Michael van Gerwen’s Shocking Premier League Claim: Is a 2027 Spot Guaranteed?
In a surprising revelation during a live Twitch stream, three-time World Darts Champion Michael van Gerwen confidently stated his inclusion in the 2027 Premier League. When asked about next year’s selections, “Mighty Mike” simply replied: “I know I will be in the Premier League, that’s one thing for sure.”
A Season of Struggle for “Mighty Mike”
Van Gerwen’s bold assertion comes amidst a challenging 2026 season, where the Dutch superstar has noticeably struggled to find his characteristic dominant form. This dip in performance has led to widespread speculation among darts fans and pundits alike, with many doubting whether his current level is sufficient to earn a coveted spot in the prestigious 2027 tournament.
Historically, Van Gerwen has been a powerhouse in the Premier League, appearing in 14 tournaments and winning an impressive seven titles. However, his recent Premier League campaigns tell a different story, with finishes of fifth and sixth place in the last two years – a stark contrast to his usual top-tier performances.
His struggles were further highlighted by a recent early exit from the European Championship, where he was defeated in the first round by fellow Dutchman Kevin Doets.
Plummeting Rankings and Expiring Prize Money
The numbers paint a clear picture of Van Gerwen’s current predicament:
- 2026 Year-to-Date Rankings: “Mighty Mike” currently sits at 25th place. These rankings are based solely on prize money earned within the current calendar year, reflecting his recent lack of deep runs in tournaments.
- PDC Order of Merit: This official ranking system, based on prize money won over a two-year period, sees Van Gerwen at 13th position. This marks his lowest ranking in 14 years. It’s crucial to remember that typically, only the top four players in the world are guaranteed a spot in the Premier League each year, with the remaining places being wildcard selections.
Compounding his ranking challenges, the 37-year-old is set to experience a further drop in the PDC Order of Merit over the coming months. A significant portion of his prize money, which contributes to his ranking points, is due to expire.
Key amounts set to be removed from his ranking total include:
- £200,000 from his 2025 World Championship runner-up prize money, set to expire in December.
- Additional prize money from past performances in the Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship Finals.
Unless Van Gerwen can dramatically rediscover his form and win back a substantial amount of prize money, his ranking position will continue to decline.
Merit vs. Name Value: The Premier League Dilemma
Given his current form and precarious ranking situation, many in the darts community are questioning whether a 2027 Premier League spot for Van Gerwen would be fair based purely on merit. The Premier League is designed to showcase the sport’s elite, and his recent results do not align with that standard.
However, Michael van Gerwen’s immense popularity and ‘name value’ cannot be overlooked. As one of darts’ most recognizable and exciting figures, his presence undoubtedly draws significant viewership and fan engagement. This commercial appeal might carry considerable weight with the selectors, potentially offering a lifeline even if his on-board performance doesn’t strictly warrant it.
The debate continues: will the selectors prioritize current form and ranking, or will the undeniable star power of Michael van Gerwen ensure his return to the Premier League stage in 2027?
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
