Northern Ireland’s darts prodigy Josh Rock delivered a performance for the ages, edging out Dutch star Gian van Veen in a pulsating 6-4 victory at the 2025 International Darts Open in Riesa, Germany. The match, a clash of former and current PDC World Youth Champions, was a rollercoaster of high-octane scoring and dramatic finishes, securing Rock’s place in the final against world number one Luke Humphries. The 24-year-old, nicknamed “Rocky,” showcased his meteoric rise, averaging an astonishing 107.61 to clinch a spot in the European Tour event’s championship match on Sunday, April 6, 2025. With the darts world buzzing, Rock’s journey to the final promises an electrifying showdown with Humphries, who has been a dominant force in 2025.
The Saturday evening session in Riesa was a spectacle, with Rock and Van Veen trading blows in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats. Van Veen, the reigning World Youth Champion, struck first, breaking Rock’s throw in the opening leg with a clinical finish. But Rock, undeterred, responded immediately, leveling the score with a break of his own. The tension escalated as Van Veen unleashed a stunning 149 checkout, only for Rock to match his intensity with pinpoint accuracy. “It was a proper battle,” Rock said post-match, his voice brimming with adrenaline. “Gian pushed me all the way, but I knew I had to stay focused and take my chances.” The match remained neck-and-neck, with neither player yielding until Rock seized the moment in the 10th leg, pressuring Van Veen into a miss and sealing the 6-4 win with a nerveless double. His 107.61 average underscored his dominance, a testament to his growth since his breakout 2022 season, when he hit a televised nine-darter against Michael van Gerwen.
Rock’s path to the final has been marked by resilience. Earlier in 2025, he reached the semi-finals of the UK Open and World Matchplay, won the PDC World Cup of Darts alongside Daryl Gurney, and claimed his first European Tour title at the 2024 Dutch Darts Championship. His victory over Van Veen, a rising star who defeated Humphries in the 2025 World Matchplay’s first round, highlighted his ability to compete with the elite. “I’m playing with confidence, and I know I can go toe-to-toe with anyone,” Rock said, eyeing the £30,000 top prize. His performance in Riesa was part of a star-studded evening, with Gerwyn Price and Humphries also shining. Price, a four-time International Darts Open champion, battled past Mike de Decker 6-4, while Humphries dismantled Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-1 after conceding the first leg.
Humphries, the top seed, enters the final as the favorite, fresh off a stellar 2025 that includes multiple Premier League wins and a World Cup triumph with Michael Smith. His 6-1 rout of Van Duijvenbode showcased his ruthless form, reeling off six consecutive legs with a 102 average. “Luke’s the man to beat, no question,” Rock acknowledged. “But I’ve got nothing to lose, and I’m going to give it everything.” Humphries, reflecting on his performance, said, “I wasn’t at my best early on, but once I found my rhythm, it felt good. Josh is a tough opponent—he’s got that fire.” The final promises a clash of styles: Humphries’ clinical consistency against Rock’s explosive scoring.
Rock’s journey to this moment has been remarkable. From his 2022 PDC World Youth Championship win to his current world ranking of No. 11, he has emerged as one of darts’ brightest stars. His nine 180s in the 2025 World Cup final set a record, and his ability to handle pressure has drawn comparisons to legends like Van Gerwen. For Humphries, the final is a chance to solidify his dominance, but Rock’s fearless approach could make it a classic. “I’m here to win, not just to compete,” Rock declared, his confidence echoing through Riesa’s Sachsen Arena. As fans anticipate a thrilling conclusion to the International Darts Open, all eyes are on whether “Rocky” can upset the world number one and claim his second European Tour title, cementing his status as a future darts icon.
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