“A strange, yet heartbreaking story” – The truth behind Gian van Veen's real name

Gian van Veen has quickly become a household name for every darts fan. With his sensational run to the final of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship and his composed presence at the oche, the 23-year-old Dutchman has firmly put himself on the map. Yet behind his striking first name lies a special, emotional, and for many unknown story. Because officially, Gian van Veen isn’t called Gian at all.

The current world number three on the PDC Order of Merit was registered at birth as Pieter Gerard van Veen. He has used the name Gian since childhood, but only this week was the story behind it revealed to a wider audience. That happened on Monday evening on SBS6’s De Oranjewinter, where darts commentator and presenter Koert Westerman was a guest.

Westerman, known among other things for his work at Viaplay, explained how Pieter Gerard became Gian. “It’s actually a strange, yet heartbreaking story,” he began. In the neighborhood where Van Veen grew up, a young boy named Gian passed away. “It made such an enormous impact in that area that his parents decided to call their own son Gian, so that boy would never be forgotten,” Westerman explained.

A remarkable gesture that says a lot about the background and character of the darter whom the Netherlands has now embraced. And as if the story could be more symbolic, that same Gian van Veen recently stood in the final of the World Darts Championship. “And then he plays in the World Championship final,” Westerman continued. “We enjoyed him so much.”

Although Van Veen ultimately lost the final to English prodigy Luke Littler (7-1), he made a deep impression during the tournament. The reigning European champion took out former world champions Luke Humphries and Gary Anderson along the way. His game was mature, his demeanor calm, and his post-match reactions exemplary. “A shame he lost the final, but he reacted brilliantly,” said Westerman. “He took the defeat. Everything about him is right: in character and as a darter.”

That impression is underlined by his lightning rise in the world rankings. Thanks to his World Championship performance, Van Veen has climbed to third on the PDC Order of Merit, moving past his compatriot Michael van Gerwen. When Westerman points that out, Van Veen himself remains strikingly modest. The presenter sees that as a smart and mature approach. It’s no coincidence he carries the nickname ‘The Giant’—not only for his stature, but also for his presence.

Van Veen’s surge has not gone unnoticed. Next month he will make his debut in the prestigious Premier League Darts, where the eight best and most popular players in the world face off. As expected, the PDC included the beaten World Championship finalist in the select lineup.

Alongside Van Veen, Michael van Gerwen, Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price, and Josh Rock will also take part. For Rock, like Van Veen, it will be a first appearance in the Premier League Darts.