Gian van Veen insists he is happy to fly under the radar ahead of his clash against Alan Soutar at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship on Monday evening.
Van Veen will take on Scottish star Soutar for a place in round three at London’s Alexandra Palace, having celebrated his maiden victory on the World Championship stage against Cristo Reyes on December 12.
The 23-year-old was all smiles following his 3-1 win against the returning Spaniard, averaging almost 99 and crashing in six 180s to break new ground on the sport’s biggest stage.
Van Veen was beaten on his World Championship debut by Man Lok Leung in 2023/24 - before suffering defeat to Ricardo Pietreczko 12 months ago - and he admitted his record on the sport’s biggest stage had been on his mind prior to his Ally Pally return.
“It was difficult to put this win into words,” confessed Van Veen, the number ten seed this year.
“My first win on this stage, it’s phenomenal.
“In the ten minutes before the game started, I was really nervous. I told myself I had to get over the line.
“I’ve been there two years ago when I went 2-0 up [against Leung] and lost 3-2, but luckily this time I got it done.
“I dealt with the pressure well which gives me even more confidence going into round two.”
Van Veen is brimming with self-belief following another terrific season, which included a famous European Championship triumph in October, culminating with an 11-10 victory over Luke Humphries.
The Dutch number three boasts winning records against both Humphries and Littler in 2025, and as a result, has been touted by many as a genuine threat to the dynasty that the world's top two have created over the last few years.
Van Veen has made consistent strides throughout the last few years, and while his exploits have been somewhat overshadowed by Littler’s meteoric rise, the European Champion is happy to keep progressing away from the media glare.
“Luke has risen up at the same time as me, so I’m always going to be in Luke Littler’s shadow, which is fine for me,” declared the reigning two-time World Youth Champion.
“I just love going under the radar and continuing my career. It has worked perfectly for me so far, so if that’s where I need to be, happy days!
“I know I’m coming in as the world number ten and the European Champion, but I had never won a game here before, so now I’ve done that, let’s see what happens!”
Following Gerwyn Price’s demise at the hands of Wesley Plaisier on Sunday evening, Van Veen has been installed as the third favourite to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy - behind the dominant duo of Littler and Humphries.
Van Veen insists he’s undeterred by the increased media scrutiny, claiming that his recent heartbreak at Alexandra Palace has helped to shape his career.
“Looking back at my last two appearances here, I expected more from myself, but it’s made me the player I am today,” added Van Veen, also a winner on the Players Championship circuit earlier this year.
“I’ve grown so much, mentally especially. I know now that I can do it under big pressure.
“I’m here to play my own game, and I know that if I play well, I can go far, but I’m not looking at myself as the third favourite for this tournament.
“Before my first game I hadn’t won a game on this stage, so how can I be the third favourite? How is that possible?’”
Van Veen faces a tough test against Soutar, who won through a marathon battle against Finland’s premier player Teemu Harju earlier in the event.
Soutar remarkably squandered 14 match darts before prevailing in a gruelling tie-break, but he boasts impressive pedigree on the World Championship stage, having advanced to round four in his first two appearances in North London.