Michael van Gerwen may have slipped to fourth in the world rankings after a lean spell, but the 36-year-old Dutchman's peak years at the World Darts Championship remain a benchmark of dominance. During that period, he achieved a historic streak of 19 consecutive matches averaging over 100 at the Worlds, a record unmatched and spanning four different editions of the tournament. This run began almost immediately after he averaged 99.03 in December 2015 against René Eidams, which served as a launchpad for a remarkable surge in performance.
Van Gerwen's supremacy was not just about scoring; it also translated into titles, as he captured two of his three world championships during this spell. His ruthless efficiency on doubles meant opponents rarely had a chance to settle, with matches often decided early. The impressive streak eventually ended in December 2019 when he averaged 96.28 in his second-round match against Jelle Klaasen, a number that marked the end of the record but still counts as elite level for most players.
While his good friend Vincent van der Voort has recently questioned his nights out, Van Gerwen's legacy at the World Championship is secure. His peak is often compared to Phil Taylor's dominance, with Van Gerwen taking the game to new heights through unprecedented scoring runs. As he remains a force to be reckoned with, his performances continue to underline what is possible in darts under the greatest pressure.