Darts Fans Are Only Just Discovering Gian van Veen's Real Name

Some viewers of this year's World Darts Championship are only just discovering Gian van Veen’s real name as the reigning World Youth and European champion continues to shine at the Alexandra Palace.

Van Veen will take on Gary Anderson in Friday's World Championship semi-final after recording an impressive 5-1 win over Luke Humphries.

It has been a memorable tournament for the highly-rated Van Veen, who is currently the world number three following wins over Cristo Reyes, Alan Soutar, Madars Razma, Charlie Manby and 2024 champion Humphries.

"I need to be world champion or world No. 1 to become elite," he said after Thursday's semi-final. "Right now, world No 3, semi-finalist, beating Humphries again in a very good game - okay, maybe I'm one of the elite players in the sport, but I wouldn't say I'm top five in the world."

"I'm feeling really good and know that if I play like I did today I can beat anyone," he added. "It's just on me to show that game after game, like elite players do."

If he comes out on top against "The Flying Scotsman", the 23-year-old will face either Luke Littler or Ryan Seale in the showpiece finale on January 3.

In the aftermath of Thursday's evening session, some fans on social media were surprised to learn Van Veen's full name – Pieter Gerard van Veen.

One fan said: "People’s minds are going to be blown when it comes to light that Gian van Veen isn’t actually called Gian. His name is Pieter, Gian is so much cooler though."

A second wrote: "What about it? That’s actually the best full name in darts," and a third added: “HOW did I not know this??”

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As mentioned above, Van Veen has moved to third in the PDC Order of Merit, meaning he is set to feature in the upcoming Premier League.

The first four players will qualify for the Premier League based on performance, with the four highest-ranked players on the Professional Darts Corporation's Order of Merit automatically selected, while the remaining four spots will be invitations from the PDC.

Van Veen, however, was seemingly unaware of the top four rule when he spoke to reporters following Thursday's win over Luke Humphries.

"Is there a rule that the top four automatically qualifies for the Premier League?" he said.

"[I'm] very excited as long as I get the phone call or email. I'm not one hundred per cent sure. But very excited of course, playing against the other top seven players in the world week in, week out. It's very exciting."

He added: "I couldn't even dream about it growing up so really looking forward to that."