The 32-year-old, a two-time runner-up including a painful defeat to Peter Wright 12 months ago, hit darting perfection in the second set and continued to produce some amazing scoring as he won one of the greatest finals ever seen by 7-4 that left him in tears of joy.
He became just the second player to hit a nine-darter in the World Championship final and the first since Adrian Lewis in 2011 as he took his place in the history books.
In taking his maiden title at the third attempt he also became world number one and gained revenge for the 2019 final defeat to Van Gerwen.
That was the last time MVG won the showpiece and it needed brilliance from Smith to deny him this time around as ‘Smith’ rattled off four successive sets to secure his path to glory.
MVG was the heavy favourite for a fourth title after a brilliant year and an even better tournament, he seemed unbeatable when averaging over 100 in every round up to the final.
But he flopped at the last hurdle as after playing his part in an incredible opening to the match, where he missed an attempt at a nine-darter before Smith threw his 9, his level dropped off, allowing his opponent to race to There were fears it might go the other way after MVG took the opening set against the throw, but those were quickly washed away after one of the greatest legs in the tournament’s history in the second set.
On MVGs throw, both men launched incredible nine-dart attempts and it was Smith who landed it. Price the former number one Tweeted What a final congratulations World Champion World No1
MVG had the first chance at perfection as he hit eight brilliant set-up darts, but was the width of a wire out with his attempt at double 12.
Smith, throwing second, was right behind him, though, and made no mistake, following eight successive treble 20s with the prized double 12 to send everyone wild.
It leveled the match up at 1-1 as one of the best finals in the 30-year history of the PDC tournament unfolded.
Van Gerwen may have missed out on the nine-darter but he threw a 10-dart leg in what could have been a pivotal fifth set, which he took against the throw to lead 3-2.
But Smith rallied and immediately returned fire to level at 3-3 and then produced a brilliant 130 checkout to rescue the seventh set and go 4-3 ahead.
He was in the zone and quickly took the next two in a run of four sets in a row to put daylight between him and Van Gerwen for the first time.
Smith finally achieved his dream of winning the world title
Smith may have had flashbacks to last year’s final defeat to Wright where he squandered a 5-4 lead after Van Gerwen stopped the rot to make it 6-4 and then led 2-0 in the next set.
But with the help of a 106 checkout, he regained control winning the last three legs to claim the title amid emotional scenes.
Smith said he felt “amazing” but believed he was lucky and said "he took his chances"
This was a remarkable final and one that will be viewed many times again and one of if not the best finals ever.
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