Gian van Veen: “I showed what I’m capable of on this stage” – Dutch star reflects on landmark World Darts Championship win

Gian van Veen announced himself on the biggest stage of all with a career-defining victory at the World Darts Championship, producing a composed and commanding performance to defeat Luke Humphries and reach his first semi-final at Alexandra Palace.

Speaking after the match, Gian van Veen reflected on handling the occasion, overcoming pressure, and what it means to now stand among the elite names still competing for the Sid Waddell Trophy.

“This performance was something special”

Van Veen did not hide his emotion when summing up a victory that many will regard as the biggest of his career to date. Beating a former world champion on the World Championship stage was a moment he had long imagined but never taken for granted.

“I’m over the moon. This performance for myself was something special. To show what I’m capable of on this format, on this stage, in such a high-pressure game feels amazing.”

The Dutchman acknowledged the significance of the occasion, pointing out that the match had been widely anticipated since the draw was made.

“Before the tournament, everyone was already looking forward to this quarter-final. So was I. To put him under that much pressure in a game like this feels incredible.”

A career-best display on the biggest night

While the statistics told part of the story, van Veen felt the context of the match elevated it beyond any previous performance.

“Maybe not average-wise, but if you look at the occasion, playing the world number two and winning 5-1 when he also played well, I think it’s my best game so far.”

That assessment was shared by many watching, as van Veen combined heavy scoring with clinical finishing at key moments, particularly as the match progressed.

From relief to belief at Alexandra Palace

Van Veen revealed how pivotal his opening victory at this year’s tournament proved to be. Having previously failed to win at Alexandra Palace, that breakthrough transformed his mindset for the remainder of the event.

“There was so much pressure on that first game because I hadn’t won a match here before. When I finally did, there was so much relief. After that, I felt really comfortable, and it showed in the games that followed.”

That growing confidence was evident again against Humphries, even as his opponent started strongly.

“He started off phenomenally, hitting loads of 180s, but I kept putting him under pressure. He missed a couple of darts, I took my chances, and my scoring went up in the last couple of sets.”

Reading the game and seizing momentum

One of the defining features of van Veen’s performance was his awareness of shifts in momentum. He admitted noticing changes in his opponent’s body language and using that as motivation rather than distraction.

“I saw his body language change and become a bit negative. As soon as I noticed that, I told myself to keep putting him under pressure. With a player like that, if you let your foot off the gas, he comes straight back at you.”

It was that focus, combined with belief in his own game, that allowed van Veen to close out the contest efficiently.

Dutch number one and world number three

Victory also carried historic significance. Van Veen now sits as the Dutch number one and world number three, an achievement he once considered unthinkable.

“Growing up, you always looked up to Raymond van Barneveld and then Michael van Gerwen. Becoming Dutch number one is something I couldn’t even dream of as a kid.”

He stressed that the milestone was never a direct target, given the stature of those who came before him.

“My dream was to be Dutch number two. I never thought I could overtake Michael. To have done that today makes it so special.”

A dream semi-final against a childhood idol

Next up is a semi-final clash with Gary Anderson, a player van Veen has long admired. The opportunity to share the Alexandra Palace stage with the two-time world champion is one he intends to savour.

“Gary has played a fantastic tournament, and so have I. He’s my idol, so to play him on the biggest stage of them all is unbelievable. I’m really looking forward to it, and hopefully it’s a great game.”

Despite the magnitude of the occasion, van Veen insisted pressure has not been a defining factor during his run.

“After my first win, all the pressure was off my shoulders. Even before tonight, I didn’t feel nervous. I think that showed.”

Dare to dream?

Asked whether he is allowing himself to think about lifting the trophy, van Veen admitted the thought is starting to surface.

“When you’re in the semi-final, you start dreaming. It won’t be easy, but if I keep performing like I did tonight, I’ve got a good chance.”

Follow all the action at this year’s World Darts Championship here