"Reigning Youth Champion of the Wooooorld": Backstory behind Gian van Veen's unique first time walk-on at World Matchplay
PDC
Gian van Veen delivered one of the more memorable moments of this year’s World Matchplay—not with his darts, but with a historic and light-hearted twist to his stage introduction ahead of his quarterfinal clash with James Wade.
ADVERTISEMENT
For the first time ever, a reigning PDC World Youth Champion was introduced on the big stage with full honours befitting that title. It didn’t spark a fairytale result for Van Veen—who ultimately fell 16-13 to the in-form Wade—but it did mark a moment of fun and recognition in front of the Winter Gardens crowd.
The idea came from dart reporter Damian Vlottes of Sportnieuws.nl, who raised it during the World Matchplay Draait Door podcast earlier in the week. While speaking with Van Veen, Vlottes joked about how great it would be if iconic MC John McDonald were to announce him in his trademark booming voice as the “World Youth Champion of the Woooorld.”
“Maybe not technically the correct phrasing,” Vlottes admitted on the podcast, “but it would be wicked fun. So I asked John McDonald if he’d be up for it. He shook my hand, and then we knew—it was going to happen in the quarterfinal.”
Read also

The well-known announcer John McDonald
And so it did. As the unmistakable beat of Astronomia by Tony Igy and Vicetone blared through the arena, Van Veen made his way to the stage. McDonald then delivered the line in all its theatrical glory:
“From the Netherlands, taking part in his third World Matchplay. A PDC title winner and, ladies and gentlemen, he is the reigning Youth Champion of the Wooooorld... The Giant, Gian van Veen!”
ADVERTISEMENT
The crowd erupted, Van Veen beamed, and the moment went down as a first in PDC history.
No Fairytale Finish
Unfortunately for Van Veen, the match that followed didn't match the magic of his entrance. James Wade, known as "The Machine," was clinical throughout and proved too solid for the Dutchman to break down. Despite a strong effort, Van Veen was unable to upset the veteran and bowed out of the tournament—leaving Blackpool as the last Dutchman to be eliminated.
Still, the 23-year-old leaves the seaside town with a moment that will be remembered, and a reminder of the bright future that still lies ahead.
WADE INTO THE LAST FOUR!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 24, 2025
James Wade does it again on the Winter Gardens stage!
The 2007 champion defeats Gian van Veen 16-13 to reach his TENTH World Matchplay semi-final!
📺 https://t.co/ZboV9dF4Ji #MatchplayDarts | QF pic.twitter.com/dpkXEPhAZ1
ADVERTISEMENT

Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026
- Probably i will receive a lot of backlash and hate for this reaction, but well, so be it. I am more than sick and tired of those lies of you Barry Hearn. How dare you defend yourself over the back of Fallon’s son! He has a disability and not an illness, so let me correct that for you! I know because I have the exact same disability. I have tried to reach out to Fallon in the past, and offered her to help her and her son, because I was struggling with the same problems, and I understood the boy. I wanted him to have finally someone who understood him. However she told me that she did not want my help, and I have respected Fallon’s choice. I have never asked Fallon for money. They don’t need money in that case. I only ever wanted the best for Fallon and Rory, but I have to be honest about the situation. Fallon should tell the true story and not be forced to tell lies. I don’t hate Fallon, and I don’t begrudge or envy a single penny that she gets, but this situation/case is just not fair. I hate the lies and the dishonesty and injustice. I don’t want Fallon to be hated because there is an unfair disadvantage created. Don’t proclaim your false lies over the back of Rory! I only stand for integrity and justice. I am precisely the one who always sticks up for Fallon. And you don't, you don't give a damn about them. You were never there for them, and now you only want to save your own position! You are just trying to talk your way out of your own bad behavior at the expense of someone with a disability. And to Fallon, I don’t know if this may ever reach you, and you read it, but I want you to know I love you and I love your son Rory very much, I am sorry how things developed and went. I hope you and Harriet are still friends. I am sorry if I were too persistent to you, or you experienced it that way, but it was never my intention. Please understand I have autism as well. As Barry Hearn would say, I am only just a human being too, and I also make mistakes and misjudge things sometimes. I promise you I did everything out of the deepest love and care for you and Rory. If I were you, I should just keep all the money, only please never be dishonest or tell lies anymore for Barry Hearn, or anyone else. I hope you have the best life, and I wish nothing more than the best for you. I have always loved the two of you. Farewell.Hiddo05-11-2026
- She is a professional. If darts is her income, she is a professional. Same as Adrian Lewis, Martin Adams. A tour card just means someone can play on the PDC tour. You could even make a case that Clayton wasn't a professional (until recently I believe) because he had employment elsewhere.BandB04-11-2026







