Van Veen Stuns Humphries to Claim European Championship Glory in Dortmund
Van Veen Stuns Humphries to Claim European Championship Glory in Dortmund
Gian van Veen produced the performance of his life to defeat world number one Luke Humphries and capture the Machineseeker European Championship title in Dortmund on Sunday night.
The 23-year-old Dutchman — one of darts’ brightest rising stars — lifted his first televised ranking trophy in front of a packed Westfalenhalle crowd, sealing a dramatic 11–10 victory to mark the biggest win of his career.
A Breakthrough on the Big Stage
Van Veen, who has made rapid progress over the past two seasons, showed remarkable composure after trailing 4–1 in the early stages. The World Youth Champion hit back with four stunning legs in 13, 10, 12 and 13 darts to level the match at 5–5, including a brilliant 160 checkout that sent the German crowd into raptures.
As Humphries tried to respond, Van Veen remained relentless — landing 121 and 91 combinations to move 8–6 ahead before nailing a 112 finish to edge closer to victory.
Humphries refused to go quietly, battling back to force a decider after surviving two match darts and hitting an 85 finish on the bull to stay alive. But Van Veen held his nerve when it mattered most, returning to take out 100 via double 16 and clinch the title in sensational fashion.
“This is such a phenomenal feeling,” said Van Veen, who collected the £120,000 top prize and jumped to a career-high world ranking of No.7. “When I missed that 100 earlier, I thought my chance had gone. To hit it again to win — unbelievable. I’ll never forget this moment.”
He also paid tribute to Humphries for his sportsmanship:
“Luke is a class act. He’s the world number one for a reason, and the respect he showed me means a lot. He’s an amazing person.”
Overcoming Adversity
Van Veen’s road to the title was far from straightforward. After dominant victories over Damon Heta and Ryan Searle earlier in the weekend, he began Sunday’s finals day with a 10–5 win against Ryan Joyce — despite suffering a painful cut on his throwing hand during that match.
The injury didn’t stop him from producing another superb comeback in the semi-finals, overturning an 8–7 deficit to defeat fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen — denying the three-time World Champion a record fifth European Championship success.
Humphries: “He Deserved It”
Humphries, who also reached the World Grand Prix final earlier this month, had looked in imperious form throughout the weekend with wins over Krzysztof Ratajski, Cameron Menzies, James Wade, and Danny Noppert. But even he could only applaud Van Veen’s brilliance on the night.
“The way Gian played in those middle sessions was incredible,” said Humphries. “I knew this was coming for him — he’s a fantastic talent and 100% Premier League material. I’m gutted to lose, but proud of him.”
Despite the defeat, Humphries’ run to the final keeps him firmly at the top of the world rankings and caps another strong campaign on the big stage.
Dutch Delight in Dortmund
Van Veen’s triumph cements his reputation as one of darts’ most exciting emerging forces. From youth champion to major winner in just two years, his rise shows no sign of slowing — and with this victory, he’s announced himself as a serious contender for more silverware.
“To win my first major here in Germany, in front of that crowd, is just incredible,” Van Veen added. “It’s the best night of my life.”
Van Veen Stuns Humphries to Claim European Championship Glory in Dortmund
2025 Machineseeker European Championship
Sunday October 26
Afternoon Session
Quarter-Finals
Gian van Veen 10-5 Ryan Joyce
Michael van Gerwen 10-7 Daryl Gurney
Danny Noppert 10-5 Ricardo Pietreczko
Luke Humphries 10-3 James Wade
Semi-Finals
Gian van Veen 11-9 Michael van Gerwen
Luke Humphries 11-8 Danny Noppert
Final
Gian van Veen 11-10 Luke Humphries
