“Everyone said he’s done nothing yet, I have now”: Gian van Veen sends message to doubters about potential Premier League selection
Gian van Veen Silences Doubters with European Championship Triumph, Eyes Premier League Spot
Gian van Veen, the 23-year-old Dutch darts sensation, has sent a bold message to his critics after clinching his first PDC major title at the 2025 Machineseeker European Championship on October 26 in Dortmund. Overcoming world No. 1 Luke Humphries in a thrilling 11-10 final, Van Veen proved his mettle with a decisive 100 checkout (single 20, treble 16, double 16), silencing those who doubted his credentials. “Everyone said he’s done nothing yet, I have now,” Van Veen declared in a post-match interview, directly addressing the skepticism about his lack of major wins despite his rise to No. 15 in the world rankings. The victory, his first televised ranking title, has fueled speculation about a 2026 Premier League invitation, with Van Veen openly lobbying for a spot. “If Barry Hearn is listening, I’d love to be in the Premier League next year,” he said, grinning. “I was number 15, and everyone said, ‘He hasn’t won a title.’ Well, I have now.”
The Breakthrough: A Nail-Biting Final
Van Veen’s path to glory was anything but smooth. Trailing 4-1 early against Humphries, he staged a remarkable comeback, leveling at 4-4 with a 10-dart leg and a 160 checkout. The match swung wildly, with Van Veen missing two championship darts at double top before Humphries forced a decider with a bullseye. In the final leg, Van Veen held his nerve, sealing the £120,000 prize with that clutch 100 finish. His 107 average in the semifinal against Michael van Gerwen (11-9 win) underscored his form, boosting him to No. 7 in the world.
The Doubt and the Response
Van Veen admitted the pressure of unmet expectations weighed on him. “The last four European tournaments, I reached three semifinals. Last week against Aspinall, I was 6-4 up and lost 7-6—that hurt,” he told reporters. “Everyone said, ‘Gian is good, but he chokes at the decisive moment.’ That stuck with me.” His 2025 resume—Players Championship 6 title (beating Humphries 8-3), two European Tour runner-ups, and a World Youth Championship win in 2024—hadn’t silenced the doubters until now. “If I’d lost this final, it would’ve been mentally tough,” he added, highlighting the emotional stakes.
Premier League Aspirations
The Premier League, featuring eight players (four top Order of Merit, four committee picks), is Van Veen’s next target. Starting at No. 15, his jump to No. 7 strengthens his case, especially with minimal prize money to defend at upcoming majors (Grand Slam, Players Championship Finals, World Championship). “As long as I keep putting in these performances, who knows?” he said, acknowledging the competition from players like Littler and Van Gerwen. His maturity—balancing darts with a degree and a grounded outlook—adds to his appeal.
Reactions: “Premier League Material”
Posts on X hailed Van Veen’s win, with fans calling him “Premier League ready” and Humphries conceding, “He’s tremendous—gutted, but he deserves it.” The narrative shift is clear: from “done nothing” to a rising force. Van Veen’s journey—from dartitis struggles to this breakthrough—resonates as an inspiration.
Van Veen’s message to doubters? Delivered. The Premier League? He’s knocking—and with this form, the door’s creaking open.
