'I’m sharp, I’m full of energy – this is only the beginning': Confident Van Gerwen sees 'Michael of old' after epic conclusion to Cross win

Michael van Gerwen battled through an emotional clash at the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals, edging past Rob Cross to secure his spot in the next round. The Dutchman admitted it was far from straightforward but insisted the key moments showed flashes of his very best.

In particular the wow moments saw Van Gerwen produce back-to-back ton plus checkouts hitting 111 to win it which prompted a spine chilling roar from the Dutch juggernaut as his home crowd rose to the occasion. Afterwards at the World Series of Darts Finals, MVG ran down to hug his kids in a heart warming moment and after his recent travails on and off the oche, it is an MVG hungry and fired up for the rest of the tournament. A great sight to see.

“I felt great,” Van Gerwen said after the victory to Online Darts. “It wasn't the most easy game to play, especially against Rob. It's always tough because you know what he's capable of, but also the way he plays is not the most fun game to play. But he's one of the best players in the world, so you need to perform well, otherwise you can't win games like that.”

The three-time world champion showed visible frustration when he missed three darts for a clear advantage, allowing Cross back into the contest. Van Gerwen admitted it was a difficult moment.

“Annoying. You have to keep your head up. You're normally not allowed to make mistakes like that, but I got away with it,” he said. “I think I was the better player, but I wasn't able to show it constantly. In some patches I was playing well, then a little bit not so well. It was tough, but I'm really glad I was holding my pace and my nerves and everything. So, good.”

The stunning and sublime

In the closing stages, Van Gerwen produced two stunning legs — including a 122 checkout on the bull — to seal the win in vintage fashion. “Yeah, it's the Michael of old,” he smiled. “You need to stand there when you have to do it. Every game is different. Every circumstance, every venue is different, and the player you play against as well. So, you need to make sure you keep your head focused. That's what I'm doing at the moment. I'm sharp, I'm full of energy, and I want to do more. This is only the beginning, I think.”

The crowd in Amsterdam roared him on throughout, something Van Gerwen admitted gave him an extra lift. “Of course, it gives a lot of energy,” he said. “We only get it a few times a year, so you need to make the most of it.”

Next up is a mouth-watering showdown with Luke Humphries, who Van Gerwen has beaten in their last two meetings. Humphries himself mentioned the record in his own interview, but Van Gerwen was happy to add a little psychological edge.

“I hope so,” he said with a grin. “Luke is a fantastic player. I don't think he's in the best form of his life, neither am I, but I think he can do something tomorrow. He's a long-form player and I feel good. So, we're going to see what's going to happen tomorrow.”