In a pulsating semi-final at Alexandra Palace that will be etched into darts folklore, 23-year-old Dutch sensation Gian van Veen triumphed over two-time world champion Gary Anderson with a 6-3 victory, securing his maiden spot in the PDC World Darts Championship final. The match, played out in front of a raucous crowd on January 2, 2026, showcased extraordinary scoring, nerve-shredding pressure, and moments of sheer brilliance, setting up a blockbuster showdown against defending champion Luke Littler.
The encounter began with Anderson, the seasoned Scot at 55 years old, drawing first blood by claiming the opening set. His experience shone through as he edged ahead, but van Veen, the reigning European Champion and a rising force in the sport, quickly found his rhythm. The young Dutchman, who had never previously won a match at Ally Pally in his prior appearances, responded with remarkable composure, reeling off the next four sets to surge into a commanding 4-1 lead.
It was in the fifth set that the match reached stratospheric heights, producing what many are calling the greatest set in World Darts Championship history. Anderson, trailing heavily, ignited the crowd with a blistering 10-dart leg to break van Veen’s throw. He followed it up spectacularly by nailing a “big fish” – the maximum 170 checkout – sending the famous venue into delirium. Yet van Veen refused to be intimidated. The Dutchman fired back with an 11-darter and then, in a jaw-dropping twist, matched Anderson’s feat by hitting his own 170 finish when the Scot was poised on a double. Despite Anderson posting an astonishing average of 117 in that set alone, van Veen clinched the decider on double four, extending his advantage and leaving commentators and fans alike speechless.
Anderson, known as the “Flying Scotsman,” mounted a valiant fightback, winning the sixth and seventh sets to narrow the gap to 4-3. His scoring power remained formidable, pounding in maximum 180s and keeping the pressure on. But van Veen, displaying maturity beyond his years, regained control. He took the eighth set to move within one of victory and sealed the match in the ninth with a clinical 13-darter, finishing on double 16.
Both players delivered averages over 102, with van Veen edging the checkout success rate at 55% compared to Anderson’s 45.5%. Anderson hammered 14 maximums, but it was van Veen’s clutch finishing – including multiple ton-plus checkouts throughout the tournament – that proved decisive. The Scot threw everything at his opponent, yet the young challenger withstood the storm.
Reflecting on the battle afterward, van Veen said, “Gary threw everything at me, his finishing was great … the crowd was a bit against me, but it’s fair play because Gary is so fantastic.” He acknowledged the hostile atmosphere at times, with the Ally Pally faithful firmly behind the popular Anderson, adding that he had shown he could perform even with the crowd whistling and booing. Van Veen also opened up about his journey: “Even now winning this game, five years ago I was struggling playing darts. Three or four years ago, I was in Barnsley, struggling with darts and crying at the table.”
For van Veen, this victory marks a historic milestone. He becomes only the third Dutch player to reach the World Championship final, following in the footsteps of legends Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen. Having idolized Anderson growing up, the semi-final was an emotional clash of generations – the veteran seeking a fairytale return to the summit versus the prodigy overcoming past struggles with dartitis and self-doubt.
Anderson, despite the defeat, produced one of his finest performances in recent years, averaging nearly 103 overall and reminding the darts world of his enduring class. His run to the semi-finals included notable scalps, reaffirming his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Now, attention turns to the final on January 3, where van Veen will face the phenomenal Luke Littler. The 18-year-old defending champion cruised past Ryan Searle 6-1 in the earlier semi-final, continuing his dominant form. This generational clash – youth versus emerging youth – promises to be another classic, with van Veen aiming to cap his breakthrough tournament by dethroning the king.
Darts fans have been treated to an unforgettable championship, and this semi-final between Anderson and van Veen stands out as a highlight: a grueling, high-quality epic that captured the essence of why the sport captivates millions. As van Veen roared to the heavens in celebration, crumpling with emotion, it was clear this was more than a win – it was a statement from the next wave of stars.
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