Michael van Gerwen made a big statement when he won Night One of Premier League Darts 2026 with a 6-4 victory over Gian van Veen in the final in Newcastle.
In the all-Dutch final, it was Van Gerwen who looked most comfortable throughout, and the night’s victory proved just one step too far for Van Veen on his debut night.
By moving up to world No.3 at the World Darts Championship, Van Veen took the Dutch No.1 mark from Van Gerwen, with ‘The Green Machine’ having to relinquish that mark for the first time in over a decade.
But Van Gerwen made sure to remind everyone why he held that position for so long.
Remarkably, Van Gerwen did not claim a nightly victory in the 2025 Premier League but ensured it was a perfect start to 2026 as he vowed to enjoy his arrows.
“It’s definitely a good performance,” Van Gerwen said Sky Sports.
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The moment Van Gerwen defeated Van Veen to win the opening night of the Premier League Darts season
“Without playing my A game, I still won it. I was steady and had some great finishes at the right times.
“I know I can do better, but it gives you confidence. Winning games is the best medicine.
“I want to qualify for the playoffs, but that’s not my main priority. My main priority is the ranking tournaments.
“The Premier League is the second biggest tournament for us, but for me personally the rankings are more important.
“But that doesn’t take away from this tournament and winning is never boring. I want consistency, which has been lacking in my game.
“I want to enjoy myself and the results will come.”
After Night One, Van Gerwen sits at the top of the table on five points, with Van Veen in second place on three points, Jonny Clayton and Luke Humphries on two, then Gerwyn Price, Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting and Josh Rock on zero points.
Van Gerwen tops the table after Night One of the 2026 Premier League Darts season
Van Gerwen’s statement night on the show
Van Gerwen had been in fine form all night and continued that with his fast start in the final, quickly picking up the first two legs with Van Veen on the back foot.
‘The Giant’ managed to bring the score back to 2-2, but that did not faze the seven-time Premier League winner, who continued to outscore his opponent en route to going 4-2 up.
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Stephen Bunting makes his walk-on during Night One of the Premier League Darts in Newcastle
Although not at his sensational best, Van Veen continued to fight and hold his roll, using his luck as Van Gerwen wasted three match darts from 5-3 up.
But with the arrows and time on his side, Van Gerwen found his power scoring once again and had D14 sit on top after just one week.
MVG was also in blistering fashion as he cruised past reigning champion Humphries to a comprehensive 6-2 win in the semi-finals.
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Van Gerwen takes out 114 to secure a 6-2 win over Luke Humphries
As Humphries struggled with the double, Van Gerwen showed him how it’s done with a 104 checkout and then 114 finish on top to ensure he could take on his fellow Dutchman.
‘The Green Machine’ had got their campaign off to a good start with a 6-2 win over Bunting.
After Bunting claimed a quick 2-0 lead, Van Gerwen took a remarkable six legs on the spin to set up his clash with the world No.2.
Van Veen shines on PL debut
Van Veen opened his Premier League account with a dream debut as he got revenge on Littler for his World Darts Championship final defeat.
With an average in the mid-90s, the Dutch No. 1 broke Littler in the final round by beating D16 to secure his place in the semifinals.
However, an opening day loss is not new for ‘The Nuke’ as he also suffered defeat in the opening quarter-final in 2025 when he was beaten by Van Gerwen. But in that game he averaged over 113.
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The moment Van Veen defeated Littler in the quarterfinals
Van Veen then earned his place in the final after battling for a hard-fought 6-4 win over Clayton.
The Dutchman was on top of the match after three breaks, but after missing a match arrow, ‘The Ferret’ fought back to take the match to 5-4.
However, Van Veen found his 180 stroke again and made it count, ruling out D16 for an 11-darter.
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Humphries finds 40 to go past Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals
Clayton had bounced back with a 6-2 win over Rock, averaging 110 and a 67 percent checkout rate on the doubles to overtake the debutant, who averaged over 102.
Meanwhile, defending champion Humphries came through a nervous final stage to secure a 6-5 victory over Price.
His 105 average helped him over the line and after missing his own match darts and then surviving a match dart from ‘Iceman’, Humphries booked his place in the semi-finals of D2.
Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will defend his title and you can watch the action every Thursday from February to May on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sports with NU.