2025 World Matchplay Darts – Michael van Gerwen vs Josh Rock
Michael van Gerwen faces Josh Rock in a blockbuster 2025 World Matchplay second round tie, and we’re backing Josh Rock to Win (4/9), Over 18.5 Legs (1/1), and Josh Rock to hit the Most 180s (4/11). A successful £10 treble returns approximately £39.39.
Michael van Gerwen
Michael van Gerwen, universally known as “Mighty Mike,” is a three-time World Champion and one of the most decorated players in darts history. He’s held the world number one spot for years and boasts an astonishing 47 PDC major titles, including three World Matchplay triumphs. Even as the world number three in 2025, Van Gerwen stays a perennial threat. His scoring power is legendary, with a fluid, rapid-fire style capable of crushing opponents in minutes.
However, consistency hasn’t always been at his peak standard in recent times. Last season, he made multiple TV finals and reached the last hurdle at both the World Championship and World Matchplay, only to fall short against in-form rivals. Despite a strong showing to reach the 2025 World Championship final, “MVG” is aware that the new generation pose more danger than ever and that he’ll need to find top gear to see off a fearless opponent like Rock.
Josh Rock
Josh Rock – “Rocky” – is one of darts’ fastest-rising stars, currently ranked world number 17 but quickly climbing the PDC ladder after a remarkable 2025 season. Just 24 years old, Rock claimed his first senior PDC title in 2024 and already has six titles to his name, including a landmark World Cup win for Northern Ireland. Most impressively, Josh Rock stunned the darts world by hitting a nine-darter – the most difficult and spectacular feat in the sport – against Van Gerwen himself on TV at the 2022 Grand Slam of Darts.
That historic finish, delivered with nerveless precision against one of darts’ true icons, showed Rock’s fearlessness on the biggest stages. During the current season, Rock reached the UK Open semi-finals and has regularly topped the 180s charts, showcasing a high-octane, aggressive style and clinical combination finishing. His reputation as one of the game’s finest 180 hitters is backed up by his recent maximums tally and his rapid-fire rhythm, which unsettles even the most experienced opponents.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Van Gerwen and Rock have only met a handful of times on the biggest stages so far, but their encounters are already making headlines. Their most memorable clash remains that 2022 Grand Slam showdown, where Rock blasted a televised nine-darter past Van Gerwen before eventually losing a memorable contest. Since then, Rock has continued to close the performance gap, beating MVG in a key stage at the 2025 UK Open and pushing the Dutchman deep in other televised battles. While Van Gerwen retains a slim edge in their head-to-head record, recent meetings have been extremely competitive, often decided by a single missed double or one heroic finish.
Recent Tournament Matches
Both players made solid starts to their 2025 World Matchplay campaigns. Van Gerwen dispatched Raymond van Barneveld 10–6, mixing patches of brilliance with the occasional lapse in focus. His average hovered just below 92, but he showed his famed ability to close out legs under pressure. Josh Rock produced an electric display to sweep aside Ross Smith 10–5, firing in a three-dart average over 104 and asserting himself with a barrage of high scores and pinpoint checkouts. That commanding performance sent a clear message to the rest of the field and underlined Rock’s credentials as a genuine contender.
Betting Selections Analysis
Josh Rock – Match Winner (4/9)
Rock’s status as favourite owes much to his relentless recent form, major breakthrough wins, and psychological edge gained from past glories against Van Gerwen. His high-scoring style, fearlessness in big moments (as shown by that famous nine-darter), and hunger to prove himself against the established guard make a strong case for siding with him. Van Gerwen still commands respect, but Rock’s sharper recent average, maturer all-round game, and rising confidence mean he is expected to edge this tie.
Over 18.5 Legs (1/1)
With the second round played over a tense best-of-21 format (must win by two), this contest should be closely fought. Both players are dogged competitors and have a history of tight matches. Van Gerwen is renowned for never surrendering without a fight, and Rock thrives under pressure in drawn-out encounters. Expect both men to trade big finishes and scoring blitzes, making scenarios like 11–8, 11–9 or possibly even sudden death highly plausible.
Josh Rock – Most 180s (4/11)
Rock’s maximum-hitting prowess is now his trademark. He leads the 180 count in many matches and has outscored legendary power-scorers, including MVG, on several occasions this year. With his rapid tempo and comfort on the treble 20, Rock is fancied to dominate this market, especially if he maintains composure and confidence from the very first leg.
Conclusion and Summary
The stage is set for a classic Blackpool shootout. If Josh Rock maintains his aggression and accuracy – the qualities that helped him land that unforgettable nine-darter against MVG – the value is with the treble. Key risks include Van Gerwen summoning his A-game or Rock squandering chances at key moments, but the momentum, narrative, and numbers all point to Rock as both the match and 180s favourite, as well as a strong tip for a match that will go the distance.
For more insights and predictions, explore our darts predictions in our betting tips section.
Love football? The new season starts soon and we are looking forward to bringing you our new format football betting tips.
