"I was turning into a fat boy!" – Josh Rock opens up on lifestyle change as he dumps out Van Veen to top Grand Slam group

Reigning World Cup champion Josh Rock says he “had to change something” in his life after admitting he had become “too fat” – and the transformation is already paying off after the Northern Irishman sealed his spot in the Grand Slam of Darts knockout stages with a 5–2 win over Gian van Veen.

The 24-year-old revealed after the match that he has shed more than two stone in just nine weeks, crediting a renewed focus on fitness and practice for his return to form. Rock’s clinical victory over Van Veen secured top spot in a fiercely competitive Group F that also featured European Champion Van Veen, Dutch prodigy Wessel Nijman and Women’s World Matchplay champion Lisa Ashton.

“I was too fat,” Rock said bluntly in his post-match press conference. “I knew I had to change something in my life, and now I’ve done it. Nine weeks I’ve been on it and I’ve lost two stone, two and a half pounds. When I joined the PDC, I was a skinny young boy – now I was turning into a fat boy. I had to make a change behind the scenes.”

Rock explained that the improvement hasn’t come from radical gym work or extreme diets, but from getting back to basics. “I’m just eating a lot healthier, cooking more at home, cutting out the rubbish. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s helping,” he said.

The 2023 World Youth Champion added that his sharper focus off the oche has translated directly onto it, as he fired in three 180s and pinned five of his ten attempts at double to seal a statement win over Van Veen.

It was a pressure-filled encounter for both young stars, with only one guaranteed to progress. Van Veen broke throw in the opening leg but missed a dart at double 19 to extend his lead. Rock levelled, then found his scoring rhythm to edge ahead and never looked back. The Northern Irishman punished three missed darts on the outer ring from Van Veen before pinning tops and sealing the win on double 18 — erupting in celebration as he guaranteed his last-16 appearance.

The win also completed a dramatic turnaround in Group F. Van Veen had entered the final night in pole position after two opening victories, but Nijman’s whitewash of Ashton left the Dutchman needing to beat Rock to survive. The young Northern Irishman had other ideas, holding his nerve and delivering under pressure.

Rock was quick to play down any talk of making a statement, but his scoring power and composure on doubles hinted that the player who stormed through 2023’s major events is back.

“Everyone knows Josh Rock’s still around,” he said with a grin. “I just had a little blip for a month. I took two Pro Tours off and worked on my game. John O’Shea, one of my close mates who’s now a darts coach, gave me a few tips on finishing – and I think I’ve proved it this weekend.”

O’Shea’s guidance has been part of Rock’s effort to find balance and rebuild confidence. “John was with me in Dortmund when I didn’t play well, and he gave me loads of practice routines for when I got home,” Rock explained. “I’d been a bit lazy if I’m honest, but I put the hours in. My doubles have been the best they’ve ever been — everyone knows I’m a bit like Gary Anderson with my doubles!”

Still only 24, Rock’s rise has been rapid, but he insists he’s now learning how to manage high-pressure moments better. “We’re all professionals at the end of the day — we’re all here to win titles,” he said. “Maybe I was inexperienced before, but I’m definitely getting the experience now.”

He also praised the level of competition, brushing off the idea that facing major champions changes his mindset. “Doesn’t matter who it is,” he said. “Whether it’s a three-time, five-time, or sixteen-time champion — the game’s so strong now. You just have to go up there and perform.”

Rock’s 5–2 victory left him top of Group F, above Nijman, with Van Veen and Ashton eliminated. The Northern Irishman knows tougher challenges lie ahead, but he believes he’s now equipped mentally and physically to handle them.

“Hopefully I can perform how I want to,” he said. “Me and Gian both knew whoever won tonight was through — that’s when the pressure really hits. Thankfully, I handled it better than him.”

With multiple, deep major runs already under his belt this year, Rock is quietly plotting another deep run — but he’s not getting distracted by Premier League speculation.

“I can’t control that,” he said. “If they want me in, great. If not, it’s not my decision. Of course I’d love to be in the Premier League, but I’m just focused on winning games right now.”

Rock’s weight loss, renewed focus, and improved finishing are all signs that the World Cup champion is rediscovering the form that made him one of the sport’s hottest prospects. His message to the rest of the field is simple — he’s still here, and he’s fighting fit.