Gian van Veen Left Eating His Words After Bold Warning to Luke Littler Backfires in Grand Prix Thriller

In a match that will be remembered as one of the greatest first-round clashes in World Grand Prix history, Dutch sensation Gian van Veen was left to rue his pre-tournament bravado after Luke Littler dismantled his record-breaking performance to claim a stunning 2-0 sets victory on October 7, 2025, at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. Van Veen, the 20-year-old 2024 World Youth Champion, had issued a confident warning to the “scared” world No. 2 just days earlier, claiming “all the pressure is on him” and expressing eagerness to “get Littler out of the way now.” But in a double-in/double-out epic that showcased the format’s unforgiving nature, Littler’s clinical finishing turned van Veen’s historic 106.47 average—the highest ever in the tournament—into a heartbreaking footnote.

Van Veen’s Warning: Confidence Meets Reality
Van Veen, who entered the event with a 4-3 head-to-head edge over Littler (including two recent European Tour wins, one with a 110 average), showed no fear in the buildup. On the Darts Draait Door podcast, he dismissed concerns about the draw, stating: “I already found the draws at the majors difficult last year… but so far, it hasn’t been better in 2025.” He added that the shorter format in early rounds played to his doubling strength, positioning it as a “golden opportunity” for another shock. Analysts like Paul Nicholson amplified the hype, warning “Littler could be in trouble” due to van Veen’s fearlessness and their development-tour rivalry. Glen Durrant echoed this, calling it an “awful draw for Luke” and noting van Veen “is not frightened of Luke.”

The Dutchman’s Instagram post on October 7 only fueled the fire: “Tonight it is time for my first round game at the World Grand Prix. I will be playing Luke Littler… I have been playing some good stuff lately, so I am looking forward to the clash.” It was a shot across the bow, implying Littler—fresh from an elbow niggle and management split—might crack under the double-start pressure he had previously admitted to disliking.

The Thriller: Record Average, But Littler’s Clutch Edge Prevails
What unfolded was a darts masterclass, with van Veen’s 106.47 average shattering Alan Warriner-Little’s 24-year-old record of 106.45, including 10 legs above 100 and a 147 checkout. Yet, Littler’s 105.58 average—the third-highest in tournament history behind van Veen and Gary Anderson’s 104.86 (2013)—and superior checkout efficiency (three 140s to start legs) proved decisive. Littler won the sets 3-1 and 3-2, sealing it with a 144 checkout that left van Veen stunned.

Sky Sports’ Paul Nicholson called it “one of the best first-rounders ever,” while Glen Durrant noted van Veen’s bravery: “He threw everything at Luke, but Nuke’s composure won out.” Littler, who had admitted disliking the format after prior exits, hailed it as his “best performance ever” here.

Van Veen Left Eating His Words
Van Veen’s pre-match confidence—dismissing tough draws and eyeing an “upset”—turned to humility post-defeat: “Luke was too good today… I gave everything, but he finished stronger.” His warning about Littler being “scared” of the format rang hollow, as the teenager mastered the double-start with poise, starting legs with three 140s and closing with a 144. Van Veen’s record average, while a personal triumph, couldn’t overcome Littler’s checkout efficiency, winning just two of eight legs.

Fan Frenzy: Social Media Meltdown
The match ignited darts Twitter, with #LittlerVeen exploding as fans marveled at the quality. “Gian breaks a 24-year record… and loses? Littler’s a cheat code!” one post racked up 15k likes. Another quipped: “Van Veen’s warning about scared Littler? Now who’s eating words—106.47 and still out!” Praise poured in for van Veen too: “Heartbreak for Gian, but what a performance—future star.” Sky Sports’ Paul Nicholson summed it up: “One of the best first-rounders ever—Littler’s composure won it.”

Next Up: A Defending Champ Test
Littler advances to face the winner of defending champion Mike De Decker vs. Peter Wright, with a potential quarterfinal against Michael van Gerwen or Josh Rock. His first Grand Prix win, post-management split, reaffirms his elite status in the £600,000 event—proving van Veen’s words were just that: words.