Luke Littler on Fire in World Grand Prix Thriller Against Gian van Veen
The 2025 World Grand Prix kicked off with a bang as teenage sensation Luke Littler delivered a masterclass performance to defeat rising Dutch star Gian van Veen in a high-octane first-round thriller on October 7 at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. The world No. 2, seeded second, overcame van Veen’s record-breaking 106.47 average—the highest in World Grand Prix history—with his own 105.58 effort, winning 2-0 in sets to advance and lay to rest ghosts from previous early exits.
A Record-Breaking Battle: Van Veen’s Historic Average Falls Short
The clash between the 18-year-old Littler and 20-year-old van Veen, the 2024 World Youth Champion, was billed as a generational showdown, with van Veen leading their head-to-head 4-3. Despite van Veen’s blistering pace—averaging 106.47, shattering the previous record set by Alan Warriner-Little in 2001 (106.45)—Littler held firm, clinching the sets 3-1 and 3-2 in legs. Littler’s own 105.58 average ranks as the third-highest in tournament history, behind only van Veen’s mark and Gary Anderson’s 104.86 from 2013.
The double-in/double-out format, which Littler has previously admitted he “didn’t like,” added tension, but he adapted superbly, starting strong with a 151 checkout in the first leg. Van Veen, who had beaten Littler in their last two European Tour meetings (one with a 110 average), pushed hard but couldn’t convert, winning just two of eight legs despite his record average. Littler sealed the match with a stunning 144 checkout, drawing roars from the crowd.
Littler’s Redemption: Laying Ghosts to Rest
Littler’s victory exorcises demons from prior Grand Prix campaigns, where he crashed out in the first round in both 2023 and 2024. The “Nuke,” who admitted disliking the double-start rule, adapted brilliantly, calling it his “best performance ever” in the format. Despite van Veen’s record average, Littler’s maturity and checkout efficiency (e.g., three 140s to open scoring) proved decisive.
Path Forward: A Quarterfinal Blockbuster Awaits
Littler now faces the winner of Peter Wright vs. Mike De Decker in the second round, a potential clash with the defending champion or the volatile “Snakebite.” A deeper run could set up a quarterfinal against Michael van Gerwen or Josh Rock, keeping his title hopes alive in the £120,000 winner-take-all event.
Fan and Expert Buzz: “One of the Best Matches Ever”
The match trended on X as #LittlerVeen, with fans in awe: “Gian with a record average and still loses? Littler’s class!” Experts hailed it as “one of the best first-round matches in Grand Prix history,” with Paul Nicholson noting van Veen’s bravery despite the loss. Littler’s performance, post-management split, reaffirms his status as darts’ future, with the £600,000 event promising more fireworks.
