Michael van Gerwen isn’t holding back about his frustrations with the Premier League Darts format as the tournament kicks off in Newcastle on Thursday.
The Dutchman, who has lifted the trophy a record seven times, reckons the current knockout system has become far too predictable for his liking.
“I didn’t do too well last year but I also don’t like the format to be fair. Sometimes that doesn’t help me,” Van Gerwen said.
“I prefer the old format ahead of what we do now.”
Michael van Gerwen is fed up with playing the same players over and over again
| PA
The eight-player competition, running annually since 2005, switched from its traditional round-robin setup to a nightly knockout bracket back in January 2022.
Van Gerwen will be chasing an eighth title this season, competing alongside defending champion Luke Humphries, teenage sensation Luke Littler, and newcomer Gian van Veen.
Mighty Mike believes the solution could involve bringing back elements of the old system, perhaps blending both approaches throughout the season.
“You could involve eliminations or split it with this format for a few weeks then the old format again,” he suggested.
His biggest gripe? The same players facing each other week after week has taken away the magic of those special showdowns.
Michael van Gerwen has admitted he prefers the old Premier League format
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PA
“Now, all the players play too many games against each other and before people really look forward to a certain week,” Van Gerwen explained.
“They know that night is going to be Luke and Luke or Luke and Michael instead of it happening every single week.”
He does see one upside for the fans, though.
“I also understand from the spectator’s point of view, every week they get a little winner because there’s a little tournament each week.”
When the Professional Darts Corporation unveiled the new format back in 2022, chief executive Matt Porter was confident it would breathe fresh life into the competition.
Luke Littler is the reigning Premier League champion | PA
“The Premier League has grown beyond recognition since first being introduced 17 years ago, but the time was right to introduce this ground-breaking new format,” Porter said at the time.
He argued the changes would make every single game count more than ever before.
“Our new format means that every match matters.
“Every night throughout the season has its own champion and will provide even greater value for fans attending and watching around the world, with seven games playing through to a conclusion to find a winner in each venue.”
Whether Van Gerwen’s calls for change will be heard remains to be seen, but the debate is clearly far from over.
