Three-time World Darts Champion Michael van Gerwen looks unrecognisable with hair in incredible throwback pics

Despite being one of the most recognizable figures in darts, Michael Van Gerwen’s prior appearance has left fans stunned.

Images of the three-time world champion with gingery-auburn hair from his early career have surfaced.

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During his first two years on the circuit, the Dutchman was a sensation.

Additionally, fans are excited for a trip down memory lane as the 2025 PDC World Championships get underway.

Images from his first appearance at the Ally Pally reveal a totally different MVG from the one we see now.

MVG has a wiry body, but his hair is what really transforms him into a distinct athlete.

At the age of 13, Van Gerwen started playing darts, and within four years, he was competing against Raymond van Barneveld, one of the greatest sporting giants.

He became the youngest player to ever accomplish the feat at a televised event in 2007 when, at the age of 17, he threw a nine-darter against Van Barneveld.

And the records would keep falling.

He was inconsistent for a few years before winning his first PDC Tour title in 2012.

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And in 2014, at the age of just 24, he defeated Peter Wright 7–4 in the final to win the title, becoming him the youngest world champion in darts history.

Since that time, he has won the championship twice more, in 2017 and 2019.

Before making his Ally Pally comeback on Friday, Van Gerwen sent a dire message to his opponents after a difficult 2024.

For the first time in years, he enters the World Darts Championship without being the favorite, facing James Hurrell in his opening match.

“It hasn’t been a great year, but we still have a while,” he told De Telegraaf.

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“I also unexpectedly won the Euro Tour in Budapest in September. The issue is that things could rapidly turn back around even after a victory.

He firmly stated: “Let them all think that they don’t have to take me into account, then one day someone will get the lid on their nose.”

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