The Dutchman took the record for most wins in the one-day classic over 271km between Antwerp and Oudenaarde in Belgium, a so-called monument race which was staged for the 108th time on Sunday.
The Easter Bunny on a bike made sure to speed up the race.
van der Poel pulled away from the rest of the field on the slippery cobblestones of Koppenberg with 45 km remaining in the race.
– I was completely exhausted when there was a mile to go and closed my eyes and hoped it would work out, says van der Poul, who drove in the world champion jersey, another special detail on this day, in Eurosport’s broadcast.
Elisa Longo Borghini won the women’s class for the second time after a sprint finish.