We already saw Gian van Veen taking on the challenge with the YouTube guys from Bullhitter and this time Michael van Gerwen joins them.
The former World number 1 takes on all three and the full episode is shown on the footage below.
While we’re talking about amateur players, that doesn’t mean they can’t throw a decent dart. Gian van Veen experienced this firsthand not long ago, and the point was reinforced again last week when one of their ranks participated in the renowned MODUS Super Series.
Ollie Howard took part in this prestigious competition—and he certainly didn’t disappoint. He quickly secured his first win on the tour, and that was just the beginning. His performance was a clear indication that amateur players are more than capable of making their mark on the professional stage.
Michael van Gerwen would do well not to underestimate these men as he prepares to face them in a unique challenge format, playing one leg each against three different amateur contenders.
To be fair, Van Gerwen is no stranger to competing against amateur players. During the Poland Darts Masters, he famously dismissed his opponent as a mere “pub player” who, in his words, “wasn’t much of a threat.”
After the match, the Dutchman didn’t hold back: “It was a very poor game. Pero should be happy he won a single leg. Pero is not a good player. Pero is a pub darter, we all know that.”
He added: “He’s a nice guy, but if you’re aiming for treble 12 instead of treble 20, then you need to go back to the practice board.”
Van Gerwen later walked back his comments, issuing an apology after realizing that his words came off as unsportsmanlike and disrespectful—especially considering that, for his opponent, simply qualifying for the tournament was a remarkable achievement. To his credit, the amateur player even managed to take four legs off the three-time world champion.
As the line between professional and amateur talent continues to blur, one thing is clear: established names like Van Gerwen can no longer afford to take these so-called “pub players” lightly.