Michael Van Gerwen claims Bahrain Darts Masters crown with win over Gian Van Veen
Michael Van Gerwen claims Bahrain Darts Masters crown with win over Gian Van Veen
Michael van Gerwen kicked off his 2026 season in style by lifting the Bahrain Darts Masters title for the first time, edging out compatriot Gian van Veen 8-6 in a high-quality final on Friday night.
The three-time World Champion added the iconic date palm trophy to his collection at Terminal 4 by Beyon, continuing the momentum from his World Series of Darts Finals triumph in 2025 and securing a remarkable 17th World Series title overall.
Van Gerwen produced a dominant run through the field, overcoming Alexis Toylo, Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price and Van Veen to seal victory and underline his intent for the year ahead.
Fast start proves decisive
The world number four made a blistering start in the final, landing finishes of 130 and 113 as he surged into a 3-0 lead. Although Van Veen responded well, Van Gerwen maintained control, moving 4-2 clear while averaging over 109.
A further burst saw the 36-year-old extend his advantage to 6-2, placing him firmly on the brink of victory. Van Veen refused to fold, however, stringing together three legs on the spin to close the gap to 6-5.
Van Gerwen halted the comeback with a crucial 103 checkout, before sealing the contest on double with a composed 66 finish to secure the title.
Emotional victory for Dutch great
“This win means a huge amount to me,” said Van Gerwen, who had previously never lifted the Bahrain trophy.
“I’d won the smaller version before, but this was the one I wanted. Wherever I play, I want to win, and I always give everything I’ve got.
“The last few years haven’t been easy, but it’s important to keep fighting your own battles.”
Path to the final
Van Gerwen opened his campaign with a gritty 6-4 victory over Toylo on Thursday, before producing the same scoreline to eliminate reigning champion Stephen Bunting.
He then dismantled Gerwyn Price 7-2 in the semi-finals, taking advantage of missed doubles to book his 26th World Series final in what was his 50th appearance on the circuit.
Friday’s showpiece marked the fourth all-Dutch final in World Series history, with Van Gerwen now victorious in all four encounters.
Praise for Van Veen
Reflecting on the final, Van Gerwen was quick to acknowledge his opponent’s rapid rise.
“What Gian has done recently has been unbelievable,” he said. “A World Championship final and now this straight away — we’re going to see a lot more of him.
“There will be plenty more matches between us, I’m sure. He’s a special talent… even if he’s making me feel old at 36!”
Another strong showing from Van Veen
Despite falling short, Van Veen impressed throughout his first appearance at the Bahrain Darts Masters. The Dutch number one saw off Man Lok Leung 6-2, before dismantling Danny Noppert 6-1 with a 104 average.
A composed 7-4 win over Nathan Aspinall sent him into his maiden World Series final, capping another outstanding fortnight following his run to the World Championship final.
“I’ve had a great tournament,” said Van Veen. “Two finals in a short space of time is something to be proud of, but finishing runner-up twice shows there’s still work to do.
“Playing Michael in a final as a fellow Dutchman was special. I came here to win, but today he was the deserved champion.”
Other quarter-final highlights
Elsewhere on Friday evening, Gerwyn Price stunned World Champion Luke Littler 6-2, while Nathan Aspinall produced a 104 average to defeat world number two Luke Humphries 6-3.
What’s next?
Following another successful visit to Bahrain, the World Series of Darts now moves on to uncharted territory with the inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters, taking place in Riyadh on January 19–20 as darts makes its first appearance in the Kingdom.
Michael Van Gerwen claims Bahrain Darts Masters crown with win over Gian Van Veen
2026 Bahrain Darts Masters
Friday January 16
Quarter-Finals
Gerwyn Price 6-2 Luke Littler
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Stephen Bunting
Nathan Aspinall 6-3 Luke Humphries
Gian van Veen 6-1 Danny Noppert
Semi-Finals
Michael van Gerwen 7-2 Gerwyn Price
Gian van Veen 7-4 Nathan Aspinall
Final
Michael van Gerwen 8-6 Gian van Veen
