Gian van Veen is a professional darts player.
From Small Town to World Stage
In the quiet Dutch village of Poederoijen, few could have imagined that a teenager throwing darts in his bedroom would one day bring the sport’s brightest lights to their feet. Yet, born on April 23, 2002, Gian van Veen has done exactly that.
Nicknamed “The Giant”, van Veen’s rise from grassroots competitions to global stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. His story isn’t just about talent—it’s about perseverance, recovery, and redefining what young players can achieve in the ultra-competitive world of professional darts.
A Natural Talent Emerges
Gian began playing darts seriously in 2015, at just 13 years old. By the time he reached his late teens, he was dominating local youth circuits and showing glimpses of a natural rhythm that combined precision with poise.
What set van Veen apart early on was his scoring power and calm demeanor at the oche. Even as a teenager, his throw—flat, smooth, and almost mechanical in its precision—drew comparisons to Dutch legend Michael van Gerwen.
“I always just loved the feeling of seeing the dart land exactly where I wanted it,” van Veen said in a 2023 interview. “That moment when you hit the triple—there’s nothing like it.”
Rising Through the Ranks
By 2022, van Veen was climbing fast. Competing in PDC Development and Challenge Tour events, he began building a name as one of the most promising young players in Europe.
However, that same year, he hit an unexpected and devastating obstacle—dartitis, a psychological condition that disrupts a player’s ability to release the dart. It was a cruel blow for a young player on the brink of success.
“I nearly quit darts,” he admitted later. “I felt like I didn’t want to play anymore. I was ready to find an office job and move on.”
But quitting was never truly an option. Through persistence, coaching support, and mental resilience, van Veen fought back. By January 2023, he’d earned his PDC Tour Card through European Q-School, finishing ninth on the Order of Merit. His comeback had begun.
The Breakthrough Year
If 2023 was his return, then 2024 was his explosion. Van Veen stormed through the Development Tour, capturing multiple titles and ultimately winning the PDC World Youth Championship—a milestone that signaled his arrival among darts’ elite.
That same year, he began regularly appearing on senior PDC circuits, holding his own against the likes of Luke Humphries, Michael Smith, and Gerwyn Price.
Then came 2025—the year that changed everything.
European Glory and a Place in History
In March 2025, Gian van Veen claimed his first senior PDC ranking title at Players Championship 6, defeating world number one Luke Humphries 8-3 in the final. The win propelled him into the top 16 on the Order of Merit and silenced any doubts about whether he belonged at the top level.
But the best was yet to come.
In October 2025, at the iconic Westfalenhalle in Dortmund, van Veen wrote his name into darts history by becoming the youngest ever winner of the European Championship. In a dramatic 11-10 final, he once again toppled Humphries, sealing the match with a nerveless 112 checkout.
As the crowd erupted, van Veen stood motionless for a moment—stunned, emotional, and victorious. At just 23 years old, he had joined an exclusive list of Dutch champions that includes the likes of Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen.
“I can’t believe it,” he said afterward. “To beat Luke in a final like this—it’s a dream. It feels like the start of something.”
Style, Strength, and Steel
Van Veen’s game is built around three pillars: power scoring, composure, and mental resilience.
His 21-gram Red Dragon darts cut through the air at a remarkably flat angle—so flat, in fact, that fans online often marvel at how his darts seem to “hover” into the treble bed. His smooth throwing motion and controlled pace allow him to string together heavy-scoring legs with minimal fuss.
But perhaps his greatest evolution has come on the doubles. In 2025, he led the Pro Tour in checkout percentage, a testament to his focus under pressure.
“He’s a nightmare to play against,” one PDC pro commented. “He doesn’t get rattled, and when he smells blood, he finishes you off.”
The Man Behind “The Giant”
Beyond the oche, van Veen has earned respect for his honesty and humility. He’s spoken candidly about the mental side of darts, the pressures of expectation, and his own battles with dartitis.
He’s also given back to the sport through youth engagement programs like Bullseye Maths, inspiring children to use darts to learn numeracy skills. It’s a reflection of the grounded, thoughtful personality that fans have come to admire.
“I want kids to see that you can have setbacks and still make it,” he said. “You just have to keep throwing.”
Dutch Darts’ New Era
The Netherlands has a proud darts heritage—Barneveld, van Gerwen, and Klaasen are household names. But Gian van Veen represents the next wave: analytical, composed, and unafraid to challenge the established order.
With his European title, van Veen joins a generational shift in darts—alongside players like Josh Rock, Luke Littler, and Ricardo Pietreczko—who are redefining the sport’s future.
His rapid rise has also sparked excitement among sponsors and broadcasters. Van Veen’s mix of technical excellence and relatable personality makes him one of the PDC’s most marketable young stars.
What’s Next for “The Giant”?
As of late 2025, van Veen sits at World No. 7 on the PDC Order of Merit—a position that could soon climb higher. His focus now turns to maintaining consistency across the long calendar of majors, with an eye firmly on the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Few doubt that his first world title is only a matter of time.
If Gian van Veen’s story tells us anything, it’s that resilience and belief can turn near-retirement into record-breaking glory. For a player who almost walked away, “The Giant” is now standing taller than ever.
Fast Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gian van Veen |
| Nickname | The Giant |
| Born | April 23, 2002 (Poederoijen, Netherlands) |
| Throwing Hand | Right |
| Darts Used | 21 g Red Dragon |
| PDC Debut | 2022 |
| Major Titles | European Championship (2025), PDC World Youth Championship (2024) |
| Highest World Ranking | #7 (as of October 2025) |
Final Word
Gian van Veen isn’t just another young talent—he’s the embodiment of darts’ next evolution. Calm, analytical, and fearless, he represents the future of a sport that’s never been more competitive.
For fans, it’s thrilling.
For rivals, it’s terrifying.
And for Gian van Veen, it’s just the beginning.