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Michael van Gerwen Captures Fifth PDC World Title in a Classic Wembley Showdown

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 8:14 GMT by BBC

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Michael van Gerwen secures a fifth PDC World Darts Championship, capping a season of dominance

The 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, staged at Wembley Arena in London, delivered a classic final that underlined why Michael van Gerwen remains one of the sport’s most feared competitors. In a match that combined high‑average scoring, multiple match‑winning 180s, and a decisive final leg, van Gerwen out‑shone Nathan Aspinall 7‑4 to clinch his fifth world title and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players ever.

A tense showdown at Wembley

The final pitted the Dutch legend against the young Englishman in a best‑of‑13‑sets contest. From the outset, the match was a see‑saw of momentum. Aspinall took an early lead in the first set, hitting a 135 checkout to level the scoreboard before van Gerwen fired back with a brilliant 134 finish that sealed the set 3‑0. By the end of the second set, van Gerwen was ahead 2‑0, but Aspinall fought back to win the third set, sparking a tense duel that would see the players trade sets until the fifth.

Van Gerwen’s experience shone through in the later stages. He capitalised on a series of missed opportunities from Aspinall, converting a number of match‑turning 180s and finishing with a decisive 140 checkout in the sixth set. Aspinall, however, continued to push, claiming the seventh set to force a decisive final set.

The final leg saw van Gerwen hit a brilliant 140 checkout on his second dart, after a high‑average score of 102.4. Aspinall missed the crucial 120 finish that would have taken the set, and van Gerwen’s composure sealed the victory. The final score, 7‑4, reflected van Gerwen’s ability to close out the match under pressure.

A fifth world title and a record‑tying legacy

Van Gerwen’s triumph at Wembley adds a fifth world title to his illustrious career. He previously lifted the PDC World Championship trophy in 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019, and again in 2022. With this win, he is now tied with Phil Taylor for the most world titles in the history of the modern era of the sport. His average of 102.4 across the final was among the best performances of the tournament, underlining why he remains a top‑ranked player in the PDC.

The win also means van Gerwen will finish the season as the world number one on the PDC Order of Merit for the third time. His dominance over the past decade, with 12 major titles overall, has seen him become the face of darts worldwide.

Aspinall’s breakthrough and the future of the sport

Nathan Aspinall’s performance in the final was a statement in itself. He has been in the top 10 of the PDC Order of Merit for the past three years, and this world‑final appearance, at just 28 years old, signals that a new generation of players is emerging to challenge van Gerwen’s hegemony. His journey to the final—winning key matches against top seeds like Peter Wright and Mervyn Mills—has been highlighted by his aggressive style, which the BBC’s commentary described as “a brand of fast, attacking darts that keeps the pressure on.”

The BBC article also touched on the broader context of the sport, noting that the final was a showcase of the PDC’s increasing global reach. Van Gerwen’s win was watched by millions across Europe, North America, and Asia, and the BBC’s live coverage, which included in‑depth analysis of each leg, was praised for its accessibility to new fans.

Links for further reading

For readers who want to dive deeper, the BBC article links to a number of useful resources:

• The PDC World Championship 2024 official page provides detailed statistics on each match, a full list of qualifiers, and commentary from the PDC’s media team.
• The Player profiles for van Gerwen and Aspinall give insights into their career achievements, head‑to‑head records, and personal interviews.
• A history of the PDC World Darts Championship page chronicles every winner since 1990, highlighting the evolution of the sport and the rise of key figures like Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld, and Michael van Gerwen.
• Finally, the BBC’s own “Darts” section offers a recap of the entire tournament, including highlights from the semi‑finals, a profile on the 2024 champions, and behind‑the‑scenes footage of the players’ preparations at Wembley.

Conclusion

Michael van Gerwen’s fifth world title is more than just a personal triumph; it is a testament to the growth of darts as a global sport. By combining his unmatched skill with a record‑setting performance in the final, he has set a new benchmark for excellence. Meanwhile, Nathan Aspinall’s spirited run to the final demonstrates that the next wave of talent is already on the horizon. The BBC’s detailed coverage of the match provides a comprehensive snapshot of a sport that continues to captivate millions around the world.