The Next Taylor–Van Barneveld? Gian Van Veen on His Budding Rivalry with Luke Littler

The last Sky Sports televised darts major before the World Darts Championship, the Grand Slam of Darts, kicks off this Saturday, with all the top names in action, including defending champion Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries.

But heading into Wolverhampton, not all the spotlight is on the two Lukes. At the most recent televised PDC major, the European Championship, darts witnessed the crowning of a new star, 23-year-old Dutchman Gian Van Veen.

Nicknamed ‘The Giant’, Van Veen stunned the sport by defeating world number one Humphries in a last-leg decider in Dortmund last month, rising to number seven in the PDC Order of Merit and firmly establishing himself among the tournament favourites.

Having already captured the PDC World Youth title last year, alongside three major quarterfinals and one semi-final before his German triumph, Van Veen’s rise has been rapid, and now, he stands as the leading light of a new Dutch generation ready to follow in legendary footsteps.

It’s Been a While for Dutch Darts

Speaking ahead of the Grand Slam, Van Veen reflected on the wave of attention his European Championship victory brought him back home, a level of recognition Dutch darts hadn’t experienced for some time.

"The Netherlands have been spoiled with Raymond [van Barneveld] and Michael [van Gerwen] and it's been a while since someone new has been one of the majors.”

"Loads of Dutch newspapers and Dutch television wanted to do some articles, so yeah, it was really nice to see stuff like that.”

That win has led many to label him the future flag bearer of Dutch darts, especially with Raymond van Barneveld in the twilight of his career and Van Gerwen enduring a dip in form. But Van Veen insists he isn’t feeling any extra burden.

“Maybe from the outside, but I don’t feel the pressure at all. I’m just enjoying my darts at the moment."

"We’ve got so many good darts players, Danny Noppert, Dirk van Duijvenbode, and especially now Wessel Nijman coming through.”

He admits that Van Gerwen hasn’t been at his dominant best in recent seasons but believes the Netherlands’ depth ensures the nation will remain a force in world darts.

“If Michael’s form dips, someone will do well on all the TV tournaments as a Dutchman for sure. Hopefully, it’s going to be me, but I don’t really feel the pressure that it must be me.”

Eyes on Holland’s No.1 Spot

Van Veen’s rapid rise also brings the tantalising possibility that he could soon overtake his idol, Van Gerwen, and become Holland’s new number one. It’s a goal he’s not shying away from, though he recognises the challenge ahead.

“Yeah, for sure. I think it’s a possibility, especially if I keep my numbers up like they have been in 2025.”

“But Michael is always Michael. You’ve seen it last year when he wasn’t in good form and then in the World Championships he came and reached the final. If he does that again then I won’t be near him next year.”

"You never know with Michael, he's such a fantastic talent of course, and everyone knows what he's capable of. If he's showing that on TV, then he should be the Dutch number one. If he doesn't then I'll hopefully be there to take his spot.”

The Next Great Rivalry?

One of the defining eras of Dutch darts came in the mid-2000s, when Raymond van Barneveld’s rivalry with Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor captivated the sport. 

Now, many fans and pundits are beginning to see the potential for a modern-day rivalry between Van Veen and current world champion Luke Littler, a pair of youthful, fearless talents from two darting powerhouses.

Van Veen is aware of the comparisons, but he’s quick to play them down, insisting Littler’s rise is something truly exceptional.

"Of course, it's nice to be put in the same sentence as someone like Luke Littler, but to see what he's done in the past couple past two years, it is phenomenal."

"I don't want to compare myself to him [Littler] because then I would be crying in bed the whole week."

"So, he's a fantastic player whenever we play, I always gave him a good match, so as long as I keep doing that, then I'm happy.”

"He's doing it tournament in, tournament out, all those pressure moments, he's always up for the task and that's why he's number two in the world now but looking likely to be the world number one soon.”

Whether or not he becomes the long-term rival to Luke Littler remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: ‘The Giant’ has arrived, and Dutch darts once again has a new hero to believe in.