Michael van Gerwen made a big statement on night one of Premier League Darts 2026 by defeating Jan van Veen 6-4 in the final in Newcastle.
In the all-Dutch final, it was Van Gerwen who looked the most comfortable throughout, proving that victory on his debut night was just one step away for Van Veen.
By moving up to No. 3 in the world at the World Darts Championship, Van Veen has taken the Dutch No. 1 tag from Van Gerwen, with ‘The Green Machine’ relinquishing the tag for the first time in more than a decade.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Premier League quarter-final highlights of Luke Littler vs. Van Veen
But Van Gerwen made sure to remind everyone why he had stayed in his position for so long.
Remarkably, Van Gerwen didn’t win every night in the Premier League in 2025, but he ensured a perfect start to 2026 by vowing to enjoy darts.
“It was definitely a good performance,” Van Gerwen told Sky Sports.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
The moment Michael van Gerwen beat Jan van Veen to win the Premier League darts season opener
“Even without playing my A game, I won. I was consistent and got great finishes at the right moments.”
“I know I can do more, but this gives me confidence. Winning matches is the best medicine.
“I want to qualify for the playoffs, but that’s not my main priority. My main priority is the ranking tournament.
“The Premier League is our second biggest tournament, but for me personally the ranking events are more important.
“But that doesn’t take away the charm of this tournament, winning is never boring. I look for consistency and that was lacking in my game.
“If you have fun doing it, the results will follow.”
After the first night, Van Gerwen led the way with five points, Van Veen was second with three points, Johnny Clayton and Luke Humphries were next with two points, followed by Gerwyn Price, Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting and Josh Locke with zero points.
Michael van Gerwen leads after night one of the 2026 Premier League darts season
Van Gerwen’s statement on the Thun night
Van Gerwen was in great form all night and continued that in the final with a fast start, with Van Veen quickly picking up the first two legs in his wake.
The “Giants” managed to bring the score back to 2-2, but the seven-time Premier League champions remained unfazed and outscored their opponents midway through, extending their lead to 4-2.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Stephen Bunting to be walk-on on first night of Premier League Darts at Newcastle
Despite not having a sensational home run, Van Veen fought on and used his luck to stay slow and deny Van Gerwen three match darts from 5-3.
However, with darts and time on his side, Van Gerwen once again produced a power score, scoring D14 and taking the lead in just one week.
MVG also looked intimidating, dominating past champion Luke Humphries in the semi-finals for a 6-2 overall victory.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Michael van Gerwen hits 114 for a 6-2 win over Luke Humphries in the Premier League Darts Night One semi-final
While Humphries struggled in doubles, van Gerwen taught him how to check out 104 and top finish 114, ensuring that Humphries could compete against his fellow Dutchman.
The ‘Green Machine’ got off to a strong start to the season with a 6-2 win over Stephen Bunting.
After Bunting quickly took a 2-0 lead, Van Gerwen spun for a stunning six-legged effort to set up a showdown with the world No. 2.
Van Veen shines in his PL debut
Van Veen got revenge on Luke Littler at the World Darts Championship and opened his Premier League account with a dream debut.
The Dutch No1, who averages in the mid-90s, secured a place in the semi-finals by scoring D16 in the final leg to defeat Littler.
However, losing in the opening round is not uncommon for ‘The Nuke’, having lost in the opening round in 2025, losing to Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals. However, he averaged over 113 in that game.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
The moment Jan van Veen beat Luke Littler in the Premier League darts quarter-finals in Newcastle
Van Veen then secured a spot in the final with a tough 6-4 victory over Johnny Clayton.
The Dutchman took the lead in the match after three pitching breaks, but after missing a match dart, “The Ferret” fought back to take the match to 5-4.
But Van Veen hit 180 again, taking D16 with 11 darters to keep it in the count.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Luke Humphries scores 40 points ahead of Gerwyn Price in Premier League darts quarter-final in Newcastle
Elsewhere, in a frenetic opening game at Newcastle, Clayton made his comeback with a 6-2 win over Josh Lock, averaging 110 points in doubles and posting a 67 per cent checkout rate, outperforming the debutant who averaged over 102 points.
Meanwhile, defending champion Humphries survived a nervy final round decision to secure a 6-5 victory over Gerwyn Price.
His average of 105 helped him get over the line and after missing his own match dart and then surviving a match dart from ‘Iceman’, Humphries booked a spot in the semi-finals in D2.
Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will defend his title and you can watch the match every Thursday on Sky Sports from February to May. Stream darts and other top sports now.
