Gerwen was the only player to beat Taylor and he finished second in the table by winning five of his seven games. In the semi-finals, he saw off Richie Burnett 6–2 to face Taylor in the final. Van Gerwen fell 5–0 down before winning three successive legs but had left himself too much to do and lost 6–3.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/vrh27e0iy5mg18xu2fz1yjz4g/title/taylor-seals-championship-league-treble|title=Taylor Seals Championship League Treble|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=25 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027074810/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/vrh27e0iy5mg18xu2fz1yjz4g/title/taylor-seals-championship-league-treble|archive-date=27 October 2013|url-status=live}} He finished the year as the top seed for the Players Championship Finals having amassed £125,350 during the year in ProTour events, over £50,000 ahead of Chisnall in second place.{{cite web|title=ProTour Order of Merit |url=http://www.pdc.tv/pro-tour-order-of-merit |publisher=Professional Darts Corporation |access-date=1 December 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131127155504/http://www.pdc.tv/pro-tour-order-of-merit |archive-date=27 November 2013 |url-status=dead }} He produced two superb comebacks in the event, the first coming in the second round when he took six legs in a row to see off Lewis 9–6. He produced the second in the final as from 6–3 down he hit a seven leg burst against Taylor and secured his second major title of the year with an 11–7 victory.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/4e9jvu70anr210cnx5ms1ht07/title/mighty-mike-claims-minehead-triumph|title=Mighty Mike Claims Minehead Triumph|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=1 December 2013|access-date=1 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204021030/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/4e9jvu70anr210cnx5ms1ht07/title/mighty-mike-claims-minehead-triumph|archive-date=4 December 2013}}

In the 2014 World Championship, Van Gerwen began with victories over qualifier Zoran Lerchbacher and Kevin McDine.{{cite web|url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/FixtureList.aspx?EventKey=4486|title=2014 PDC World Championship Results|publisher=Darts Database|access-date=30 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207233303/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/FixtureList.aspx?EventKey=4486|archive-date=7 December 2013|url-status=live}} He trailed Gary Anderson 3–1 in the third round, but came back to win 4–3.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/nlcmb0fsxclz18pabpv6psm8q/title/ladbrokes-world-championship-day-13|title=Ladbrokes World Championship Day 13|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=29 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228194343/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/nlcmb0fsxclz18pabpv6psm8q/title/ladbrokes-world-championship-day-13|archive-date=28 December 2013}} He then faced former BDO World Champion Mark Webster, whom he beat 5–3.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1w17vbkcjpd9v1vuzwg33o6axx/title/ladbrokes-world-championship---second-qfs|title=Ladbrokes World Championship – Second QFs|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=29 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101001223/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1w17vbkcjpd9v1vuzwg33o6axx/title/ladbrokes-world-championship---second-qfs|archive-date=1 January 2014}} Van Gerwen beat Adrian Lewis 6–0 to reach the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/o4ppni2y3trf1qugmx0zq4qag/title/ladbrokes-world-championship-semi-finals|title=Ladbrokes World Championship Semi-finals|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=30 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231041331/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/o4ppni2y3trf1qugmx0zq4qag/title/ladbrokes-world-championship-semi-finals|archive-date=31 December 2013}} In his second successive World Championship final, he faced Peter Wright and won 7–4. He became the sixth different winner of the event and, at the age of 24, the then-youngest as well as jumping above Phil Taylor to become the new world number one.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1k8c2qk9e6ix1u8jtq5ghocsd/title/mighty-mike-is-ladbrokes-world-champion|title=Mighty Mike Is Ladbrokes World Champion!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=1 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102190853/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1k8c2qk9e6ix1u8jtq5ghocsd/title/mighty-mike-is-ladbrokes-world-champion|archive-date=2 January 2014}}{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/9097792/world-darts-championship-michael-van-gerwen-beats-peter-wright-to-win-world-title|title=World Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen beats Peter Wright to win world title|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=2 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102050715/http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/9097792/world-darts-championship-michael-van-gerwen-beats-peter-wright-to-win-world-title|archive-date=2 January 2014|url-status=live}} Later in the month, he won the ProTour Player of the Year, Fans' Player of the Year and PDC Player of the Year at the Annual Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/153g03ipzjee1x2qsuepappfa/title/awards-treble-for-van-gerwen|title=Awards Treble For Van Gerwen|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=6 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125115241/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/153g03ipzjee1x2qsuepappfa/title/awards-treble-for-van-gerwen|archive-date=25 January 2014}}

On the opening night of the Premier League, Van Gerwen registered the first ever whitewash over Taylor in the tournament's history, 7–0 in 13 minutes with an average of 109.59.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/x2gxohdd1l3n1dnoir1kw9aqs/title/betway-premier-league-darts-week-one|title=Betway Premier League Darts Week One|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=6 February 2014|access-date=7 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302175341/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/x2gxohdd1l3n1dnoir1kw9aqs/title/betway-premier-league-darts-week-one|archive-date=2 March 2014|url-status=live}} He enjoyed a title success in his home country at the Dutch Darts Masters by beating Mervyn King in a high quality final where both players averaged over 107.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1oqqznaomtn5e1c9jwtuo6qm27/title/dutch-darts-masters-final-session|title=Mighty Mike Claims Dutch Masters Win|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=16 February 2014|access-date=17 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221230523/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1oqqznaomtn5e1c9jwtuo6qm27/title/dutch-darts-masters-final-session|archive-date=21 February 2014|url-status=live}} A week later, he won the final UK Open Qualifier with a 6–0 whitewash over Michael Smith.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/9vz1kgyodvcn1svq62dg27qj9/title/coral-uk-open-qualifier-six-latest|title=Van Gerwen Dominant in Wigan|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=23 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301190409/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/9vz1kgyodvcn1svq62dg27qj9/title/coral-uk-open-qualifier-six-latest|archive-date=1 March 2014|url-status=live}} At the UK Open, he was beaten 10–8 in the semi-finals by Terry Jenkins.{{cite web|title=Super Lewis Wins Coral UK Open|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/182mh7j2cqm0v1mknmnk6c75gr/title/coral-uk-open-final-session|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=9 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309234805/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/182mh7j2cqm0v1mknmnk6c75gr/title/coral-uk-open-final-session|archive-date=9 March 2014}} Van Gerwen won his 20th title on the PDC tour in claiming the second Players Championship by beating Dean Winstanley 6–1.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/19d4big6kprdz1wwbsxix8zybu/title/players-championship-2-latest|title=Players Championship 2 Latest|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=16 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316195953/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/19d4big6kprdz1wwbsxix8zybu/title/players-championship-2-latest|archive-date=16 March 2014}} In April, Taylor won their reverse fixture in the Premier League 7–4 and was also the victor when the two met in the final of the German Darts Masters.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/ij0972ryxa8z1qvjzjr5ic94c/title/betway-premier-league-darts-night-11|title=Betway Premier League Darts Week 11|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=18 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419013616/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/ij0972ryxa8z1qvjzjr5ic94c/title/betway-premier-league-darts-night-11|archive-date=19 April 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/10artg30yko7l1e31tdt2545v3/title/german-darts-masters-final-session|title=Brilliant Taylor's German Masters Triumph|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=27 April 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424225916/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/10artg30yko7l1e31tdt2545v3/title/german-darts-masters-final-session|archive-date=24 April 2014}} He finished top of the Premier League table for the second year in a row, winning 11 of his 16 games, and then edged past Gary Anderson 8–7 in the semi-finals.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/13zrjfsdhjxfpzy6xve8ht45v/title/betway-premier-league-darts-play-offs|title=Brilliant Barney's Premier League Glory|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=23 May 2014|access-date=23 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524003640/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/13zrjfsdhjxfpzy6xve8ht45v/title/betway-premier-league-darts-play-offs|archive-date=24 May 2014|url-status=live}} From 5–5 in the final, Raymond van Barneveld took four successive legs and ended Van Gerwen's Premier League reign with a 10–6 win. He defended his Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters title by seeing off Wright 11–7.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/k6hxde22yli91qxjskt1v9aq7/title/dubai-duty-free-darts-masters-day-two|title=Van Gerwen Retains Dubai Title|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=30 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531090227/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/k6hxde22yli91qxjskt1v9aq7/title/dubai-duty-free-darts-masters-day-two|archive-date=31 May 2014}}

At the World Cup of Darts, Van Gerwen and Van Barneveld produced a 117.88 average in their doubles decider against Northern Ireland to whitewash them 4–0 and meet England's Taylor and Lewis in the final. Van Gerwen defeated Taylor 4–0 and Van Barneveld recorded the same scoreline against Lewis. He went into his singles match versus Lewis knowing a win would earn the Dutch pair the title and he did so with a 4–2 success.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/umzx8wfkpdiy1j1wuz4sj6lty/title/bwin-world-cup-of-darts-final-session|title=bwin World Cup Glory For Dutch|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=8 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611011306/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/umzx8wfkpdiy1j1wuz4sj6lty/title/bwin-world-cup-of-darts-final-session|archive-date=11 June 2014}}

Van Gerwen played in his first World Matchplay final but was beaten 18–9.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1lgtrfv0sn2tb1c3l6vn76sps5/title/betvictor-world-matchplay-final|title=Amazing Taylor's 15th Triumph|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=27 July 2014|access-date=27 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801045631/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1lgtrfv0sn2tb1c3l6vn76sps5/title/betvictor-world-matchplay-final|archive-date=1 August 2014}} He returned to claim the inaugural Singapore Darts Masters with an 11–8 victory over Simon Whitlock.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/125njgs825tq51hyxwvla99p1q/title/singapore-darts-masters-live-blog|title=Mighty Mike's Singapore Glory|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=17 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084514/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/125njgs825tq51hyxwvla99p1q/title/singapore-darts-masters-live-blog|archive-date=19 August 2014}} A week later he averaged an incredible 118.21 in beating Paul Nicholson 8–3 in the quarter-finals of the Perth Darts Masters and went on to reach the final where Taylor beat him 11–9.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/9438489/perth-darts-masters-phil-taylor-beats-michael-van-gerwen-in-thrilling-final|title=Perth Darts Masters: Phil Taylor beats Michael van Gerwen in thrilling final|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=25 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825092832/http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/9438489/perth-darts-masters-phil-taylor-beats-michael-van-gerwen-in-thrilling-final|archive-date=25 August 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/3i8dnr7olgfd1fs48vh93pc9e/title/tabtouch-perth-darts-masters-day-two|title=TABtouch Perth Darts Masters Day Two|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=25 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825093215/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/3i8dnr7olgfd1fs48vh93pc9e/title/tabtouch-perth-darts-masters-day-two|archive-date=25 August 2014}} Van Gerwen also won the 14th Players Championship with a 6–4 victory over Michael Smith.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/k5t8gtt07h7e1q8wdhv8rq6k6/title/playrs-chmponhipmvg|title=Mighty Mike Claims Crawley Crown|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=14 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918022025/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/k5t8gtt07h7e1q8wdhv8rq6k6/title/playrs-chmponhipmvg|archive-date=18 September 2014|url-status=live}} A week later, they contested the final of the 2014 European Darts Trophy, with Van Gerwen losing 6–5.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1omnkhow6zgn91qe2il8doapt3/title/european-darts-trophy-final-day|title=Smith's European Darts Trophy Joy|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=21 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923063824/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1omnkhow6zgn91qe2il8doapt3/title/european-darts-trophy-final-day|archive-date=23 September 2014|url-status=live}}

His second major title of the year came at the World Grand Prix as he edged a close final against James Wade 5–3 in sets.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/17bcfsyn0n24s1as9e0c9slncl/title/partypokercom-wgp-final|title=partypoker.com WGP Final|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=12 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014204123/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/17bcfsyn0n24s1as9e0c9slncl/title/partypokercom-wgp-final|archive-date=14 October 2014}} Seven days later, he beat Wade once more this time 6–2 in the final of the 18th Players Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/ur9u1vhoflim1wfz3316m44jy/title/players-championship-18-latest|title=Van Gerwen Denies Wade Crawley Double|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=19 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021124103/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/ur9u1vhoflim1wfz3316m44jy/title/players-championship-18-latest|archive-date=21 October 2014}} He averaged 111 in eliminating Dave Chisnall 10–5 in the quarter-finals of the European Championship and then threw his fourth career televised nine-darter during an 11–6 semi-final victory over Van Barneveld. Van Gerwen won the title with an 11–4 victory.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/cucpwjuelt2b1jx5e7tr3v8cg/title/888com-european-championship---sunday|title=Nine-Dart Van Gerwen's Euro Glory|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=26 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026180125/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/cucpwjuelt2b1jx5e7tr3v8cg/title/888com-european-championship---sunday|archive-date=26 October 2014|url-status=live}}

Van Gerwen reached the semi-finals of the 2015 World Championship, by beating Robert Thornton in the quarters.{{cite web|url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?PlayerKey=1395&organPd=All&tourns=WC&plStat=4#PlayerResults|title=Michael van Gerwen World Championship Averages|access-date=4 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104152422/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?PlayerKey=1395&organPd=All&tourns=WC&plStat=4#PlayerResults|archive-date=4 January 2015|url-status=live}} He played Gary Anderson and lost 6–3.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/qgx9433m6p4714pwswootxsp9/title/william-hill-world-championship-semis|title=William Hill World Championship Semis|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=4 January 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103235521/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/qgx9433m6p4714pwswootxsp9/title/william-hill-world-championship-semis|archive-date=3 January 2015}} Van Gerwen won the Masters by beating Van Barneveld 11–6 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1jhl0hvdf0h4r1kzvvxqh9e9d7/title/2015-unibet-masters-final-session|title=Mighty Mike is The Unibet Master!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=1 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202184822/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1jhl0hvdf0h4r1kzvvxqh9e9d7/title/2015-unibet-masters-final-session|archive-date=2 February 2015}} Van Gerwen won the second UK Open Qualifier by beating Vincent van der Voort 6–3 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/10wgjkvgoxohn1tswx7bi94s28/title/coral-uk-open-qualifier-two-latest|title=Mighty Mike Claims Wigan Win|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208002222/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/10wgjkvgoxohn1tswx7bi94s28/title/coral-uk-open-qualifier-two-latest|archive-date=8 February 2015|url-status=dead}} Van Gerwen also took the third event with a 6–1 triumph over James Wade.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1d1ii977y79u41nh6sk5yuyoxl/title/coral-uk-open-qualifier-three|title=Mighty Mike Strikes Again in Wigan|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=9 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209020743/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1d1ii977y79u41nh6sk5yuyoxl/title/coral-uk-open-qualifier-three|archive-date=9 February 2015|url-status=dead}} He then won the 2015 German Darts Championship by defeating Anderson 6–2 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/ssgf6vyrgxwv1oj26kkt7gh2g/title/german-darts-championship-final-session|title=Mighty Mike's Epic Win in Germany|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=15 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216042224/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/ssgf6vyrgxwv1oj26kkt7gh2g/title/german-darts-championship-final-session|archive-date=16 February 2015|url-status=live}} He defeated Jelle Klaasen in the final of the fourth UK Open Qualifier 6–5.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1p5q3i3pecaec1cxvg16ss54uf/title/coral-uk-open-qualifier-four-updates|title=Mighty Mike Marches On|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=22 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222124238/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1p5q3i3pecaec1cxvg16ss54uf/title/coral-uk-open-qualifier-four-updates|archive-date=22 February 2015|url-status=live}}

In the 2015 UK Open, he won UK Open title with an 11–5 victory over Peter Wright in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/9750967/michael-van-gerwen-wins-uk-open-final-after-defeating-rival-peter-wright|title=Michael van Gerwen wins UK Open final after defeating Peter Wright|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=8 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402091221/http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/9750967/michael-van-gerwen-wins-uk-open-final-after-defeating-rival-peter-wright|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}} He won his second European Tour event in a row at the Gibraltar Darts Trophy with a 6–3 success over Terry Jenkins and made it a trio of titles by seeing off John Henderson 6–5 at the German Darts Masters, which saw him become the second player ever to reach £1 million in prize money on the PDC Order of Merit, after Phil Taylor.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2015/03/22/rock-solid-van-gerwens-gibraltar-glory|title=Rock Solid Van Gerwen's Gibraltar Glory|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=22 March 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2015/04/06/million-pound-van-gerwens-munich-triumph|title=Million Pound Van Gerwen's Munich Triumph!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=7 April 2015}} Van Gerwen continued to dominate the PDC circuit by claiming the fourth and sixth Players Championship events with 6–1 and 6–5 wins over Lewis and Wade respectively.{{cite web|url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?playerKey=1395|title=Michael van Gerwen 2015|publisher=Darts Database|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325144143/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?playerKey=1395|archive-date=25 March 2019|url-status=live}} A 6–6 draw with Dave Chisnall ensured he would finish top of the Premier League for the third year in a row.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1jc4xwime2ddc1u9brfjj8nath/title/betway-premier-league-night-15|title=Betway Premier League Night 15|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=15 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517235310/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1jc4xwime2ddc1u9brfjj8nath/title/betway-premier-league-night-15|archive-date=17 May 2015}} Van Gerwen beat Van Barneveld 10–8 to win the final but lost to Anderson 11–7 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1sir94oydxgtizr6bpel901fs/title/betway-premier-league-play-offs|title=Magical Anderson's Betway Premier League Glory|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=21 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522215339/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1sir94oydxgtizr6bpel901fs/title/betway-premier-league-play-offs|archive-date=22 May 2015}} Van Gerwen maintained his unbeaten record in the Dubai Darts Masters as he took his third title in a row by defeating Taylor 11–8 in the final.{{cite news|url=http://www.thenational.ae/sport/van-gerwen-overcomes-taylor-in-hardest-year-to-claim-dubai-darts-masters-hat-trick|title=Van Gerwen overcomes Taylor in 'hardest year' to claim Dubai Darts Masters hat-trick|work=The National|first=Paul|last=Radley|date=30 May 2015|access-date=30 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530030218/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/van-gerwen-overcomes-taylor-in-hardest-year-to-claim-dubai-darts-masters-hat-trick|archive-date=30 May 2015|url-status=live}} He stretched his unbeaten run to 20 matches in European Tour events as he claimed the Dutch Darts Masters by whitewashing Justin Pipe 6–0.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/9878527/michael-van-gerwen-continues-hot-streak-on-european-tour-by-taking-dutch-masters-title|title=Michael van Gerwen continues hot streak on European tour by taking Dutch Masters title|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=8 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608135013/http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/9878527/michael-van-gerwen-continues-hot-streak-on-european-tour-by-taking-dutch-masters-title|archive-date=8 June 2015|url-status=live}} Van Gerwen and Van Barneveld were knocked out in the semi-finals of the World Cup in a doubles match against Scotland's Anderson and Wright.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/ucltoe1carht1shoy9g4m0y66/title/bwin-world-cup-of-darts-final-session|title=bwin World Cup of Darts Final Session|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=16 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616075303/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/ucltoe1carht1shoy9g4m0y66/title/bwin-world-cup-of-darts-final-session|archive-date=16 June 2015}}

Van Gerwen won his first World Matchplay title by beating James Wade 18–12. It saw him overtake Wade as the PDC's second most successful player with nine major tournament wins, but still a long way behind Taylor who leads with 79.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1u90r0pfmc9ip1jkmknv53jjod/title/betvictor-world-matchplay-final|title=Matchplay Glory For Mighty Mike|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=1 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728205014/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1u90r0pfmc9ip1jkmknv53jjod/title/betvictor-world-matchplay-final|archive-date=28 July 2015}} Michael Smith defeated Van Gerwen 6–2 in the final of the European Darts Trophy, but he took the European Darts Matchplay seven days later with a 6–4 success over Chisnall in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/9990738/michael-smith-beats-michael-van-gerwen-to-retain-european-darts-trophy|title=Michael Smith beats Michael van Gerwen to retain European Darts Trophy|publisher=Sky Sports|date=14 September 2015|access-date=14 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222162528/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/9990738/michael-smith-beats-michael-van-gerwen-to-retain-european-darts-trophy|archive-date=22 December 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10000235/michael-van-gerwen-defeats-dave-chisnall-in-european-darts-matchplay-final|title=Michael van Gerwen defeats Dave Chisnall in European Darts Matchplay final|publisher=Sky Sports|date=21 September 2015|access-date=21 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923205132/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10000235/michael-van-gerwen-defeats-dave-chisnall-in-european-darts-matchplay-final|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=live}} Van Gerwen hit 18 180s in the final of the World Grand Prix against Robert Thornton, but ultimately missed too many doubles to be edged out 5–4 in sets.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10024741/robert-thornton-defeated-michael-van-gerwen-in-the-world-grand-prix-final|title=Robert Thornton defeated Michael van Gerwen in the World Grand Prix final|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=12 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014031029/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10024741/robert-thornton-defeated-michael-van-gerwen-in-the-world-grand-prix-final|archive-date=14 October 2015|url-status=live}} He looked set to lose a second successive major final when he trailed Gary Anderson 10–7 at the European Championship, but won the next four legs without allowing the Scot a dart for the match to win 11–10. It marked the first time Van Gerwen had retained a major title.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1g8irok1eho771l848h4hz28b8/title/unibet-european-championship-final-session|title=Battling van Gerwen's European Glory|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=2 November 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104023607/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1g8irok1eho771l848h4hz28b8/title/unibet-european-championship-final-session|archive-date=4 November 2015}}

Van Gerwen won the Grand Slam, with a 16–13 win over Phil Taylor in the final. The title completed Van Gerwen's set of winning all of the PDC's current majors during his career.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10068015/michael-van-gerwen-beats-phil-taylor-16-13-to-win-the-grand-slam-of-darts|title=Michael van Gerwen beats Phil Taylor 16–13 to win the Grand Slam of Darts|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116074009/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10068015/michael-van-gerwen-beats-phil-taylor-16-13-to-win-the-grand-slam-of-darts|archive-date=16 November 2015|url-status=live}} In the final of the World Series of Darts Finals, Van Gerwen came from 10–9 down to defeat Wright 11–10 with a 129 checkout and an 11-dart leg.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10075938/michael-van-gerwen-wins-world-series-of-darts-with-thrilling-victory-over-peter-wright|title=MVG wins World Series of Darts Finals|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=1 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127040957/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10075938/michael-van-gerwen-wins-world-series-of-darts-with-thrilling-victory-over-peter-wright|archive-date=27 November 2015|url-status=live}} He took his fourth televised title in a row at the Players Championship Finals with an 11–6 win over Adrian Lewis. It also ensured he had featured in every televised final since the World Championship at the start of the year.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/players-championship/article/1fq0ijsfp21iy1x5fg1mui5cq4/title/cash-converters-pcf-final-day|title=Foursome van Gerwen's Minehead Glory|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=14 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208165343/http://www.pdc.tv/players-championship/article/1fq0ijsfp21iy1x5fg1mui5cq4/title/cash-converters-pcf-final-day|archive-date=8 December 2015}}

Van Gerwen was defeated by Raymond van Barneveld in the third round of the World Championship in a shock result.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10114017/michael-van-gerwen-says-his-year-is-ruined-after-pdc-world-championship-exit|title=Michael van Gerwen says his year is ruined after PDC World Championship exit|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=31 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231031526/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10114017/michael-van-gerwen-says-his-year-is-ruined-after-pdc-world-championship-exit|archive-date=31 December 2015|url-status=live}}

However he retained his Masters title by defeating Dave Chisnall 11–6 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10151132/michael-van-gerwen-wins-unibet-masters-after-dominant-final-display|title=Michael van Gerwen wins Unibet Masters after dominant final display|publisher=Sky Sports|first=Paul|last=Prenderville|date=1 February 2016|access-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207052327/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10151132/michael-van-gerwen-wins-unibet-masters-after-dominant-final-display|archive-date=7 February 2016|url-status=live}} In week four of the Premier League, Van Gerwen broke the televised average record with 123.40 in a 7–1 win over Michael Smith.{{Cite web|url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/throwback-video-van-gerwens-world-record-123-average-against-smith-in-premier-league-darts|title = THROWBACK VIDEO: Van Gerwen's World Record 123 average against Smith in Premier League Darts|date = 18 August 2020}} In the following round of fixtures, he averaged 116.67 in beating Peter Wright 7–2.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/35709611|title=Premier League Darts: Phil Taylor & Michael van Gerwen win in Exeter|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 March 2016|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309040737/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/35709611|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=live}} A 7–5 win over Taylor saw Van Gerwen top the final Premier League table for the fourth year in a row.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/36338066|title=Premier League Darts: Michael van Gerwen beats Phil Taylor to win 2016 title|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 May 2016|access-date=24 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916095749/http://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/36338066|archive-date=16 September 2016|url-status=live}} He won his second Premier League title (his first being in 2013) with an 11–3 victory over Taylor in what was Van Gerwen's fourth consecutive Premier League final. Taylor had led 2–1 but Van Gerwen soon took control of proceedings and won ten of the following eleven legs to complete a resounding win.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10288348/michael-van-gerwen-beats-phil-taylor-to-claim-premier-league-title|title=Michael van Gerwen beats Phil Taylor to claim Premier League title|publisher=Sky Sports|date=20 May 2016|access-date=24 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727095932/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10288348/michael-van-gerwen-beats-phil-taylor-to-claim-premier-league-title|archive-date=27 July 2016|url-status=live}}

Van Gerwen had won three of the six UK Open Qualifiers and in the fourth round of the main event he produced his fifth televised nine-dart finish while defeating Rob Cross 9–5. He also hit 170 finishes in the leg before and after the perfect leg.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10193631/gary-anderson-shocked-by-amateur-barry-lynn-while-michael-van-gerwen-hits-nine-darter|title=Gary Anderson shocked by amateur Barry Lynn in UK Open, while Michael van Gerwen hits nine-darter|publisher=Sky Sports|first=James|last=Dielhenn|date=5 March 2016|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308035058/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10193631/gary-anderson-shocked-by-amateur-barry-lynn-while-michael-van-gerwen-hits-nine-darter|archive-date=8 March 2016|url-status=live}} He recovered from 4–1 down to Taylor in the semi-finals to win 10–6 and, in a repeat of last year's final, bested Wright 11–4 to retain his title.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1ub64dj64dcjf150d2dbtq3n46/title/2016-coral-uk-open-final-session|title=Van Gerwen Retains Coral UK Open|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=6 March 2016|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422103543/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1ub64dj64dcjf150d2dbtq3n46/title/2016-coral-uk-open-final-session|archive-date=22 April 2017}} Van Gerwen won his second consecutive World Matchplay title with an 18–10 win over Taylor.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10511719/michael-van-gerwen-beats-phil-taylor-18-10-in-world-matchplay-final|title=Michael van Gerwen beats Phil Taylor 18–10 in World Matchplay final|publisher=Sky Sports|date=24 July 2016|access-date=25 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728112748/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10511719/michael-van-gerwen-beats-phil-taylor-18-10-in-world-matchplay-final|archive-date=28 July 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/36879736|title=World Matchplay: Michael van Gerwen retains title after beating Phil Taylor|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 July 2016|access-date=25 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727012050/http://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/36879736|archive-date=27 July 2016|url-status=live}} He set a record average in a World Grand Prix final of 100.29 as he claimed the title by beating Anderson 5–2.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10593562/phil-taylor-wins-champions-league-of-darts-with-11-5-win-over-michael-van-gerwen|title=Phil Taylor wins Champions League of Darts with 11–5 win over Michael van Gerwen|publisher=Sky Sports|date=25 September 2016|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030064021/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10593562/phil-taylor-wins-champions-league-of-darts-with-11-5-win-over-michael-van-gerwen|archive-date=30 October 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/13v9wjs84g8qb1ribkun2ei91m/title/unibet-world-grand-prix-final|title=Brilliant van Gerwen's Dublin Treble!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=8 October 2016|access-date=17 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113180759/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/13v9wjs84g8qb1ribkun2ei91m/title/unibet-world-grand-prix-final|archive-date=13 November 2016}}

Van Gerwen claimed six of the ten European Tour events, five Players Championships and two World Series tournaments, as well as taking the main event of each of these tours, the European Championship, the World Series of Darts (beat Peter Wright 11–9) and the Players Championship Finals (overcame Dave Chisnall 11–3).{{cite web|url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?PlayerKey=1395|title=Michael van Gerwen 2016|publisher=Darts Database|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217184128/http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?playerKey=1395|archive-date=17 December 2016}}

He also retained his Grand Slam crown by defeating James Wade 16–8 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10665584/michael-van-gerwen-retains-grand-slam-of-darts-title-with-convincing-win-over-james-wade|title=Michael van Gerwen retains Grand Slam of Darts title with convincing win over James Wade|publisher=Sky Sports|date=21 November 2016|access-date=24 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224095733/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10665584/michael-van-gerwen-retains-grand-slam-of-darts-title-with-convincing-win-over-james-wade|archive-date=24 December 2016|url-status=live}} His domination of the PDC circuit saw him win a total of 25 titles and £1.5 million in 2016, with a match success rate of 91%.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/14/michael-van-gerwen-pdc-darts-world-championship-alexandra-palace|title=Michael van Gerwen ready for another tilt at PDC world darts championship|work=The Guardian|first=Rob|last=Smyth|date=14 December 2016|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216094219/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/14/michael-van-gerwen-pdc-darts-world-championship-alexandra-palace|archive-date=16 December 2016|url-status=live}}

Taking Van Gerwen's 2016 alone, his 9 major titles won that year would have (at the time) put him third on the all-time list for most major titles won, behind only himself and Phil Taylor.

File:Michael van Gerwen - 2017253222123 2017-09-10 PDC German Darts Grand Prix (GDGP) - Sven - 1D X MK II - 0504 - B70I6980.jpg]]

Van Gerwen averaged over 100 in each of his four matches as he advanced to the semi-finals of the 2017 World Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1s94fzu76g1rs102ndrdobjwps/title/william-hill-world-championship-quarter-finals|title=William Hill World Championship Quarter-Finals|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=30 December 2016|access-date=31 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230203757/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/1s94fzu76g1rs102ndrdobjwps/title/william-hill-world-championship-quarter-finals|archive-date=30 December 2016}} Raymond van Barneveld won the first set without reply in the semis, but Van Gerwen then produced the greatest ever World Championship performance as he averaged a tournament record 114.05 (32 legs) in a 6–2 win. It beat Phil Taylor's previous best of 111.21 (23 legs) in the second round of the 2002 World Championship. In the last set, Van Gerwen missed a dart at double 12 for a nine-darter.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/7nckwj29mojs1rbcj1ruxhbc2/title/william-hill-world-championship-semi-finals|title=William Hill World Championship Semi-finals|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=1 January 2017|access-date=1 January 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102071352/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/7nckwj29mojs1rbcj1ruxhbc2/title/william-hill-world-championship-semi-finals|archive-date=2 January 2017}} In the final, Gary Anderson left 28 to take a 3–1 lead, but Van Gerwen finished 86 to snipe that set, leveling the match at 2–2. Van Gerwen ultimately took 12 of the next 14 legs to establish a 6–2 lead. He got over the line to take his second World Championship crown with a 7–3 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/38492223|title=Michael van Gerwen beats Gary Anderson to win PDC World Darts Championship|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 January 2017|access-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103134319/http://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/38492223|archive-date=3 January 2017|url-status=live}} With this victory, he held all seven PDC major ranking titles at the same time. 42 180s were thrown in the final, the most ever in a darts match and Van Gerwen's average of 107.79 brought his average over the whole tournament to 106.32. The win cemented his number one ranking as he was over £1 million ahead of second placed Anderson.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/pdc-order-of-merit|title=Order of Merit|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=4 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103155349/http://www.pdc.tv/pdc-order-of-merit|archive-date=3 January 2017}}

Van Gerwen won his third successive Masters title by defeating Anderson 11–7 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/darts/news/article/10310/10747792/masters-darts-michael-van-gerwen-beats-gary-anderson-in-final|title=Van Gerwen wins Masters again|publisher=Sporting Life|first=Chris|last=Hammer|date=29 January 2017|access-date=30 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201223601/http://www.sportinglife.com/darts/news/article/10310/10747792/masters-darts-michael-van-gerwen-beats-gary-anderson-in-final|archive-date=1 February 2017|url-status=live}} Van Gerwen threw two nine-darters during his third round 6–2 win over Ryan Murray at the fourth UK Open Qualifier and he would take the title by beating Anderson 6–3 in the decider.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/17fcj1rgsdc2mzhk5ptcs0t33/title/coral-uk-open-qualifier-four-updates|title=Van Gerwen's Two Good in Qualifier Four!|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=10 February 2017|access-date=10 February 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211080143/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/17fcj1rgsdc2mzhk5ptcs0t33/title/coral-uk-open-qualifier-four-updates|archive-date=11 February 2017}} He could not defend his UK Open title because he was forced to withdraw from the event due to a back injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10788152/michael-van-gerwen-misses-uk-open-with-back-injury|title=Michael van Gerwen misses UK Open with back injury|publisher=Sky Sports|date=5 March 2017|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306135621/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/10788152/michael-van-gerwen-misses-uk-open-with-back-injury|archive-date=6 March 2017|url-status=live}} In the 2017 edition of the Premier League, Van Gerwen successfully defended his title, topping the table of the league stage once again by winning nine matches, drawing four and losing two. After overcoming Anderson 10–7 in the semi-final, he would go on to face Peter Wright in the final. Van Gerwen beat Wright to claim his third Premier League title, with a tournament average of 104.76.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/39970407|title=Premier League Darts: Michael Van Gerwen beats Peter Wright to win third title|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Jay|last=Freeman|date=18 May 2017|access-date=20 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627084310/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/39970407|archive-date=27 June 2018|url-status=live}} At the World Cup, Netherlands secured their first title since 2014 by seeing off the Welsh pairing of Gerwyn Price and Mark Webster 3–1 in the final.

Following early exits in the Champions League and the World Grand Prix, Van Gerwen went back to winning ways by claiming his 4th European Championship title by defeating Rob Cross 11–7.{{cite web|url=https://pdc.tv/news/2017/10/29/four-some-van-gerwens-european-glory|title=Four-Some Van Gerwen's European Glory|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=29 October 2017|access-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225203156/https://pdc.tv/news/2017/10/29/four-some-van-gerwens-european-glory|archive-date=25 December 2017|url-status=live}}

Van Gerwen's next tournament was the Grand Slam of Darts, winning all 3 of his group games to top Group A. He defeated Steve Lennon in the last 16 by a convincing 10–3 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2017/11/16/2017-bwin-grand-slam-darts-day-six|title=bwin Grand Slam of Darts Day Six|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=16 November 2017|access-date=25 December 2017}} Van Gerwen followed this by defeating Rob Cross 16–13 in the quarter-finals,{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2017/11/18/2017-bwin-grand-slam-darts-day-eight|title=bwin Grand Slam of Darts Day Eight|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=18 November 2017|access-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031353/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2017/11/18/2017-bwin-grand-slam-darts-day-eight|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}} a 16–8 win over 6 time Grand Slam winner Phil Taylor in the semi-finals and a 16–12 win over Peter Wright in the final to claim his 3rd Grand Slam title.{{cite web|url=https://pdc.tv/news/2017/11/19/2017-bwin-grand-slam-darts-finals-day|title=2017 bwin Grand Slam of Darts Finals Day|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|date=19 November 2017|access-date=25 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225203105/https://pdc.tv/news/2017/11/19/2017-bwin-grand-slam-darts-finals-day|archive-date=25 December 2017|url-status=live}}

Van Gerwen reached the semi-final of the 2018 PDC World Championship but missed match darts and lost to debutant and eventual champion Rob Cross 6–5.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2017/12/30/william-hill-world-darts-championship-semi-finals|title=William Hill World Darts Championship Semi Finals|work=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=30 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104173611/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2017/12/30/william-hill-world-darts-championship-semi-finals|archive-date=4 January 2018|url-status=live}}

His next televised tournament was the Masters, where he took his fourth consecutive win at the tournament beating Raymond van Barneveld in the final after earlier wins over Gary Anderson, James Wade and Kim Huybrechts.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/node/7546|title=2018 Unibet Masters {{!}} PDC|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=3 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304172356/https://www.pdc.tv/node/7546|archive-date=4 March 2018|url-status=live}} At the first Pro Tour event of 2018, UK Open Qualifier 1, he beat Michael Smith in the final, averaging 105 for the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/02/02/coral-uk-open-qualifier-one|title=Coral UK Open Qualifier One {{!}} PDC|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=3 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203184417/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/02/02/coral-uk-open-qualifier-one|archive-date=3 February 2018|url-status=live}} He took his hundredth PDC singles title at the next UK Open Qualifier with a win over Darren Webster in the final, becoming the second player to do so after Phil Taylor.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/02/03/100-van-gerwen|title=100 Up For Van Gerwen {{!}} PDC|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=3 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204124048/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/02/03/100-van-gerwen|archive-date=4 February 2018|url-status=live}} He lost at the quarter final stage of the third qualifier to Smith, putting his earnings from the qualifiers over £20,000. Despite sitting out the final three qualifiers, his performances at the first three events was enough for him to top the UK Open Order of Merit and enter at the third round of the tournament. Drawn against Jeffrey de Zwaan, he lost 8–10 with a 96 average.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/03/02/2018-coral-uk-open-day-one|title=2018 Coral UK Open – Day One {{!}} PDC|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=3 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304172325/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/03/02/2018-coral-uk-open-day-one|archive-date=4 March 2018|url-status=live}} This was the first time since 2012 he exited before the quarter final stage at the tournament, and the first time he lost his first match of a televised tournament since the World Grand Prix the year prior.

He achieved a 6–2 victory over Chris Dobey in Players Championship 5.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/03/17/van-gerwen-seals-pc5-title|title=Van Gerwen Seals PC5 Title {{!}} PDC|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=30 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318120302/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/03/17/van-gerwen-seals-pc5-title|archive-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live}}

At the first European Tour event of 2018, the European Darts Open, he took his 21st European Tour title with an 8–7 victory over Peter Wright.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/03/25/van-gerwen-beats-wright-et1-thriller|title=Van Gerwen Beats Wright In ET1 Thriller {{!}} PDC|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=30 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326141402/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/03/25/van-gerwen-beats-wright-et1-thriller|archive-date=26 March 2018|url-status=live}} Van Gerwen and Wright would play each other again in the final of the 2018 German Darts Grand Prix, with Van Gerwen prevailing once again by a scoreline of 8–5. It was his 22nd European Tour title.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/04/02/magnificent-mvg-claims-22nd-euro-title|title=Magnificent MVG Claims 22nd Euro Title|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403052051/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/04/02/magnificent-mvg-claims-22nd-euro-title|archive-date=3 April 2018|url-status=live}}

He won Players Championship 9 by beating Scott Taylor 6–4 in the final.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/11351968/michael-van-gerwen-beats-scott-taylor-to-win-players-championship-nine|title=Michael van Gerwen beats Scott Taylor to win Players Championship Nine|access-date=29 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808171728/http://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/11351968/michael-van-gerwen-beats-scott-taylor-to-win-players-championship-nine|archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=live}} Van Gerwen played in the 10th Players Championship where he was beaten 4–6 by Jonny Clayton in the quarter-finals.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportinglife.com/darts/news/wigan-cheer-for-jeffrey-de-zwaan/147017|title=Players Championship Ten: Jeffrey de Zwaan wins first senior PDC title|website=Sporting Life|access-date=30 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808172237/https://www.sportinglife.com/darts/news/wigan-cheer-for-jeffrey-de-zwaan/147017|archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=live}}

Van Gerwen won the European Darts Grand Prix, his 23rd European Tour title and his 10th title of the year that included wins over Dave Chisnall in quarter-finals by a scoreline of 6–4, a 7–0 whitewash over Michael Smith in the semi-finals and an 8–3 victory over James Wade in the final.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/index.php/news/2018/05/06/van-gerwen-claims-sindelfingen-crown|title=Van Gerwen Claims Sindelfingen Crown|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=6 May 2018}} The following week, he won his 11th title of the year (his 24th European Tour title) by winning his 5th consecutive Dutch Darts Masters by beating Steve Lennon 8–5 in the final. Notably, in his semi-final match with Daryl Gurney, Van Gerwen trailed 2–6 as well as surviving 3 match darts but the Dutchman produced a comeback performance to knock out the Northern Irishman 7–6.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/05/13/van-gerwen-lifts-dutch-darts-masters-title|title=Van Gerwen Lifts Dutch Darts Masters Title|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=13 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808172136/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/05/13/van-gerwen-lifts-dutch-darts-masters-title|archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=live}}

His 12th title of the year followed shortly after on 17 May in winning the Premier League by beating Rob Cross 10–6 in the semi-finals and a comprehensive 11–4 victory over Michael Smith in the final with an average of 112.37, the highest ever average in a Premier League final. It was his 3rd consecutive Premier League title and his 4th Premier League title overall.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/05/17/van-gerwen-claims-fourth-premier-league-title|title=Van Gerwen Claims Fourth Premier League Title|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=17 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518200247/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/05/17/van-gerwen-claims-fourth-premier-league-title|archive-date=18 May 2018|url-status=live}}

His 13th title of the year would follow in the World Cup of Darts with partner Raymond van Barneveld. They successfully defended their title for The Netherlands with a 3–1 victory over Scottish pairing Peter Wright and Gary Anderson.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/06/05/untouchable-dutch-duo-proud-world-cup-win|title='Untouchable' Dutch Duo Proud of World Cup Win|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=5 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808172038/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/06/05/untouchable-dutch-duo-proud-world-cup-win|archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=live}} The following weekend saw him win his 14th title of the year and his 25th European Tour title with a victory in the Gibraltar Darts Trophy by beating Adrian Lewis 8–3 in the final with an average of over 108.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/06/10/van-gerwen-clinches-gibraltar-title|title=Van Gerwen Clinches Gibraltar Title|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=10 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808171905/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/06/10/van-gerwen-clinches-gibraltar-title|archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=live}}

Van Gerwen returned to the winning circle by claiming his first World Series of Darts title of 2018 by defeating compatriot Raymond van Barneveld 11–4 at the final of the Auckland Darts Masters final.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/08/05/van-gerwen-seals-auckland-crown|title=Van Gerwen Seals Auckland Crown|website=www.pdc.tv|access-date=5 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805143130/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/08/05/van-gerwen-seals-auckland-crown|archive-date=5 August 2018|url-status=live}} It was Van Gerwen's 16th title of 2018.

Van Gerwen lifted the 2018 World Grand Prix title, the fourth time he had won that title, with a 5–2 win over Peter Wright.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Josh |title=Van Gerwen Lifts Fourth World Grand Prix Title |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/10/06/van-gerwen-lifts-fourth-world-grand-prix-title |publisher=PDC |access-date=1 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101155131/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/10/06/van-gerwen-lifts-fourth-world-grand-prix-title |archive-date=1 January 2020 |url-status=live }} He failed to retain the European Championship,{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Dave |title=2018 Unibet European Championship Day Two |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/10/26/2018-unibet-european-championship-day-two |publisher=PDC |access-date=1 January 2019}} World Series Finals{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Josh |title=Wade Wins Second TV Title In A Week |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/11/04/wade-wins-second-tv-title-week |publisher=PDC |access-date=1 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219134441/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/11/04/wade-wins-second-tv-title-week |archive-date=19 December 2018 |url-status=live }} and Grand Slam{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Dave |title=Grand Slam Frustration For Van Gerwen |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/11/18/grand-slam-frustration-van-gerwen |publisher=PDC |access-date=1 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102002117/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/11/18/grand-slam-frustration-van-gerwen |archive-date=2 January 2019 |url-status=live }} titles in 2018, and lost the final of the 2018 Players Championship Finals to Daryl Gurney.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Josh |title=Emotional Gurney Lifts Minehead Title |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/11/25/emotional-gurney-lifts-minehead-title |publisher=PDC |access-date=1 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126092608/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/11/25/emotional-gurney-lifts-minehead-title |archive-date=26 November 2018 |url-status=live }}

file:Michael van Gerwen 6-5 Krzysztof Ratajski - Michael van Gerwen - 2019251191409 2019-09-08 PDC European Darts Matchplay - 0040 - B70I7277.jpg|280px]]

Van Gerwen was top seed at the 2019 World Championship. He knocked Alan Tabern out in the second round despite having beer thrown at him during the walk on,{{cite news|title=Michael van Gerwen 'angry' after being showered with beer by fan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/46580623|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=30 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101003142/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/46580623|archive-date=1 January 2019|url-status=live}} before consecutive 4–1 victories over Max Hopp{{cite web |title=Michael van Gerwen shows class at PDC world darts to see off Max Hopp |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/dec/22/pdc-world-darts-championship-gary-anderson-michael-van-gerwen |website=The Guardian |date=22 December 2018 |access-date=31 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101051448/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/dec/22/pdc-world-darts-championship-gary-anderson-michael-van-gerwen |archive-date=1 January 2019 |url-status=live }} and former world champion Adrian Lewis.{{cite web |last1=Prenderville |first1=Paul |title=Michael van Gerwen too strong for Adrian Lewis at World Darts Championship |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/11592862/michael-van-gerwen-too-strong-for-adrian-lewis-at-world-darts-championship |website=Sky Sports |access-date=31 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101061332/https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/11592862/michael-van-gerwen-too-strong-for-adrian-lewis-at-world-darts-championship |archive-date=1 January 2019 |url-status=live }} He beat Ryan Joyce 5–1 in the quarter-final{{cite web |title=Michael van Gerwen overcomes wobble to reach PDC world darts semi-finals |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/dec/29/nathan-aspinall-flying-high-after-making-pdc-world-darts-semi-finals |website=The Guardian |date=29 December 2018 |access-date=31 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230185039/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/dec/29/nathan-aspinall-flying-high-after-making-pdc-world-darts-semi-finals |archive-date=30 December 2018 |url-status=live }} to set up a semi-final with Gary Anderson. A dominant semi-final performance by the Dutchman saw him triumph 6–1 over Anderson,{{cite web |last1=Murphy |first1=Chris |title=Van Gerwen v Anderson: Report, Stats & Images |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/12/30/van-gerwen-v-anderson-report-stats-images |publisher=PDC |access-date=31 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101002909/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2018/12/30/van-gerwen-v-anderson-report-stats-images |archive-date=1 January 2019 |url-status=live }} to reach the final against Michael Smith. He regained the world championship with a 7–3 win over Smith.{{cite news |last1=Emons |first1=Michael |title=PDC World Championship darts final live |date=31 December 2018 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/darts/46555576 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=1 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101232032/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/darts/46555576 |archive-date=1 January 2019 |url-status=live }}

Van Gerwen kicked off the 2019 circuit with winning the 2019 Masters, defeating James Wade 11–5 in the final to secure his fifth consecutive Masters title.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/02/03/five-row-van-gerwen-betvictor-masters |title=Five in a Row for van Gerwen at BetVictor Masters |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219015857/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/02/03/five-row-van-gerwen-betvictor-masters |archive-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=live }} The next two weeks, Van Gerwen won Players Championship 1 and 3, henceforth breaking Phil Taylor's ProTour title record.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/02/18/van-gerwen-breaks-protour-title-record |title=Van Gerwen Breaks ProTour Title Record |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219130105/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/02/18/van-gerwen-breaks-protour-title-record |archive-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=live }}

He retained his Premier League title yet again, beating Daryl Gurney 10–7 in the semi-finals, and beating Rob Cross 11–5 in the final.

Van Gerwen retained his World Grand Prix title with a win over Dave Chisnall,{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Dave |title=Fifth Dublin title for brilliant Van Gerwen |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/10/12/fifth-dublin-title-brilliant-van-gerwen |publisher=Professional Darts Corporation |access-date=1 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016060612/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/10/12/fifth-dublin-title-brilliant-van-gerwen |archive-date=16 October 2019 |url-status=live }} and won the Champions League of Darts for the first time, recovering from three legs down to beat Peter Wright 11–10.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Dave |title=Green Sweep For Van Gerwen! |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/10/20/green-sweep-van-gerwen |publisher=Professional Darts Corporation |access-date=1 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020221406/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/10/20/green-sweep-van-gerwen |archive-date=20 October 2019 |url-status=live }} He regained his Players Championship Finals title, beating Gerwyn Price in the final,{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Dave |title=Brilliant Van Gerwen's Minehead Glory |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/11/24/brilliant-van-gerwens-minehead-glory |publisher=Professional Darts Corporation |access-date=1 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224124014/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/11/24/brilliant-van-gerwens-minehead-glory |archive-date=24 December 2019 |url-status=live }} and hitting the only televised nine-dart finish of the year, in the second round against Adrian Lewis.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Dave |title=Minehead Nine-Darter For Van Gerwen |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/11/23/minehead-nine-darter-van-gerwen |publisher=Professional Darts Corporation |access-date=1 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224124015/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/11/23/minehead-nine-darter-van-gerwen |archive-date=24 December 2019 |url-status=live }}

Van Gerwen was again top seed at the 2020 World Championship. He easily reached the quarter-final, recovering from losing the first set to Jelle Klaasen in the second round to win,{{cite web|title=Michael van Gerwen survives scare from Jelle Klaasen on PDC opening night|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/dec/13/pdc-world-darts-championship-michael-van-gerwen-survives-scare-jelle-klaasen|work=The Guardian|date=13 December 2019|access-date=30 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224125444/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/dec/13/pdc-world-darts-championship-michael-van-gerwen-survives-scare-jelle-klaasen|archive-date=24 December 2019|url-status=live}} before consecutive 4–0 victories over Ricky Evans{{cite web |title=PDC Darts: Michael van Gerwen booked his place in the fourth round with a win over Ricky Evans |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/11893679/pdc-darts-michael-van-gerwen-booked-his-place-in-the-fourth-round-with-a-win-over-ricky-evans |website=Sky Sports |access-date=30 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102155303/https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/11893679/pdc-darts-michael-van-gerwen-booked-his-place-in-the-fourth-round-with-a-win-over-ricky-evans |archive-date=2 January 2020 |url-status=live }} and former BDO World Champion Stephen Bunting.{{cite web |last1=Prenderville |first1=Paul |title=Michael van Gerwen runs riot as Gary Anderson exits the World Darts Championship |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/11896114/michael-van-gerwen-runs-riot-as-gary-anderson-exits-the-world-darts-championship |website=Sky Sports |access-date=30 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228053016/https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/11896114/michael-van-gerwen-runs-riot-as-gary-anderson-exits-the-world-darts-championship |archive-date=28 December 2019 |url-status=live }} In the quarter-final, he triumphed over Darius Labanauskas, 5–2, to qualify for the semi-final for the seventh time in eight championships.{{cite news |title=PDC Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price into semi-finals |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/50940902 |access-date=30 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231213153/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/50940902 |archive-date=31 December 2019 |url-status=live }} There he beat Nathan Aspinall 6–3 to set up a final with Peter Wright.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Josh |title=William Hill World Darts Championship Semi-Finals |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2019/12/30/william-hill-world-darts-championship-semi-finals |publisher=Professional Darts Corporation |access-date=31 December 2019}} Van Gerwen was defeated in that final, 7–3.

At the 2020 Masters, Van Gerwen lost in the first round to Jonny Clayton, ending his run of five years as the tournament's champion, and a 20 match unbeaten run at the Marshall Arena. In March he won the UK Open for the third time, beating Gerwyn Price 11–9 in the final. In his run through to the final, he hit his seventh career televised nine-darter, against Daryl Gurney in the semi-finals. In November he won the Players Championship Finals for the 6th time, beating Mervyn King 11–10 in the final.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/51336046|title=Jonny Clayton: Welshman ends Michael van Gerwen's Masters reign|date=1 February 2020|work=BBC Sport|access-date=1 February 2020}}

Van Gerwen opened up his 2021 World Championship campaign with a 3–1 win over Ryan Murray, averaging 108.98 points in the match.{{Cite web|title=Van Gerwen raises the bar with Murray victory on Day Five|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2020/12/19/van-gerwen-raises-bar-murray-victory-day-five|access-date=2021-01-02|website=PDC}} In the last 16, he battled back from 1–3 down to defeat Joe Cullen 4–3 and reach the quarter-finals.{{Cite web|title=Van Gerwen & Ratajski win thrillers on Day 12 to reach quarter-finals|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2020/12/29/van-gerwen-ratajski-win-thrillers-day-12-reach-quarter-finals|access-date=2021-01-02|website=PDC}} In the quarter-finals, he was whitewashed 0–5 by Dave Chisnall.{{Cite web|title=PDC World Darts Championship, 2020/21: Dave Chisnall demolishes Michael van Gerwen in quarter-final|url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/12176954/pdc-world-darts-championship-2020-21-dave-chisnall-demolishes-michael-van-gerwen-in-quarter-final|access-date=2021-01-02|website=Sky Sports}} This loss resulted in Van Gerwen dropping to number 2 in the world rankings, following Gerwyn Price's World Championship victory.

Van Gerwen then went on to lose in consecutive TV tournaments, losing in the Masters to Jonny Clayton and in the semi-finals of the UK Open to Luke Humphries. Van Gerwen then proceeded to top the Premier League but consequently went on to lose to eventual winner Jonny Clayton in the semi-finals.

Van Gerwen reached the final of PC20 but was beaten by Peter Wright in the tournament decider.

Van Gerwen had another great run in the World Matchplay but was beaten in the semi-finals by eventual winner Peter Wright.

File:2022-06-13 Play-offs (2022 Premier League Darts) by Sandro Halank–089.jpg

In his 2022 World Championship opener, Van Gerwen beat Chas Barstow before withdrawing prior to his third-round match with Chris Dobey after testing positive for COVID-19.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/12505149/michael-van-gerwen-out-of-world-darts-championship-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19|title=Michael van Gerwen out of World Darts Championship after testing positive for COVID-19|publisher=Sky Sports|date=28 December 2021|accessdate=28 December 2021}} In July, Van Gerwen reached the final of the World Matchplay for the first time in six years, where he defeated Gerwyn Price to win his third World Matchplay title, meaning that he had won at every PDC Premier Event that was held in 2022 at least three times.{{Cite news |title=Van Gerwen claims third World Matchplay title |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/62287080 |access-date=2022-07-24}}{{Cite web |date=24 July 2022 |title=Van Gerwen into first World Matchplay final in six years, set to face Price after late surge to defeat Van den Bergh |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/van-gerwen-into-first-world-matchplay-final-in-six-years-set-to-face-price-after-late-surge-to-defeat-van-den-bergh |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=Dartsnews.com }}

Van Gerwen also added to two further ranking TV titles like the World Grand Prix for the sixth time, beating Nathan Aspinall in the final; and won the 2022 Players Championship Finals with an 11–6 victory over Rob Cross.{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2022/11/27/seventh-heaven-van-gerwen-minehead-masterclass|title=Seventh heaven for Van Gerwen with Minehead masterclass|website=www.pdc.tv|date=27 November 2022}} He also won the 2022 Premier League against Joe Cullen in the final.{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |title=Van Gerwen wins Cullen classic to lift sixth Premier League title |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2022/06/13/van-gerwen-wins-cullen-classic-lift-sixth-premier-league-title |website=Professional Darts Corporation|date=13 June 2022}}

Van Gerwen opened his 2023 World Championship campaign with a 3–0 victory over Lewy Williams, before defeating Mensur Suljović 4–2 with an average of 107.66.{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |title=Van Gerwen & Smith come through Ally Pally classics to reach last 16 |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2022/12/28/van-gerwen-smith-come-through-ally-pally-classics-reach-last-16 |publisher=Professional Darts Corporation |access-date=30 December 2022}} A fourth round win over Dirk van Duijvenbode{{cite news |last1=McVeigh |first1=Niall |title=PDC world darts: Van Gerwen and Smith march on, Cross and Humphries go out |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/dec/30/pdc-world-darts-van-gerwen-and-smith-march-on-cross-and-humphries-go-out |work=The Guardian |date=30 December 2022 |access-date=1 January 2023}} was followed by whitewash victories over Chris Dobey{{cite web |last1=Gill |first1=Samuel |title=Sheer darting dominance for Van Gerwen with whitewash win over Dobey, set to face Van den Bergh in PDC World Darts Championship semi-finals |date=January 2023 |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/sheer-darting-dominance-for-van-gerwen-with-whitewash-win-over-dobey-set-to-face-van-den-bergh-in-pdc-world-darts-championship-semi-finals |publisher=Darts News |access-date=1 January 2023}} and Dimitri Van den Bergh,{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |title=Van Gerwen thrashes Van den Bergh with 108 average, set to face Smith in 2022/23 PDC World Darts Championship final |date=2 January 2023 |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/van-gerwen-thrashes-van-den-bergh-with-108-average-set-to-face-smith-in-202223-pdc-world-darts-championship-final |publisher=Darts News |access-date=2 January 2023}} the latter with a 108.28 average, qualified Van Gerwen for his sixth World Darts Championship final, where he lost 7–4 to Michael Smith.

At the 2023 UK Open, Van Gerwen was the runner-up, winning matches against Dave Chisnall, Martijn Kleermaker, Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall and Dimitri Van den Bergh, before losing the final to Andrew Gilding in a deciding leg.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/64859851|title=Andrew Gilding shocks Michael van Gerwen to win UK Open|date=6 March 2023|work=BBC Sport|access-date=4 March 2024}}

An 11–5 victory over Gerwyn Price saw Van Gerwen defend his title in the 2023 Premier League, a record seventh title in the competition moving him clear of Phil Taylor. {{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/05/25/van-gerwen-powers-past-price-secure-record-seventh-pl-title|title=Van Gerwen powers past Price to secure record seventh PL title|website=www.pdc.tv|date=25 May 2023|accessdate=29 May 2023}}

At the 2023 Players Championship Finals, Van Gerwen broke the record for the highest average in the tournament's history, defeating Ross Smith 6–1 with an average of 118.52. {{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/11/25/record-breaking-van-gerwen-continues-title-defence-minehead|title=Record-breaking Van Gerwen continues title defence in Minehead|website=www.pdc.tv|date=25 November 2023|accessdate=26 November 2023}} He eventually was the runner-up after he lost to Luke Humphries 11–9 in the final.

In the 2024 World Championship, Van Gerwen cruised through his first three matches, defeating Keane Barry, Richard Veenstra, and Stephen Bunting without dropping a single set to reach the quarterfinals.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/dec/29/world-darts-championship-van-barneveld-littler-van-gerwen-smith |title=Van Gerwen eases past Bunting but Smith shocked by Dobey |work=The Guardian |date=29 December 2023 |access-date=29 December 2023}} However, in his next match, poor finishing by Van Gerwen led to a shock 5–3 defeat to the unseeded Pro Tour qualifier Scott Williams.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13040409/world-darts-championship-michael-van-gerwen-suffers-shock-exit-to-scott-williams-in-quarter-finals|title=World Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen suffers shock exit to Scott Williams in quarter-finals|date=2 January 2024|work=Sky Sports}} At the Masters, Van Gerwen reached the final, but was defeated 11–7 by Stephen Bunting.{{cite web|url= https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/68202432|title=Cazoo Masters: Stephen Bunting beats Michael van Gerwen to win maiden televised PDC title|date=5 February 2024|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 February 2024}}

At the 2024 UK Open, Van Gerwen suffered a shock fourth-round defeat to Mensur Suljović, losing five legs on the spin en route to a 7–10 loss.{{cite web |date=1 March 2024 |title=UK Open: Luke Littler overcomes James Wade as Michael van Gerwen beaten by Mensur Suljovic in Minehead |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13084648/uk-open-luke-littler-beats-james-wade-as-michael-van-gerwen-beaten-by-mensur-suljovic-in-minehead |website=Sky Sports |access-date=1 March 2024 }} He achieved four nightly wins during the 2024 Premier League league phase, finishing third in the table and qualifying for the playoffs. He lost to Luke Humphries 10–5 in the semi-finals.{{Cite web |last=Hammer |first=Chris |date=29 May 2024 |title=Darts results: Luke Littler wins Premier League title on debut and hits a nine-darter in the final against Luke Humphries |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/darts/news/darts-results-luke-littler-wins-premier-league-title-on-debut-and-hits-a-nine-darter-in-the-final-against-luke-humphries/218120 |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Sporting Life}} He reached the final of the 2024 World Matchplay but lost 18–15 to Luke Humphries.{{Cite web |date=21 July 2024 |title=Humphries beats Van Gerwen to win Matchplay title |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/articles/cxr2x131rn5o |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=BBC Sport}}

File:Michael van Gerwen 2025.png]]

In his campaign at the 2025 World Championship, Van Gerwen was the third seed.{{Cite web |date=24 Nov 2024 |title=2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship field confirmed |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/11/24/202425-paddy-power-world-darts-championship-field-confirmed |access-date=3 Jan 2025 |website=PDC}} He whitewashed debutant James Hurrell 3–0 in the second round.{{Cite news |title=World Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen races into third round as Stephen Bunting also wins |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13277016/world-darts-championship-michael-van-gerwen-races-into-third-round-as-stephen-bunting-also-wins |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241229110241/https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13277016/world-darts-championship-michael-van-gerwen-races-into-third-round-as-stephen-bunting-also-wins |archive-date=2024-12-29 |access-date=3 Jan 2025 |work=Sky Sports |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=21 Dec 2024 |title=Darts results: Michael van Gerwen makes winning start to his PDC World Championship campaign |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/darts/news/darts-results-michael-van-gerwen-makes-winning-start-to-his-pdc-world-championship-campaign/222614 |access-date=3 Jan 2025 |website=Sporting Life |language=en-GB}} In the third round, Van Gerwen defeated 30th seed Brendan Dolan 4–2 before securing another 4–2 victory in the fourth round against non-seed Jeffrey de Graaf.{{Cite news |title=World Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen insists he has plenty more to give as he chases fourth title |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13281090/world-darts-championship-michael-van-gerwen-insists-he-has-plenty-more-to-give-as-he-chases-fourth-title |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241229122312/https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13281090/world-darts-championship-michael-van-gerwen-insists-he-has-plenty-more-to-give-as-he-chases-fourth-title |archive-date=29 December 2024 |access-date=3 January 2025 |work=Sky Sports |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |date=30 December 2024 |title='What a performance it turned out to be' {{!}} Michael Van Gerwen roars to the quarter-finals |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/19520/13281962/what-a-performance-it-turned-out-to-be-michael-van-gerwen-roars-to-the-quarter-finals |access-date=3 Jan 2025 |work=Sky Sports}}{{Cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=30 December 2024 |title=Mighty Michael van Gerwen quells comeback charge from Jeffrey de Graaf to reach PDC World Darts Championship Quarter-Finals |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/mighty-michael-van-gerwen-quells-comeback-charge-from-jeffrey-de-graaf-to-reach-pdc-world-darts-championship-quarter-finals |access-date=3 January 2025 |website=Darts News |language=en}} In the quarter-finals, Van Gerwen defeated Callan Rydz 5–3,{{Cite web |date=1 Jan 2025 |title=Michael van Gerwen pushed by Callan Rydz but converts crucial match dart! |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/30998/13282449/michael-van-gerwen-pushed-by-callan-rydz-but-converts-crucial-match-dart |access-date=3 Jan 2025 |website=Sky Sports}} where both players averaged over 103 in the contest.{{Cite web |date=1 January 2025 |title=PDC World Darts Championship 2025 results: Luke Littler beats Nathan Aspinall to set up Stephen Bunting semi-final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cn9gnxlw87do |access-date=3 January 2025 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} In his semi-final match, he beat Chris Dobey 6–1 to enter his seventh world championship final.{{Cite web |date=3 Jan 2025 |title=Highlights: Michael van Gerwen DISMANTLES Chris Dobey 6-1 to reach WDC final! |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/19520/13283000/highlights-michael-van-gerwen-dismantles-chris-dobey-6-1-to-reach-final |access-date=3 January 2025 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}} During his interview with Abigail Davies on stage after his victory, Van Gerwen swore on live television, saying, "I'm only in the final; I've won f*ck all yet," where fans saw the humour leading to the clip going viral on social media.{{Cite web |date=3 January 2025 |title=Michael van Gerwen faces fine after reaching World Darts Championship final against Luke Littler |url=https://www.sportbible.com/darts/michael-van-gerwen-luke-littler-world-darts-championship-278358-20250103 |access-date=3 January 2025 |website=SPORTbible |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Hepburn |first=Daniel |date=3 January 2025 |title=Van Gerwen left Darts fans in stitches in interview after reaching final - Sky had to apologise |url=https://www.givemesport.com/michael-van-gerwen-sky-apologise-world-darts-championship/ |access-date=3 January 2025 |website=GiveMeSport |language=en}} Van Gerwen lost the final to Luke Littler 7–3, with Littler beating Van Gerwen's record as the youngest PDC World Champion.{{Cite web |last=Levison |first=Jake |date=4 January 2025 |title=Luke Littler is the youngest World Darts champion ever - how did he get here? |url=https://news.sky.com/story/luke-littler-is-the-youngest-world-darts-champion-ever-how-did-he-get-here-13036290 |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Sky News}}

At the PDC World Masters, Van Gerwen wore a special black and gold shirt instead of his traditional green shirt to celebrate his fifth year with sponsor Winmau, who also sponsored the tournament.{{cite web |last=Andrews |first=Connor |date=29 January 2025 |title=Michael van Gerwen ditches iconic green shirt for special reason with £100k at stake |url=https://talksport.com/darts/2857637/michael-van-gerwen-darts-shirt-pdc-world-masters/ |website=talkSPORT |access-date=2 February 2025}} He was eliminated in the second round following a 4–3 loss to Dimitri Van den Bergh.{{cite web |date=1 February 2025 |title=Van den Bergh hits nine-darter to stun Van Gerwen |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/articles/c78xe97yzzmo |website=BBC Sport |access-date=2 February 2025}}

Van Gerwen leans forward quite a lot on the oche and throws at a very fast pace and scores extremely heavily meaning he is able to build up momentum over his opponents in a matter of seconds.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/darts/9772135/Ladbrokes-World-Championship-2012-Michael-van-Gerwen-hits-nine-dart-finish-then-nearly-does-it-again.html|title=Ladbrokes World Championship 2012: Michael van Gerwen hits nine-dart finish then nearly does it again|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=11 June 2013|location=London, UK|first=Jonathan|last=Liew|date=31 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103053913/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/darts/9772135/Ladbrokes-World-Championship-2012-Michael-van-Gerwen-hits-nine-dart-finish-then-nearly-does-it-again.html|archive-date=3 November 2019|url-status=dead}} When he does make a mistake he is usually able to confine it to history and refocus on the next leg.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,23102_8372280,00.html|title=Rod Harrington tips Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis to dominate darts|publisher=Sky Sports|date=30 December 2012|access-date=11 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512202437/http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,23102_8372280,00.html|archive-date=12 May 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/8717580/Michael-van-Gerwen-is-best-player-in-the-world-says-Rod-Harrington|title=Michael van Gerwen is best player in the world, says Rod Harrington|publisher=Sky Sports|date=18 May 2013|access-date=11 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608030029/http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/8717580/Michael-van-Gerwen-is-best-player-in-the-world-says-Rod-Harrington|archive-date=8 June 2013|url-status=live}} His playing style is instinctive and natural.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/darts-taylor-names-van-gerwen-as-successor-to-his-crown-8434315.html|title=Darts: Taylor names Van Gerwen as successor to his crown|work=The Independent|location=London, UK|first=Jack|last=Pitt-Brooke|date=1 January 2013|access-date=11 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130104084952/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/darts-taylor-names-van-gerwen-as-successor-to-his-crown-8434315.html|archive-date=4 January 2013|url-status=live}} He is known to hit purple patches during matches, where he can instantly elevate his game to exceptionally high levels.{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/darts/pdc-world-grand-prix-diary-1379823|title=PDC World Grand Prix diary: The Final – Mighty Michael van Gerwen claims major title|work=Daily Mirror|first=Lenny|last=Boyle|date=15 October 2012|access-date=11 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017234906/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/darts/pdc-world-grand-prix-diary-1379823|archive-date=17 October 2012|url-status=live}}

He did so in winning the first three PDC major titles of his career, firstly in the 2012 Grand Prix final, where he came back from 1–4 down in sets to triumph 6–4 over Mervyn King, secondly in the 2013 Premier League final he came from 2–5 down to win five successive legs and eventually won 10–8, and thirdly winning seven consecutive legs against Phil Taylor in claiming the 2013 Players Championship Finals title.{{cite web|url=http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/4e9jvu70anr210cnx5ms1ht07/title/mighty-mike-claims-minehead-triumph|title=Mighty Mike Claims Minehead Triumph|publisher=Professional Darts Corporation|access-date=3 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204021030/http://www.pdc.tv/news/article/4e9jvu70anr210cnx5ms1ht07/title/mighty-mike-claims-minehead-triumph|archive-date=4 December 2013}}

File:Michael van Gerwen - 2022337185500 2022-12-03 1.Mannheim Darts Gala - Sven - 1D X MK II - 0224 - AK8I6848.jpg

The most striking examples of his ability to date include setting a televised average world record of 123.40 in the 2016 Premier League in a 7–1 victory over Michael Smith. Having started with four 11-dart legs or better in the first six legs, he missed double 18 three times for an average of over 130 which would have earned a shutout win had he found the double.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL_uhPNaw4o|title=HIGHEST AVERAGE EVER SEEN – Michael van Gerwen 123.40 VS Michael Smith 91.41|publisher=YouTube|date=26 February 2016|access-date=23 July 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pdpa.co.uk/stats/average-records|title=Average Records|publisher=Professional Darts Players Association|access-date=11 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604021934/http://www.pdpa.co.uk/stats/average-records/|archive-date=4 June 2013|url-status=dead}} He was also a double 12 away from hitting back-to-back nine-dart finishes in the 2013 World Championship semi-finals.{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/8373313/PDC-World-Darts-Championship-Michael-van-Gerwen-beats-James-Wade-to-reach-final|title=PDC World Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen beats James Wade to reach final|publisher=Sky Sports|first=Joe|last=Drabble|date=31 December 2012|access-date=11 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930145952/http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/8373313/pdc-world-darts-championship-michael-van-gerwen-beats-james-wade-to-reach-final|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live}}

Five-time World Champion Eric Bristow has described him as fearless,{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/darts/eric-bristow-premier-league-darts-1822889|title=Eric Bristow on Premier League Darts: Why Michael van Gerwen is the future of the sport|work=Daily Mirror|date=11 April 2013|access-date=11 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517042752/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/darts/eric-bristow-premier-league-darts-1822889|archive-date=17 May 2013|url-status=live}} and Van Gerwen has said he is not scared of any player.{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/sport/more-sport/unlikely-hero-michael-van-gerwen-an-unstoppable-force-1.1188322|title=Unlikely hero Michael van Gerwen an unstoppable force|work=Gulf News|first=Euan|last=Reedie|date=25 May 2013|access-date=11 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031084612/http://gulfnews.com/sport/more-sport/unlikely-hero-michael-van-gerwen-an-unstoppable-force-1.1188322|archive-date=31 October 2017|url-status=live}}

He celebrates important visits to the board with sudden short-range headbutts and a bouncing double fist-pump.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/19/michael-van-gerwen-darts-world-championship|title=Michael van Gerwen: Dutchman puts buzz into darts world championship|work=The Guardian|first=Rob|last=Smyth|location=London, UK|date=19 December 2012|access-date=11 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027223852/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/dec/19/michael-van-gerwen-darts-world-championship|archive-date=27 October 2013|url-status=live}} Such exuberant celebrations have created negative reactions among some of his fellow players, with 2004 World Masters winner Mervyn King calling it disrespectful.

Van Gerwen traditionally wears a green shirt while in competition, which has now become synonymous with his image and has seen him dubbed "The Green Machine".{{cite web |title=Michael van Gerwen: ‘The green shirt is a part of me – but it’s not even my favourite colour’ |url=https://blog.betway.com/darts/michael-van-gerwen-the-green-shirt-is-a-part-of-me-but-its-not-even-my-favourite-colour/ |website=Betway |access-date=1 February 2025 |date=9 March 2016}}{{cite web |last1=Walters |first1=Mike |title=Darts superstar Michael van Gerwen reckons his trademark green shirt makes rivals wave the white flag |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/darts/darts-superstar-michael-van-gerwen-9782324 |website=Mirror |access-date=1 February 2025 |date=8 February 2017}}{{cite web |author1=Paul Nicholson |author1-link=Paul Nicholson (darts player) |title=Good, bad and ugly darts shirts: Paul Nicholson looks back how attire at the oche has evolved down the years |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/darts/news/darts-shirts-good-bad-and-ugly/183147 |website=Sporting Life |access-date=1 February 2025 |date=5 December 2023}}

In August 2014, Van Gerwen married his longtime girlfriend, Daphne Govers. They have a daughter born in August 2017 and a son born in April 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/105959582/what-makes-michael-van-gerwen-the-sharpest-darts-player-in-the-world|title=What makes Michael van Gerwen the sharpest darts player in the world|last=Johnstone|first=Duncan|date=3 August 2018|website=Stuff|access-date=2 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103055950/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/105959582/what-makes-michael-van-gerwen-the-sharpest-darts-player-in-the-world|archive-date=3 January 2019|url-status=live}}

In December 2014, Sky Sports televised a one-hour documentary called "Mighty Mike" which charted his rise in darts as well as his life away from the sport. He is a supporter of the Dutch football club PSV Eindhoven.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/9600544/world-darts-championship-michael-van-gerwen-ready-for-title-defence|title=World Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen ready for title defence|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=22 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222190151/http://www1.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/9600544/world-darts-championship-michael-van-gerwen-ready-for-title-defence|archive-date=22 December 2014|url-status=live}}

In May 2018, he was appointed Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau by his local Mayor on behalf of Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/11355983/michael-van-gerwen-presented-with-royal-honour-in-the-netherlands|title=Michael van Gerwen presented with Royal Honour in the Netherlands|last=Gorton|first=Josh|date=5 February 2018|website=Sky Sports|access-date=2 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103074518/https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/11355983/michael-van-gerwen-presented-with-royal-honour-in-the-netherlands|archive-date=3 January 2019|url-status=live}}

• 2007: First round (lost to Gary Robson 2–3)

• 2008: First round (lost to Phil Taylor 2–3)
• 2009: Second round (lost to Phil Taylor 0–4)
• 2010: Second round (lost to James Wade 2–4)
• 2011: First round (lost to Mensur Suljović 1–3)
• 2012: Third round (lost to Simon Whitlock 3–4)
• 2013: Runner-up (lost to Phil Taylor 4–7)
• 2014: Winner (beat Peter Wright 7–4)
• 2015: Semi-finals (lost to Gary Anderson 3–6)
• 2016: Third round (lost to Raymond van Barneveld 3–4)
• 2017: Winner (beat Gary Anderson 7–3)
• 2018: Semi-finals (lost to Rob Cross 5–6)
• 2019: Winner (beat Michael Smith 7–3)
• 2020: Runner-up (lost to Peter Wright 3–7)
• 2021: Quarter-finals (lost to Dave Chisnall 0–5)
• 2022: Third round (withdrew due to positive test for COVID-19)
• 2023: Runner-up (lost to Michael Smith 4–7)
• 2024: Quarter-finals (lost to Scott Williams 3–5)
• 2025: Runner-up (lost to Luke Littler 3–7)

File:2022-06-13 Play-offs (2022 Premier League Darts) by Sandro Halank–128.jpg

{{Reflist|group=N}}

BDO

PDC

PDC European Tour

PDC World Series of Darts

PDC Players Championships

Key

{{TournLegend|RU=F|LR3=Prel.}}

{{Reflist|group=N}}

{{See also|Nine-dart finish}}

{{See also|Three-dart average}}

Michael van Gerwen holds the highest televised average of 123.40 thrown in the 2016 Premier League against Michael Smith, getting a match dart for a 133.18 average in the seventh leg.

{{Reflist}}

{{sisterlinks|d=Q1319437|c=category:Michael van Gerwen|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|wikt=no|s=no|species=no|q=no}}

• {{official website}}
• {{DartsOrakel|Michael van Gerwen}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-sports}}

{{s-bef

| before = Phil Taylor

}}

{{s-ttl|

| title = PDC World Number One

| years = 1 January 2014 – 3 January 2021

}}

{{s-aft

| after = Gerwyn Price

}}

{{s-ach|rec}}

{{succession box|

| title = World record highest televised average

| before = Phil Taylor

| years = 25 February 2016–present

| after = —

}}

{{s-ach|aw}}

{{s-bef

| before = Phil Taylor
Gary Anderson

}}

{{s-ttl|

| title = PDC Player of the Year

| years = 2013
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

}}

{{s-aft

| after = Gary Anderson
Gerwyn Price

}}

{{s-end}}

{{PDC Top 20}}

{{World Darts Championship (PDC)}}

{{PDC Roll of Honour}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gerwen, Michael Van}}

Category:1989 births

Category:British Darts Organisation players

Category:Dutch darts players

Category:Living people

Category:Sportspeople from Boxtel

Category:Professional Darts Corporation current tour card holders

Category:PDC world darts champions

Category:World Series of Darts winners

Category:UK Open champions

Category:World Matchplay (darts) champions

Category:World Grand Prix (darts) champions

Category:Grand Slam of Darts champions

Category:Players Championship Finals champions

Category:European Championship (darts) champions

Category:Masters (darts) champions

Category:Premier League Darts champions

Category:Champions League of Darts champions

Category:Darts players who have thrown televised nine-dart games

Category:PDC World Cup of Darts Dutch championship team

Category:Sportspeople awarded knighthoods

Category:Knights of the Order of Orange-Nassau