Michael van Gerwen
A darting phenomenon whose explosive scoring and relentless dominance redefined power and precision in the modern game.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Dutch darts player·Birthday: April 25·Millennials
Biography
Michael van Gerwen didn't just win darts matches; he overwhelmed opponents with a blistering, aggressive style that made him must-watch television. The Dutchman, who turned professional as a teenager, announced his arrival by becoming the youngest winner of the World Masters in 2006. After a period of adjustment, he exploded in 2014, beginning a seven-year reign as world number one that was built on a staggering tally of major titles. His signature move—piling in maximum 180s with machine-gun rapidity—forced the entire sport to raise its standard. While his aura of invincibility has been challenged in recent seasons, 'Mighty Mike' remains a premier threat, his competitive fire undimmed as he continues to chase more silverware.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Michael was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Michael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Michael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Held the PDC world number one ranking for a continuous seven years from 2014 to 2021.
- Won three PDC World Darts Championship titles in 2014, 2017, and 2019.
- Has secured over 150 professional tournament victories, including numerous Premier League and World Grand Prix wins.
- Became the youngest player ever to win the World Masters title at age 17 in 2006.
Did You Know?
He was a talented youth soccer player and was scouted by PSV Eindhoven.
He is known for his distinctive green darting attire, which is a signature part of his brand.
He owns a large pig farm in his hometown of Vlijmen in the Netherlands.
“You have to be like a lion, you have to kill them. That's what I do.”
