In a commanding performance at the Premier League Night 11 final in Birmingham, Michael van Gerwen showcased his prowess on the oche, securing a decisive 6-3 victory over his opponent Luke Littler. As the darts world watched, van Gerwen's precision and determination propelled him to yet another triumph on the professional stage.

Following his win, van Gerwen shared his thoughts on Littler's recent inclusion in Forbes' 30 under 30 list. With characteristic candour, van Gerwen told SportsBoom.com, "With all due respect, he hasn’t won anything yet. If people haven’t won anything yet, should they be getting into Forbes." This statement underscores van Gerwen's belief in earning recognition through tangible achievements in the sport, and not just media attention. 

Image credit: PDC

Reflecting on Littler's performance during their encounter, van Gerwen bluntly stated, "He played crap tonight and I beat him, that’s the reality. I’m happy with the win, and we move onto the next one." Despite Littler's potential and accomplishments, van Gerwen's assessment highlights his unwavering focus on delivering his best game regardless of his opponent's stature.

Acknowledging Littler's contributions to the sport, van Gerwen emphasised his own dominance by stating, "He’s obviously done sensational things for the sport, but he will always be the one chasing me." Van Gerwen's confidence stems from his extensive track record of success. He asserts that while Littler may pose a challenge, the gap between them remains significant, positioning van Gerwen as the standard-bearer in the darts world.

Despite recent losses to Littler prior to Birmingham, van Gerwen remained resolute in his belief that he is the one to beat. He asserts, "He’s around 150 tournaments behind me, I’ll wait for him to catch up." This statement not only underscores van Gerwen's confidence but also serves as a reminder of his unparalleled achievements in the sport.