Michael van Gerwen’s Return to the Top: Can the Green Machine Clinch a Fourth World Title?

After a couple of challenging years, Michael van Gerwen seems to be back at his electrifying best, and darts fans everywhere are buzzing. Known affectionately as “The Green Machine,” Van Gerwen is now just two wins away from clinching his fourth PDC World Championship – and his first in six long years.

Standing in his way are Chris Dobey in the semi-final and potentially Luke Littler or Stephen Bunting in the final. A potential Van Gerwen vs Littler showdown would be a dream match for many, pitting one of the greatest players of all time against the hottest young talent in the game today.

The Youngest to Win It All

Van Gerwen’s rise to the top was nothing short of spectacular. In 2014, at just 24 years old, he became the youngest player ever to win the PDC World Championship. Now at 35, he still holds that record. However, with Littler only 17 years old, Van Gerwen’s milestone might soon be under threat. Littler could have another seven shots at breaking that record, but for now, Van Gerwen remains the youngest champion.

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Regardless of what happens this year, Van Gerwen’s place in darts history is secure. Many see him as the second-best player the sport has ever seen, trailing only the legendary Phil Taylor. With over 150 PDC titles under his belt and three world championships, his legacy is undeniable.

A Career Marked by Dominance – and Wealth

One thing’s for sure – Van Gerwen’s talent has translated into impressive financial success. With career earnings nearing the £10 million mark, he is comfortably one of the richest darts players in history. His estimated net worth sits at around £7 million, and that figure could jump by an extra £500,000 if he lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy again.

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Prize money has soared in darts over the past decade, and Van Gerwen entered the sport at the perfect time to cash in. Beyond his winnings, he also enjoys lucrative endorsement deals in both the UK and his native Netherlands. His success off the oche is a testament to how far the sport has come and how much he has capitalized on his talent.

Overcoming Setbacks – Both On and Off the Oche

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Van Gerwen. The past couple of years have seen him struggle in some major tournaments, but perhaps the biggest hurdle has been his health. Van Gerwen has undergone multiple jaw surgeries, which impacted his performance and required significant recovery time.

In 2023, he had an unsuccessful procedure, which led to a follow-up surgery in 2024. By mid-year, his discomfort was so severe that he had to take a break after the World Matchplay in July. Before the tournament, Van Gerwen candidly described the painful nature of the surgery to Dutch newspaper AD. “They are going to break and reset my upper and lower jaw,” he explained. “My upper jaw will move forward by six millimetres, and my lower jaw will be pushed back by three.”

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His condition, which included a severe underbite, affected everything from eating to sleeping. “I can’t bite through a slice of ham,” he joked, but the reality was far from funny. The surgeries were not just about aesthetics but about improving his quality of life. After taking a month off to recover, Van Gerwen returned with a bang, winning a Players Championship event in Wigan.

A Return to Form at Ally Pally

This year’s World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as Ally Pally, has been a reminder of Van Gerwen’s brilliance. His quarter-final victory over Callan Rydz was vintage Van Gerwen – dominant, focused, and absolutely ruthless.

With his health seemingly under control, Van Gerwen has looked more comfortable and confident than he has in years. Fans are getting a glimpse of the player who once seemed unbeatable, and that spells trouble for anyone standing in his way.

A Strong Support System – Meet the Van Gerwen Family

Behind every great athlete is a strong support system, and Van Gerwen is no exception. His biggest cheerleaders are his wife Daphne and their two children, daughter Zoe and son Mike.

Van Gerwen met Daphne in their homeland in 2008, and the couple tied the knot six years later. Daphne, a hairdresser by profession, is a familiar face at his tournaments, regularly showing her support. She also keeps fans updated through Instagram, where she has over 33,000 followers. Her feed is full of family moments, holiday snaps from places like Disneyland and Dubai, and plenty of behind-the-scenes glimpses into their life.

Van Gerwen’s devotion to his family is clear, and it’s evident that they play a huge role in keeping him grounded, even during the most intense competitions.

The Road Ahead – Can Van Gerwen Win His Fourth Title?

The big question now is whether Van Gerwen can add another world title to his already impressive resume. His journey to this point hasn’t been easy, but the Green Machine thrives under pressure.

With only two matches standing between him and his fourth world title, fans are eagerly anticipating what could be a historic moment in darts. Whether it’s against Chris Dobey or the teenage sensation Luke Littler, Van Gerwen will be ready.

Darts fans, buckle up. The Green Machine is back, and he’s aiming for the top once again.