Once, Gian van Veen was the young boy looking up in admiration at the giants of the sport. Today, the roles have reversed — and he is fully aware of it.
That realization recently led to a heartwarming moment with a young supporter, captured on video, symbolizing just how far the Dutchman has come.
A Breakthrough Season
Van Veen is currently enjoying the form of his life. A place in the World Championship final and qualification for the prestigious Premier League Darts underline his rapid rise. He has climbed to third place in the world rankings, overtaking compatriot Michael van Gerwen in the process.
The two will now join forces to represent the Netherlands at the World Cup of Darts, a partnership that promises fireworks given their combined scoring power and competitive edge.
Redemption and Rivalry
Van Veen has already exacted revenge on teenage sensation Luke Littler, defeating him on the very opening night of the Premier League campaign. However, that first evening ultimately turned into a Dutch celebration led by Van Gerwen, who claimed the nightly title and moved to the top of the standings.
The second night in Antwerp proved equally dramatic. Van Veen narrowly missed out on victory in his opening match, suffering a 6–5 defeat to Gerwyn Price. The narrow loss was no disgrace, as Price went on to defeat Jonny Clayton (6–5) and Van Gerwen (6–3) to secure the nightly win.
Current Standings
Despite those results, it is Van Gerwen who currently leads the Premier League table with eight points. Price follows with five points, while Clayton (four points) and Van Veen (three points) complete the top four.
Outside the playoff positions for now are Littler (two points), Luke Humphries (two points), Stephen Bunting (zero points), and Josh Rock (zero points).
Although the season is still in its early stages, finishing in the top four is crucial to secure a place in the playoffs — the ultimate goal for every competitor in the field.
Looking Ahead
Next week, Van Veen will open the evening against Bunting, while Van Gerwen faces Littler in a blockbuster quarterfinal clash.
The Premier League roadshow will then move on to Scotland, where Glasgow hosts the third night of action — another opportunity for the sport’s elite to claim silverware in what is shaping up to be a thrilling campaign.