By Brad Williams
The Premier League of Darts is right around the corner, so let’s get to know the class of 2026.
Gian van Veen is one of the brightest talents in the darting world today, a colossal one-eighty hitter and a one-of-one throw and unique grip which sees his darts sit in the board perfectly flat. A joy to watch on his day, and a welcome addition to the 2026 Premier League.
Van Veen only gained his Tour Card in 2023, via the European Q-School and has made quite the impact since where he has represented the Netherlands at the World Cup of Darts while reaching the semi-finals with his compatriot Danny Noppert, winning back-to-back PDC World Youth Championships in 2024 and 2025, before winning his first PDC major televised title when he defeated Luke Humphries 11-10 in the final of the 2025 European Championship.
A strong 2026 World Championship campaign saw him reach the final of the event, but despite being unsuccessful, his run up to that point showed van Veen as an elite player. He currently sits at number three in the PDC Order of Merit, where he dethroned his fellow countryman Michael van Gerwen as the new Dutch number one- a position he held for over eleven years.
Outside of darts, the Dutchman has a passion for the aviation industry and studied aerospace engineering. This led him to achieve a bachelor’s degree in aviation, so it is fair to say van Veen is one of the most intellectually gifted darts players on the circuit, to go alongside his natural darting ability.
Aviation aside, GVV is a football fan and supports Dutch side FC Den Bosch, who currently play in the Eerste Divisie, which is the second-highest tier. He has adopted the darting nickname of ‘The Giant’ due to his six-foot-four stature, but possesses a serene and composed demeanour, both on and off the oche.
This will be Gian van Veen’s maiden Premier League appearance.