At the prestigious World Matchplay, Dutch darts player Gian van Veen stunned the global darts community by knocking out none other than the world number one, Luke Humphries. A performance that not only showcased his exceptional talent but also solidified his status as one of the sport’s most promising new faces.
Van Veen recently made an appearance on the popular YouTube channel Bullhitters, where his unexpected clash with one of the channel’s hosts ended in a way no one could have predicted — as seen in the now widely shared footage.
Beyond the main stage, Van Veen is becoming increasingly active in grassroots darts. He has been engaging with youth players in England and has expressed amazement at how deeply rooted darts is in British culture.
“Here in England, most kids say they play darts,” Van Veen noted. “But if you asked the same question in a Dutch classroom, you’d be lucky to find even one student who raises their hand.”
His observations hint at what many are calling the “Luke Littler effect” — a new wave of enthusiasm for darts among British youth, reminiscent of the earlier “Van Barneveld” and “Van Gerwen” effects seen in the Netherlands.
Could the “Van Veen effect” be on the horizon for the Netherlands? His growing popularity — even in the UK — suggests it’s a possibility. Remarkably, his star continues to rise despite eliminating British favorite Humphries from one of the sport’s biggest tournaments.
Van Veen’s appeal extends far beyond his unique throwing style and consistent performances. He is widely praised for his composure, humility, and sportsmanship — qualities that have earned him the nickname “the ideal son-in-law” by commentators.
While his image is that of a consummate professional, Van Veen is still human — as evidenced by the unexpected outcome of his friendly match against amateur player Maccers, featured in the Bullhitters video. A rare misstep, but one that brings him even closer to the fans: talented, genuine, and still learning.
Currently ranked 22nd in the world, Gian van Veen represents the future of Dutch darts — a player with the potential to inspire a new generation. The question remains: will he be the catalyst for a darts revival in the Netherlands? If his trajectory continues, the answer might very well be yes.