Michael van Gerwen has established himself as one of the premier darts players of his generation, boasting remarkable achievements including three PDC World Championship titles and seven years atop the global rankings. Known for his intense competitiveness and extraordinary skill, the Dutchman is gearing up for yet another shot at glory as the PDC World Championship approaches. This year, he enters the tournament with high aspirations, hoping to add to his accolades at Alexandra Palace.
Before his rise to stardom on the oche, Van Gerwen had another life. He worked as a tiler, and it was during this time he landed what he describes as his biggest job—a tiling project for none other than Arsenal great Dennis Bergkamp. "Yes, it’s true—when I was a teenager, I used to work as a tiler back home in Holland, and the biggest job I ever had was putting up the tiles in Dennis Bergkamp's bathroom," Van Gerwen recounted. He described the task as both thrilling and nerve-wracking, noting the luxury of the home and the significance of working for a football legend.
Van Gerwen's tiling career marks the humble beginnings of someone who would become a titan of the darts world. "We had to make sure we did a really good job on it. You don’t want to mess up when you are working for a legend like Bergkamp," he said, reflecting on the pressure of the task and the begrudging respect he held for the soccer star.
During those tiling days, Van Gerwen couldn't have imagined the financial success awaiting him. With his current net worth estimated at £5.6 million, he admitted, "When I was fitting those tiles, I never thought I would be a millionaire by the time I was 24.” His success is attributed to hard work and determination, and it’s safe to say he has turned the craft of darts from childhood dreams to monumental reality.
Despite the indisputable accolades, some critics argue he hasn't reached his full potential. Darts referee Russ Bray remarked, "I say Michael van Gerwen has underachieved. I know he's won three world titles, and a million others. But he's underachieved, in my opinion, because he's so good, he could have won many more." This raises intriguing questions about the capacity of even elite athletes to fulfill their potential fully.
Heading back to this year’s PDC World Championship, which begins on December 15, Van Gerwen finds himself aiming to reclaim the title after facing disappointment in previous tournaments, including his defeat to Michael Smith last year and a shocking exit to Scott Williams the year before. Even with these setbacks, he remains one of the tournament favorites. His first match is scheduled against either James Hurrell or Jim Long.
The championship this year not only showcases seasoned players like Van Gerwen but also rising stars such as Luke Littler, who has been making headlines and is tipped for greatness after his runner-up finish last year. Littler, nicknamed 'The Nuke', is another prodigious talent to watch out for as he enters the tournament this year, ready to show up against either Ryan Meikle or Fallon Sherrock in the second round.
Van Gerwen, reflective of the competitive nature of darts, acknowledges the fresh talent entering the scene and recognizes the excitement it brings to the tournament alongside potential rivalries boiling anew. “It’s great to see new players coming up and showing what they can do, but I’m focused on winning,” he insisted, demonstrating both humility and competitive fire.
The connection between darts and football runs deep, illustrated by the legacy of players like Bergkamp and how they influence today’s athletes. Both sports exhibit narratives of social mobility and talent allowing one to break through and earn their place among giants of the game.
Remarkably, some modern footballers exhibit links to darts too. Arsenal’s current stars were spotted with representation from the darts community during events, highlighting the mutual respect shared between sporting disciplines. Their engagement, whether direct or indirect, bolsters the public's fascination with the athletes who skillfully throw darts, sparking interest across multiple sports.
With the PDC World Championship bringing together players from all walks of life, it will be exciting to see how the tournament shapes up this year. All eyes are on the likes of Littler, Humphries, and of course, the ever-charismatic Van Gerwen as they face intense competition with the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy up for grabs. Who will emerge victorious from the high-pressure environment at Alexandra Palace? The anticipation is palpable.
Everything pertaining to the tournament—from the high-stakes matches to the interactions on and off the stage—will be watched closely by millions around the world. It stands as one of the biggest events within the sport, and as its familiar faces take their place, fresh contenders will seek to dethrone the established legends. With Van Gerwen's remarkable career on display and his past interwoven with footballing legends, this year’s championship promises to not just reflect the game of darts, but also encapsulate stories of perseverance, ambition, and legacy.
