Arise, Sir Gian of Van Veen – the newly crowned 2025 European Champion after an epic, high-quality final against Luke Humphries that had everything from tension to tungsten fireworks.
The young Dutchman becomes the latest name etched onto the PDC’s major honours list – a roll of glory dominated by legends who’ve conquered the oche. And once again, the reigning World Youth Champion proves just how effective that developmental system really is.
Van Veen’s road to glory began with a confident win over Australian number one Damon Heta, before he demolished Ryan Searle with a devastating average just shy of the 110 mark. On Sunday, he continued his run of English victims called Ryan, dispatching Mr Joyce to book a place in the final session.
The semi-final served up another Dutch classic as the apprentice battled the master. Van Veen faced off with his countryman Michael van Gerwen and produced ferocious battling skills to seal a spot in his first senior major final. Thankfully for darting fans, MVG looks to be rediscovering that trademark swagger, but in a match that swung both ways, it was the youthful energy of Van Veen that proved decisive in the closing stages.
With Luke Littler already eliminated courtesy of James Wade, Luke Humphries knew he’d remain world number one regardless of the result. But Cool Hand wanted more than rankings – he wanted silverware.
Before we move onto Cool Hands route to the final showdown, a quick nod to James Wade, who once again reminded everyone why he’s earned the title Mr Longevity. After seeing off Littler, it meant the Aldershot ace has now beaten every single former PDC World Champion in a major ranking event – a stat that perfectly sums up a career built on quiet brilliance and ruthless consistency.
Humphries himself had looked imperious and began with two clinical ton-plus averages – a 6–0 whitewash of Krzysztof Ratajski and a dramatic 10–9 win over Cameron Menzies – before comfortably dispatching Wade in the quarters. A resurgent Danny Noppert stood between him and another major final, and though Noppie pushed him hard, Humphries edged through 11–8.
That set up a mouth-watering showdown: two World Youth Champions past and present, two of the weekend’s standout performers, and two players destined to shape darts for years to come.
At first, it looked like the occasion might get to Van Veen. Humphries raced into a 4–1 lead, punishing every small mistake. But the Dutchman found his rhythm, regrouped, and hit back to level at the next break. From there, the contest turned into a pure slugfest – leg for leg, break for break, neither man giving an inch.
At 10–9, Van Veen had two darts for the title – both missed. Humphries, ice-cool under pressure, pinned the bull for an 85 checkout to stay alive and throw for the championship. It looked like the world number not only had the darts, but also the momentum, opening with a 140. But Van Veen wasn’t done. He filled the lipstick perfectly, took control, and with Humphries waiting on 20, produced a majestic 100 checkout to seal the biggest win of his fledgling career. As always, Humphries was the model professional in defeat – gracious, respectful, and a class act.
The European Championship once again delivered a final worthy of its history – two exceptional talents, one extraordinary match, and a deserving new champion. It was never a question of if Gian van Veen would win a TV major – only when. Now we have the answer as he sails up to world number seven. Has that stamped his passport for the Premier League? Many believe so.
Quarter-Finals
Danny Noppert 10-5 Ricardo Pietreczko
Luke Humphries 10-3 James Wade
Gian van Veen 10-5 Ryan Joyce
Michael van Gerwen 10-7 Daryl Gurney
Semi-Finals
Luke Humphries 11-8 Danny Noppert
Gian van Veen 11-9 Michael van Gerwen
Final
Gian van Veen 11-10 Luke Humphries
—–ENDS—–
Images : PDC
