World Matchplay Darts 2025: Emotional Michael Van Gerwen Draws Curtain on Longtime Rivalry with Raymond van Barneveld

The two greatest Dutch darting icons renewed their rivalry for the 61st time as Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen clashed in the opening round of the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay.

The Winter Gardens crowd were expecting fireworks from one of the sport’s most iconic fixtures, but the match ultimately fell short of the hype.

Van Gerwen, far from his brilliant best, limped over the line with a three-dart average just north of 90, defeating his former mentor 10–6 in a scrappy affair.

Vulnerability from the Green Machine

After sealing victory, van Gerwen looked visibly emotional. The pair shared a heartfelt embrace as van Barneveld raised his hand in front of a supportive Blackpool crowd.

Speaking to us post-match, van Gerwen reflected on his reaction — characteristically, with a touch of humour.

“Me and Raymond. I didn't have that emotion with him. I felt sorry for him,” he joked.

“No, no, but of course you have emotion, otherwise you're not human.”

Van Gerwen’s emotional state may have been influenced by personal turmoil off the oche. The Dutchman recently announced his divorce from his long-term wife Daphne, after 11 years of marriage — a deeply difficult moment in his private life.

‘The Rivalry Is Gone’ – MVG Shuts Down the Narrative

Fans and media may want the drama, but van Gerwen says it's no longer real. 

With so much history between the pair, we asked van Gerwen about the famous rivalry that once defined Dutch darts. But for the Green Machine, those days are firmly in the past.

“They want to hype it. If you really look to the facts, it's not a hype. They want to make it a clash. And I understand that.”

Van Gerwen made it clear that while the respect remains, the edge of competition has dulled with time — and that’s just the nature of the sport.

“Darts Moves On” 

While paying tribute to van Barneveld’s immense contribution to darts, van Gerwen was clear-eyed about the reality of change in a constantly evolving game.

“I think what Raymond did for the sport of darts is incredible. But darts moves on and darts doesn't stop for anyone. Not even for me, not for Phil Taylor, for no one. Simple as that.”

It was a reminder that even legends must eventually make way for the future — a truth van Gerwen knows will one day apply to him too.