World Matchplay Darts 2025: Gian van Veen Dethrones Champion Luke Humphries and Criticises Unsporting Crowd

Dutch darting sensation Gian van Veen produced one of the shocks of the year as he dumped out defending champion and world number one Luke Humphries 10-8 in the opening round of the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay.

It was a landmark win for the 23-year-old, who showed maturity and class in punishing a below-par Humphries, whose finishing deserted him on the iconic Winter Gardens stage. 

The world number one landed just under 30% of his doubles, a stat that proved costly against an inspired opponent.

Career-Defining Victory for the Rising Star

Van Veen, who had suffered heartbreak in Blackpool 12 months ago with a dramatic 13-12 loss to Rob Cross, admitted this was the standout moment of his young career.

“Yeah, a hundred percent. I think before this tournament, the biggest win for myself in my career was at the European Championship beat at Michael van Gerwen, almost two years ago,” said the Dutchman.

“But I think this is even a bigger win in my career, of course, beating the reigning champion, the world number one here at the iconic Winter Gardens.”

“Especially for the last year with the agony of missing out in the first game, I think it's one of one off or the biggest win in my career.”

Crowd Noise Controversy 

Humphries, a strong favourite to retain his title, looked rattled throughout—particularly by crowd noise, and the infamous darts whistling. 

The Englishman appeared visibly distracted at times, pointing out whistles aimed in his direction, and struggling to maintain rhythm.

Van Veen confirmed the crowd antics happened more than once and, despite benefiting from Humphries’ dips in concentration, expressed sympathy for the top seed. He even admitted the whistles impacted his own focus.

“Yeah [when asked if it affected his game], especially the second time when it happened. The first time when it happened, he got whistled at and he missed a couple of chances and I took mine, but the second time he got whistled at again, even though I should focus on my own game, I felt a bit bad for him and I think that's why maybe I missed the 25, and I was really fuming at myself that it got to me.”

“He's the world number one; he's a reigning champion here. It's not good him being whistled at,” he told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

The win marks a major breakthrough for van Veen, who continues to climb the ranks in the PDC and now eyes a deep run in one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.