Dortmund, October 27, 2025** – Gian van Veen has delivered a resounding message to his skeptics after claiming his maiden PDC major title at the 2025 Machineseeker European Darts Championship, triumphing 11-10 over world No. 1 Luke Humphries in a nail-biting final that capped a breakthrough weekend. The 23-year-old Dutch prodigy, who had been dogged by claims of unfulfilled potential despite reaching No. 15 in the world, pocketed £120,000 and leaped to No. 7 on the Order of Merit, declaring: “Everyone said he’s done nothing yet – I have now.” Van Veen’s victory, sealed by a clutch 100 checkout (single 20, treble 16, double 16) after surviving a match dart, not only silenced the noise but has ignited speculation about a 2026 Premier League invitation, with the champion openly lobbying PDC chairman Barry Hearn.
The Final Thriller: Van Veen’s Clutch Triumph
Van Veen’s path to glory was a testament to his growing maturity. Trailing 4-1 early against Humphries, he mounted a stunning 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, returning on 100 to hit treble 16 and double 16 for the upset. Averaging 97.2 to Humphries’ 98.5, he hit 6 180s to 7 but converted 4/7 breaks to the No. 1’s 3/5.
“Over the moon – really happy,” Van Veen said post-match. “So many people talked about it before this weekend – I was number 15, and everyone said, ‘He’s done nothing yet. He can challenge Luke and Michael, but he hasn’t won a title. Well, I have now.” Humphries, gracious in defeat, added: “I’m devastated but I knew this title was coming for him – phenomenal player.”
A Career Defined by Doubt – Until Now
Van Veen’s journey has been one of near-misses: Three European Tour semifinal appearances in the last four events, a Players Championship 6 title (beating Humphries 8-3), and two runner-ups (Belgian Darts Open, Dutch Darts Championship). Yet, the doubters persisted: “Gian’s good, but he chokes,” as one pundit put it. The £120,000 win catapults him to No. 7 (£1.25 million Order of Merit), just £66,500 behind Michael van Gerwen, and earns a Grand Slam of Darts spot.
Premier League Ambitions: “If Barry Hearn Is Listening…”
With his ranking surge, Van Veen didn’t shy from his next goal: a Premier League invitation. “If Barry Hearn is listening, I’d love to be in the Premier League next year,” he said with a grin. “So many people talked about it – now I’ve got a major title, why not?” The PDC’s flagship league, featuring eight players (four seeded, four wildcards), starts in February 2026; Van Veen’s form makes him a shoo-in over fading stars like Joe Cullen.
| Achievement | Details |
|————-|———|
| **2025 Earnings** | £135,000 (Euro Tour leader pre-final; now £255,000) |
| **Key Wins** | Players Championship 6 (vs. Humphries 8-3); Euro Championship (vs. Humphries 11-10) |
| **Order of Merit Jump** | No. 15 to No. 7 (£1.25m) |
Reactions: “Van Veen’s Time”
Social media erupted under #VanVeenChamp: “From ‘done nothing’ to Euro king? Doubters silenced!” (300k likes). Humphries: “Phenomenal – he deserved it.” Littler: “Fair play Gian – some talent.” Mardle: “Gian’s breakthrough? Darts’ new Dutch master.”
Van Veen’s “I have now” isn’t boast—it’s breakthrough. The doubters? Quiet. Premier League? His stage. The 23-year-old’s meteoric? Just beginning.
