Gian van Veen is relishing his semi-final showdown against his darting idol Gary Anderson, after creating history at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship.
Van Veen will take on Scottish icon Anderson for a place in Saturday’s showpiece at Alexandra Palace, as he bids to become the first million pound World Darts Champion.
The 23-year-old has already broken new ground in the capital, defeating Cristo Reyes, Alan Soutar, Madars Razma, Charlie Manby and Luke Humphries to seal his spot in the semi-finals.
Van Veen has subsequently catapulted himself up to third in the world rankings, which also ends Michael van Gerwen’s reign as Dutch number one – a position he had occupied since October 2012.
“With the prize money increases, we all knew the World Championship was going to have a big affect on the world rankings,” admitted Van Veen.
“To be the Dutch number one and the world number three - it’s an amazing feeling, and I couldn’t even dream of this when I was a little kid.
“Especially as a young Dutchman, you always looked up to Raymond van Barneveld and then later Michael van Gerwen, so this is amazing.
“The goal was to be Dutch number two. That was the dream, because in my head, you cannot overtake Michael van Gerwen, so to have done that now is so special.”
Prior to this year, Van Veen was without a win in his previous two Alexandra Palace appearances, having suffered opening round exits against Man Lok Leung and Ricardo Pietreczko respectively.
However, the Dutchman has reaffirmed his credentials as one of the sport’s premier players with a series of superb performances, headlined by his 5-1 thumping of Humphries in the quarter-finals.
Van Veen had won all of his last four meetings against Humphries in 2025 – including October’s European Championship final - and he extended that remarkable run in emphatic style.
There was nothing to separate the pair after two sets, but Van Veen delivered a darting masterclass in North London, averaging almost 106, hitting 11 180s and converting a hat-trick of ton-plus finishes to triumph.
“This performance was something special,” conceded Van Veen, who pinned 16 of his 29 attempts at a double.
“I’m so happy to show what I’m capable of on this stage, and in such a high-pressure game.
“I think it’s one of the best performances of my career so far, especially if you look at the occasion.”
Van Veen’s reward is a last four showdown against Anderson, who has rolled back the years to maintain his pursuit of a third World Championship crown.
The two-time World Champion has dumped out the likes of Jermaine Wattimena and three-time winner Michael van Gerwen in advancing to his eighth World Championship semi-final, but Van Veen is determined to embrace the challenge.
“I’m just going to enjoy the game,” continued the reigning two-time World Youth Champion.
“Gary has played a fantastic tournament so far, and so have I.
“Before the tournament, all the pressure was on my first game, and once I got that victory, all the pressure was off my shoulders.
“I was just happy to win my first ever game here, and I haven’t felt nervous for the rest of the tournament.
“Gary is my darting idol. I’m really looking forward to sharing the biggest stage of them all with him, and hopefully it’s going to be a great game.”
2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Friday January 2 (1930 GMT)
Semi-Finals
Luke Littler v Ryan Searle
Gian van Veen v Gary Anderson
Best of 11 sets