Gian van Veen believes he’s hitting form at the perfect time as he prepares to begin his defence of the Machineseeker European Championship in Dortmund on Thursday. Van Veen will play former UK Open winner Andrew Gilding in his opening round tie at the Westfalenhalle, as he aims to become the first reigning champion to […]
Gian van Veen believes he’s hitting form at the perfect time as he prepares to begin his defence of the Machineseeker European Championship in Dortmund on Thursday.
Van Veen will play former UK Open winner Andrew Gilding in his opening round tie at the Westfalenhalle, as he aims to become the first reigning champion to register a victory at this event since 2018.
However, having featured in a hat-trick of European Tour semi-finals over the last month, the Dutch number one is in buoyant mood ahead of his return to German soil.
“I think it will be very special to be back in Dortmund after last year,” insisted Van Veen, the number eight seed this year.
“I believe it’s a tournament that really suits me well.
“Of course it was where I reached my first major semi-final three years ago, so this tournament has nice memories for me.”
Van Veen has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence over the last 12 months, sparked by his memorable European Championship success.
The 24-year-old edged out Luke Humphries in a pulsating deciding-leg clash to take the title, which was preceded by a semi-final victory over his fellow countryman Michael van Gerwen.
Van Veen has since established himself as the premier player in Dutch darts, featuring in January’s World Championship showpiece, alongside a further three Premier televised semi-finals.
“I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished since the European Championship,” continued the two-time World Youth Champion.
“The highlight has to be making the World Championship final. Even though I lost it, it was still such a career-defining moment for me.
“Playing in my first Premier League and all the World Series [events], and now doing well with the semi-finals at the World Matchplay, quarter-finals at the World Grand Prix.
“I think it’s been going really well, and I’m glad that I could build on the success from Dortmund last year.”
Despite his impressive big stage exploits, Van Veen endured a testing start to 2026, after undergoing kidney stones surgery back in March.
This ultimately derailed his debut Premier League campaign, and he experienced a slump in form following his return to fitness, including three straight opening round defeats on the European Tour.
“It definitely wasn’t the easiest start to 2026, but I’ve learnt so much about myself,” he revealed.
“The main thing I’ve learned is that you can’t perform at your 100% best every time. You cannot do that week in week out, especially with the schedule we have.
“You’re going to lose more tournaments than you’re going to win, and that’s something you have to accept, especially during the Premier League where you play the top players every week.”
However, Van Veen’s performances have consistently trended upwards over recent months, with his run to July’s World Matchplay semi-finals playing a pivotal role in his return to form.
The world number three reaffirmed his credentials in stunning style last weekend, producing a record European Tour average of 120.24 in a six-leg demolition of Sebastian Bialecki.
“You couldn’t pick a better time of the year to be in good form,” claimed the reigning European Champion.
“Especially with the 120 average last weekend – even though it’s only six legs, that also gives me a massive confidence boost to know that the work I’ve been putting in is showing on stage.
“I’ve shown everyone that I can still do it, so it’s the perfect time to be in form with the European Championship, Grand Slam, Players Championship Finals and then of course the World Championship coming up.”
Van Veen is one of five European Championship winners featuring in this year’s 32-player field, although he’s aiming to join a very exclusive club at the Westfalenhalle this weekend.
Phil Taylor and Van Gerwen are the only players to have retain the coveted title, and the prospect of following in the footsteps two darting icons provides Van Veen with even further incentive.
“It would mean absolutely everything of course,” admitted the Dutchman.
“That trophy has had a special place in our house and it’s about to leave our house again, so I would like to have it back, otherwise it will feel empty!
“That’s a good motivation for myself this weekend, if I needed any at all!”
The 2026 Machineseeker European Championship will be broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding subscribers based in the UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland).