“You want to show the world that you belong” – Gian van Veen on the extra pressure of Premier League Darts nights

The Premier League Darts is a tournament unlike any other on the PDC calendar. While most events are decided over a handful of intense days, the Premier League demands consistency over several months. For Gian van Veen, that is exactly what makes it both special and challenging during his debut campaign in 2026.

“The Premier League is a very different tournament because you play each other week in, week out for 16, maybe even 17 weeks,” Van Veen explains in conversation with Red Dragon. Unlike traditional majors or floor events, there is no short burst to aim for. Instead, players must repeatedly perform against the same elite opposition from February through to May.

Each week brings another high-profile showdown against one of the sport’s biggest names. There is little room to ease into form or quietly rebuild confidence. Every performance is under the spotlight.

Van Veen admits he feels honoured to be part of the exclusive field. “Of course, I feel privileged to be part of it, to be among the elite eight players the PDC has selected.” That status, however, brings added responsibility.

“But I think that also brings extra pressure, because you want to show the world that you belong in the Premier League.”

That expectation is one of the key differences compared to other tournaments. In a standard ranking event, a defeat can quickly be followed by another opportunity the next day or week. In the Premier League, every match is played on a televised stage in front of packed arenas across the United Kingdom and Europe. Each result is analysed and remembered.

The format also demands careful physical and mental management. Maintaining peak performance for 16 or 17 consecutive weeks requires structured preparation, disciplined recovery and resilience under sustained scrutiny.

For Van Veen, though, the overriding emotion remains pride. Being selected for the Premier League is widely viewed as confirmation of belonging among the sport’s very best. As he puts it: “That’s why it feels different compared to other tournaments.”