Michael van Gerwen Claims Hungarian Darts Trophy

Michael van Gerwen triumphed over compatriot Gian van Veen 8-7 to win the Hungarian Darts Trophy marking his first European Tour title in 16 months. The 35-year-old dart player secured his first ranking tournament victory of the year at Players Championship 21 on September 18 and followed it up with success in Budapest at the MVM Dome.

Van Gerwen made history during the tournament’s second round when he and Norwegian player Dekker both achieved nine-dart finishes—an unprecedented event in European Tour history. In the final, Van Gerwen found himself trailing 7-6 in the best-of-15 match but managed to break van Veen’s throw, leveling the score before clinching victory in the decisive leg.

This victory marked Van Gerwen’s 37th European Tour title, though it was his first since the Belgian Darts Trophy in May 2023. Prior to the final, he started the tournament with comfortable 6-2 wins against England’s Martin Lukeman and Germany’s Gabriel Clemens. He then overcame Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock 6-4 in the quarter-finals and defeated Englishman Ross Smith 7-3 in the semi-finals.

Reflecting on his achievement, Michael van Gerwen expressed his ongoing passion for the sport, stating, “I want to win more, and my love for the game is still there.” This victory not only adds to his impressive title count but also reinvigorates his standing in the competitive world of darts, demonstrating that he remains a formidable force in the sport.