Copenhagen witnessed a darts masterclass as Michael van Gerwen dramatically secured his second Mr Vegas Nordic Darts Masters title in 2026, making him the first player ever to win the event twice. In a nail-biting final, “Mighty Mike” overcame Luke Humphries 8-7, surviving a crucial match dart to clinch victory. This thrilling win highlights Van Gerwen’s resilience and sets the stage for an exciting darts season, despite Humphries’ equally impressive run to the final.
Van Gerwen’s Gritty Path to Glory
Dutch darting legend Michael van Gerwen battled his way through a challenging field at the Forum Copenhagen to claim his second World Series of Darts title of 2026. This victory solidifies his place in history as the first player to win the Nordic Darts Masters twice since its inception in 2021.
A Series of Close Encounters
Van Gerwen’s journey was far from straightforward, marked by several tense encounters:
- First Round: He comfortably dispatched Oskar Lukasiak.
- Quarter-Final Drama: Against Sweden’s Viktor Tingstrom, who had surprisingly knocked out last year’s champion Stephen Bunting, Van Gerwen found himself 5-3 down. He then rallied, winning three consecutive legs and surviving a match dart to squeeze through in a last-leg decider.
- Semi-Final Dominance: The number one seed then produced a stellar performance against Jonny Clayton, winning 7-4. He recorded an impressive 101.55 average and a 44% success rate on his doubles, securing his third World Series final appearance in just three events this year.
The Epic Final Against Luke Humphries
The final pitted Van Gerwen against an in-form Luke Humphries. Van Gerwen initially found himself 3-1 down after two quick 12-darters from his opponent. However, the 37-year-old Dutchman showcased his legendary fighting spirit, taking four legs on the spin to establish a two-leg lead. Humphries quickly responded, tying the contest at 5-5, setting up a thrilling climax.
The match went down to a last-leg decider, where the tension was palpable. Van Gerwen faced another moment of truth, surviving a match dart from Humphries at the bullseye. He then coolly held his nerve, dispatching a clinical 15-dart finish to secure his incredible 18th trophy on the circuit, converting 57% of his double attempts.
Van Gerwen’s Reflections: Resilience and Hunger
Reflecting on his hard-fought victory, Van Gerwen admitted, “It was a really tough game. Luke had the chance to be 4-1 and 5-2 up, and luckily I took advantage.” He candidly acknowledged his earlier performances: “My performances in the first two rounds were not good, I have to acknowledge that, but more importantly the way I bounced back and kept grafting, that helped me win today and I’m really pleased with that.”
His passion for the game remains undimmed: “Winning tournaments and winning games is the only medicine to try and get better. I’ve been playing this game for a long time, but I love what I do, and this gives me an amazing feeling. I want to do this more often. I’m going back on the practice board, I will keep investing time in myself, and I hope I can show everyone a lot more.”
Humphries’ Brilliant But Heartbreaking Run
Despite falling short in the final, Luke Humphries continued his rich vein of form, delivering glittering performances throughout the Copenhagen event. The world number two’s journey was marked by high averages and intense battles:
- Opening Masterclass: He kicked off his title bid with an astonishing 109.92 average in defeating Jeffrey de Graaf in the first round.
- Quarter-Final Thriller: In a frenetic quarter-final clash against Gian van Veen, Humphries emerged victorious in a last-leg decider, aided by five maximum 180s.
- Semi-Final Revenge: Humphries then exacted revenge on Luke Littler for his Premier League final defeat just nine days earlier. He averaged a sparkling 105.82 and hit 50% of his doubles to overcome the reigning World Champion and set up the highly anticipated final with Van Gerwen.
The 31-year-old came agonizingly close to his first World Series title since the 2025 US Darts Masters, missing that crucial match dart. His 98.83 average in the final was notably his only average under a ton throughout the entire Copenhagen tournament, highlighting his consistent excellence.
Humphries’ Disappointment and Future Hopes
A visibly disappointed Humphries shared his frustration: “At the moment I’m losing a lot of finals, and that isn’t good enough. Hopefully in the World Cup I can gain some silverware and win a tournament – it would be nice for me, that’s what I need.”
Other Quarter-Final Highlights
The other quarter-final matches also delivered exciting darts action:
- Welsh Derby: Jonny Clayton got the better of fellow Welshman Gerwyn Price with a 6-3 win, capitalizing on Price’s uncharacteristic struggles on the outer ring.
- Littler’s Progression: Luke Littler cruised past James Wade in a rematch of this year’s UK Open final, securing a dominant 6-1 victory to reach his second World Series semi-final of the year.
What’s Next for the World Series of Darts?
The World Series of Darts circuit continues its global journey. Fans can look forward to the US Darts Masters, which takes place from June 25-26 in New York, at The Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden. Another exciting chapter of top-tier darts awaits!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
