The World Series of Darts Finals quickly became a premier event, largely defined by the extraordinary dominance of Michael van Gerwen. Since its 2015 debut, ‘Mighty Mike’ has claimed a record six titles, establishing himself as the undisputed king of this prestigious tournament. While other darts legends like James Wade, Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, and even the young sensation Luke Littler have had their moments, the tournament’s history is largely a testament to Van Gerwen’s unparalleled skill. With the 2025 edition approaching, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in Amsterdam, where Van Gerwen aims for an unprecedented seventh crown and rivals seek to dethrone the champion.
The Genesis: Van Gerwen’s Early Reign (2015-2017)
When the World Series of Darts Finals first burst onto the scene in November 2015, few could have imagined how rapidly it would evolve into one of the most distinctive and highly anticipated events on the PDC calendar. Even fewer could have predicted the near-complete domination by one man: Michael van Gerwen.
The inaugural final at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena in 2015 set the stage for a compelling rivalry. Michael van Gerwen narrowly defeated his great rival, Peter Wright, in a high-quality, nail-biting encounter, finishing 11-10. This thrilling contest immediately established the event’s potential for drama.
Just twelve months later, in 2016, the Dutchman was back at the same venue, once again proving too strong for Wright. This time, he secured an 11-9 victory on the second night of the two-day tournament, solidifying his early grip. By the end of 2017, Van Gerwen had completed a remarkable hat-trick of titles, effortlessly brushing aside darts icon Gary Anderson 11-6. This early period firmly established ‘Mighty Mike’ as the player to beat.
A Shift in Scenery and Champions (2018-2022)
The tournament experienced its first significant change in 2018, moving from Scotland to the Multiversum in Schwechat, just outside Vienna. This change of venue also brought a change in champion. James Wade delivered one of the most memorable last-leg victories in modern darts, defeating Michael Smith 11-10. Wade’s triumph marked him as the first player other than Van Gerwen to lift the coveted trophy, signaling that the era of absolute dominance might be challenged.
In 2019, Amsterdam’s AFAS Live hosted the event for the first time, immediately feeling like its natural home. And with the return to his “home turf,” Van Gerwen returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, thrashing Danny Noppert 11-2 to reclaim his title.
The global pandemic forced a temporary relocation to Salzburg in 2020. Here, Welsh sensation Gerwyn Price seized his opportunity, claiming his first World Series Finals title with an 11-9 win over Rob Cross. Price’s victory underscored the growing competitive landscape of the event.
When the tournament returned to its spiritual home in Amsterdam in 2021, another Welshman, Jonny Clayton, stepped into the spotlight. Known as ‘The Ferret,’ Clayton delivered a brilliant performance, beating Dimitri Van den Bergh 11-6 to secure his own piece of history. The Welsh dominance continued into 2022 when Gerwyn Price made it two titles for himself and three for Wales, surviving a dramatic 11-10 final against the tenacious Dirk van Duijvenbode.
The King’s Return and a New Challenger (2023-2025)
By 2023, the AFAS Live had become the undisputed established home of the Finals, and Michael van Gerwen was ready to reclaim what he clearly regarded as his territory. He swept aside Nathan Aspinall 11-4 in a commanding performance, collecting his fifth World Series Finals title and reaffirming his status as the tournament’s most successful player.
The following year, 2024, saw a significant expansion of the field to 32 players, and with it, the arrival of a new, electrifying force. Still a teenager, Luke Littler produced a stunning, fairytale run through the tournament, culminating in a dominant 11-4 victory over Michael Smith in the final. Littler’s triumph marked a generational shift and ignited new excitement in the sport.
However, Van Gerwen, the perennial champion, had other ideas. In 2025, he delivered one of the most satisfying victories of his recent career. Facing his young rival, Luke Littler, in a highly anticipated final, Van Gerwen triumphed 11-7 to claim a record-extending sixth World Series Finals crown. The AFAS Live erupted in celebration – the King was back on his throne, proving that experience and sheer will still reign supreme.
The Road Ahead: The 2025 World Series of Darts Finals
This week, the darts circus returns once more to its vibrant Amsterdam home. From September 17 to 20, the AFAS Live will again host the best players from the World Series season, all battling for a share of the substantial £450,000 prize fund, with a life-changing £100,000 waiting for the winner.
Michael van Gerwen walks in as the defending champion, having just claimed his record-extending sixth title earlier this year, and remains the clear record-holder. Luke Littler will be desperate to regain the title he won so impressively in 2024, eager for revenge against Van Gerwen. Around them, a host of established stars and rising talents will battle fiercely for their own place in this rich and unfolding story.
From the intense atmosphere of Glasgow’s Braehead Arena to the passionate Dutch crowds of Amsterdam, the World Series of Darts Finals has grown into one of the most prestigious and compelling events on the PDC calendar. It has consistently delivered last-leg thrillers, dominant masterclasses, and the occasional, thrilling changing of the guard.
Through it all, one name has remained constant, a beacon of excellence and unparalleled success. Michael van Gerwen has won it more times than anyone else, and this week, he will try to make it an incredible seven.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
