Premier League Night One – Early Statements Made in Newcastle

Van Gerwen Fires Early Warning with Night One Win in Newcastle

Michael van Gerwen sent out an early statement in the 2026 BetMGM Premier League, powering his way to a Night One victory in Newcastle with an all-action display at the Utilita Arena.

The seven-time Premier League champion stacked performances throughout the night, battling through the draw before overcoming fellow Dutchman Gian van Veen 6-4 in Thursday’s final to kick-start his campaign in style.

Quarter-Finals

Night One exploded into life at the Utilita Arena, with four quarter-finals delivering immediate intensity and standout quality.

Jonny Clayton set the early pace with a dominant 6-2 win over Josh Rock, announcing his Premier League return in emphatic fashion. The Welshman was relentless on the scoring phase, averaging a superb 109.81 to storm into the semi-finals.

Gian van Veen followed with a breakthrough Premier League moment, defeating world champion Luke Littler 6-4. The Dutch debutant held his nerve in the pressure legs, avenging his World Championship final defeat and underlining his credentials on the big stage.

Defending champion Luke Humphries then survived a dramatic deciding-leg battle against Gerwyn Price. Humphries escaped two match darts and averaged north of 104 in a high-octane contest that kept Newcastle on edge until the final dart.

Michael van Gerwen rounded off the quarter-finals with authority, dispatching Stephen Bunting 6-2. After a steady opening, the Dutchman shifted through the gears, reeling off six straight legs to take full control.

2026 BetMGM Premier League

Night One – Utilita Arena, Newcastle
Thursday February 5

Quarter-Finals
Jonny Clayton 6-2 Josh Rock
Gian van Veen 6-4 Luke Littler
Luke Humphries 6-5 Gerwyn Price
Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Stephen Bunting

Semi-Finals

Van Veen continued his impressive Night One run with another assured display, overcoming Clayton 6-4 to book his place in the final. The Dutchman delivered when it mattered most, producing timely scoring and clean finishing in the closing legs.

Van Gerwen then produced one of the performances of the night, overpowering reigning champion Humphries 6-2. Clinical on the doubles and ruthless at the finish, Van Gerwen closed the match with back-to-back ton-plus checkouts to reach the showpiece.

Semi-Finals
Gian van Veen 6-4 Jonny Clayton
Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Luke Humphries

Final

Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Gian van Veen

The final began at blistering pace, with Van Gerwen racing into a 2-0 lead in just 28 darts. Van Veen refused to go away, punishing missed opportunities and applying sustained pressure to stay within touching distance.

A nerveless 110 checkout dragged Van Veen back to 4-3, but Van Gerwen had the final word. After missing match darts in leg nine, he reset instantly, following up a sixth 180 by pinning double 14 to seal a hard-earned Night One victory.

Night One – Key Insights

180s: 44

Highest Average: 109.81 (Jonny Clayton)

Highest Checkout: 117 (Michael van Gerwen)

Built on power, resilience and big-moment execution, Van Gerwen’s Night One success lays down an early marker in the 2026 BetMGM Premier League. The roadshow now heads to Antwerp next week for Night Two, with full highlights to follow.