In the high-pressure world of professional darts, where players battle not only opponents on the oche but also the physical demands of a relentless schedule, **Gian van Veen** has faced an unexpected and painful setback. The 23-year-old Dutch star, widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in the PDC and currently ranked world number three, was forced to withdraw from Night Seven of the 2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts in Dublin after being diagnosed with **kidney stones**. The issue escalated quickly, leading to surgery, and has left the former World Championship finalist in a race against time to return for the next leg in Berlin.
Van Veen, affectionately known as “The Giant,” first felt symptoms on a Sunday morning after returning home from an event in Göttingen. The discomfort intensified rapidly, landing him in hospital by Wednesday. Right up until the last moment, his biggest goal was to step onto the stage in Dublin for his scheduled quarter-final against Michael van Gerwen, but as he explained, “sometimes things are just out of your control.” The PDC officially confirmed his withdrawal, noting that the painful condition required immediate medical attention and made travel impossible.
What began as an attempt to pass the stones naturally turned more serious when an infection set in. Van Veen tried for two full days to avoid surgery, enduring significant pain in the hope that his body would handle it on its own. “I tried for two days to pass the kidney stones so I wouldn’t need surgery, but that wasn’t possible due to an infection,” he later revealed. Ultimately, doctors performed the procedure last Friday to remove the stones successfully. While the operation went well, the recovery has proven tougher than anticipated.
In a candid and heartfelt social media update, the young Dutchman shared the realities of his post-surgery journey: “Following the surgery to remove my kidney stones, recovery has been a process that requires patience. Small steps. Every day.” He described how the fatigue is very real, with energy levels still lower than hoped. “However, the fatigue is real. My energy levels are still lower than I hoped and every day I have to be smart about how I use it.” Even simple activities have taken their toll—he spent time with family over the weekend and noticed how exhausting everyday stimuli had become. When he tried throwing darts for just a quarter of an hour on Sunday, he was “completely spent and wiped out,” highlighting just how much strength and energy he has lost over the past week.
Despite the setbacks, van Veen’s determination shines through. He has been practising whenever his body allows it, rebuilding gradually while keeping a clear focus on his return. “Berlin is the goal,” he declared. “Walking out onto that Premier League stage and making my comeback at the oche is what is driving me through every session, every day.” The motivation has never left him, even as he acknowledges that health must come first: “As important as the Premier League is, my health is more important. The will is there. The motivation has definitely never left. Now it is about making sure everything aligns in time. Berlin, I hope to see you on Thursday.”
This latest health scare comes at a pivotal time for van Veen. After reaching the final of the PDC World Darts Championship earlier in the year—where he pushed eventual champion Luke Littler all the way—he has been enjoying a breakthrough season, establishing himself among the sport’s elite. The Premier League represents one of the most prestigious and gruelling stages, with its unique format of weekly nights across Europe and huge prize money on offer. Missing Dublin was a blow not just for fans eager to see his explosive 180s and clinical finishing, but for van Veen himself, who thrives on the big-stage atmosphere.
As Night Eight approaches in Berlin’s Uber Arena, uncertainty lingers. While some reports suggest he is doing everything possible to be fit, others note he remains a major doubt, with his management and the PDC agreeing he won’t be available if recovery isn’t sufficient. Darts fans worldwide have flooded social media with messages of support, wishing the talented youngster a swift return to full strength.
Kidney stones are notoriously excruciating, often described as one of the most intense pains a person can experience, and combined with infection and surgery, they can leave even the fittest athletes drained. Van Veen’s honest updates have humanised the high-flying world of professional darts, reminding everyone that behind the bright lights, thunderous walk-ons, and record-breaking averages, these athletes are battling real physical challenges.
For now, the darts community waits with bated breath. If van Veen does make it to Berlin, it will be a testament to his resilience and fighting spirit. Whether he steps onto the stage this Thursday or needs a little more time to rebuild, one thing is clear: the young Dutch star has the heart of a champion. Supporters everywhere are sending positive vibes, hoping the “Giant” will soon be back hurling arrows with the power and precision that have made him a must-watch player in the modern darts era. Recovery may be a process of small steps, but with his drive and the backing of the darts world, a strong comeback feels inevitable.
Leave a Reply