Darts Rising Star Gian van Veen Eyes Top Spot Amid Rivalry

Emerging darts talent Gian van Veen has expressed admiration for fellow player Luke Littler, admitting that comparing himself to the rising star would leave him “crying in bed.” Van Veen, who recently secured his first major title at the European Championship, is looking to solidify his status as one of the leading figures in professional darts.

At just 23 years old, Van Veen has been making significant strides on the PDC Pro Tour. His victory over Luke Humphries in a dramatic final in Germany last month showcased his potential and marked his entry into the upper echelons of the sport. Van Veen’s performance has led many to speculate about a new era in darts with him and Littler at the forefront, similar to the legendary rivalry between Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld.

With the upcoming Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, where Van Veen reached the quarter-finals last year, he is focused on maintaining his momentum. He has been drawn in a competitive group alongside Josh Rock, Wessel Nijman, and Lisa Ashton, setting the stage for exciting matchups.

Van Veen has his sights set on becoming the top-ranked Dutch player, a position currently held by the renowned Michael van Gerwen. “I think it’s a possibility [becoming Dutch number one], especially if I keep my numbers up like they have been in 2025,” he stated. He acknowledged Van Gerwen’s resilience, recalling how the former world champion rebounded from a dip in form to reach the finals of the World Championships last year.

Reflecting on the prospect of future encounters with Littler, who triumphed over him in the World Youth Championship final in 2023, Van Veen showed respect for his counterpart’s achievements. “It’s nice to be put in the same sentence as someone like Luke Littler, but to see what he’s done in the past couple of years is phenomenal,” he remarked.

“I don’t want to compare myself to him because then I would be crying in bed the whole week,” he added, emphasizing Littler’s consistent performance under pressure. With Littler ranked second in the world and poised for further success, Van Veen recognizes the challenge ahead as he aims to elevate his own game.

As the World Championship approaches, darts enthusiasts are eager to witness the unfolding rivalry between these talented players. The excitement surrounding Van Veen and Littler reflects a vibrant future for the sport, with both competitors demonstrating exceptional skill and determination.

In the lead-up to the Grand Slam, Van Veen is keen to leverage his recent successes and continue building on his impressive trajectory. With each tournament, the stakes are raised, and the spotlight on these rising stars only grows brighter.