The recent World Darts Championship saw the meteoric rise of Dutch talent Gian van Veen, whose electrifying run to the final not only reignited national pride but also, perhaps unintentionally, provided the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) with a convenient solution to a looming Premier League selection dilemma. While Luke Littler continued his dominance, winning a second consecutive world title, the real drama unfolded behind the scenes as the PDC grappled with choosing its elite eight for the 2026 Premier League. Van Veen’s success allowed the PDC to introduce a fresh Dutch face while controversially sidelining consistent performer Danny Noppert, sparking debate among fans and highlighting the organization’s preference for ‘entertainment value’ over pure sporting merit in its flagship invitational event.
A New Dawn for Dutch Darts: Gian van Veen’s Breakthrough
For years, Dutch darts fans eagerly awaited a successor to the legendary Michael van Gerwen. The 2025/26 World Darts Championship finally delivered, with 23-year-old Gian van Veen emerging as the sport’s next big star. His remarkable journey to the final captivated audiences, reminding everyone of the Netherlands’ rich darting heritage.
Van Veen’s breakthrough had been anticipated, especially after his European title win in the autumn of 2025. But it was at the Alexandra Palace where he truly showcased his potential, performing at an incredibly high level throughout the three-week tournament. His final appearance, though not his best performance, solidified his position as a top-tier player and a new national hero.
The Reigning Phenomenon and Unforgettable Moments
While Van Veen was making headlines, the tournament also belonged to the teenage sensation, Luke Littler. The “Nuke” continued to prove his unparalleled talent, securing his second consecutive World Darts Championship title. His dominance was clear, with only Rob Cross posing a significant challenge. The event was also rich with memorable stories from lesser-known players like David Munyua, Nitin Kumar, and Justin Hood, adding to the championship’s tapestry of drama and excitement.
The Premier League Puzzle: PDC’s Selection Conundrum
Beyond the individual triumphs, Gian van Veen’s success offered the PDC a significant advantage. The organization faced a critical decision regarding the lineup for the 2026 Premier League Darts, a tournament format that has drawn criticism for its sixteen-week league stage culminating in a mini-tournament playoff. Selecting eight players for this prestigious event is always a challenge, but 2025 presented a particularly thorny problem.
Performance vs. Personality: The Case of Danny Noppert
After the undisputed top players like Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and to a lesser extent, Gian van Veen, only one other player seemed to consistently merit a Premier League spot: Danny Noppert. “The Freeze,” known for his calm, consistent, and often emotionless style, has been a model of reliability. His steady performances, including semi-final appearances at the Masters, World Grand Prix, European Championship, and Grand Slam of Darts, spoke volumes about his skill.
However, Noppert’s understated persona contrasted sharply with the PDC’s perceived desire for “showmanship.” The organization, led by figures like Matt Porter, often leans towards players who generate crowd excitement and media buzz, even if their recent major performances are less stellar. This preference put Noppert in direct competition with more flamboyant players, despite his superior consistency.
The Overlooked Contenders: Who Made the Cut?
The top four players in the world rankings typically secure automatic invitations to the Premier League. Beyond that, the PDC faced a tough choice. Even Michael van Gerwen, a three-time world champion and usually a staple, had a disappointingly poor 2025, raising questions about his automatic inclusion if his form didn’t improve. His “terrible throwing style” since 2023 was noted as a potential career-limiting factor.
The battle for the remaining spots pitted Noppert against a host of crowd favorites:
- Stephen Bunting (“Bulletproof”): A popular figure, but his 2025 major performances after some World Series events were not outstanding.
- Nathan Aspinall (“Mr. Brightside”): Apart from a Players Championship Finals runner-up spot, he didn’t truly shine in major tournaments.
- Jonny Clayton (“The Ferret”): Reached semi-finals at the UK Open and World Matchplay, and was a losing finalist at the Masters (and World Cup, a pairs event).
- Gerwyn Price (“The Iceman”): Known for his action-packed style, but often squandered winning positions in majors.
- Josh Rock: Tipped as a major talent, but his major win in 2025 was in a pairs event with Daryl Gurney, not individually.
These players, with their distinctive walk-on songs, stage presence, or crowd interactions, often resonate strongly with the predominantly English-speaking audience. The PDC ultimately chose Bunting, Clayton, Price, and Rock for the Premier League, overlooking Noppert despite his strong and consistent record. His loss to Justin Hood in a memorable World Championship match, while a classic encounter, perhaps sealed his fate by denying him that extra boost of a deep run.
PDC’s Unwavering Stance and Fan Discontent
Noppert handled his exclusion with characteristic class, expressing disappointment but understanding the decision and appreciating the darting world’s support. His resilience and quiet determination are admirable traits, reflecting his steadfast character.
With Michael van Gerwen showing signs of decline, the PDC needed a new Dutch ambassador. Van Veen’s final appearance propelled him to third place in the Order of Merit, marking the first time since 2012 that a new Dutch player reached such a high ranking. This achievement served the Professional Darts Corporation in two ways: it provided a fresh Dutch standard-bearer and, crucially, allowed them to conveniently keep “the other Dutchman” (Noppert), whom Porter and co. seemingly overlook, out of the Premier League lineup.
The PDC thus continued its trend of not listening to its fans. Matt Porter has previously defended the Premier League’s current format, stating, “Fans want to see a winner every Thursday night.” However, many fans, including long-time attendees, find the format forgettable, struggling to recall winners even shortly after the event. Fan surveys and discussions consistently showed a desire for Noppert’s inclusion, but the PDC chose to be “deaf to the voice of the people.”
This disregard for fan sentiment extends beyond player selection to the overall experience. Fans pay significant amounts for subscriptions (PDC TV, Sky Sports, Viaplay) or increasingly expensive live tickets. Yet, the PDC seems content to prioritize a perceived “entertainment” factor over the consistent performances that many fans appreciate.
The PDC undoubtedly celebrated Van Veen’s final appearance. Luke Littler’s second world title, while impressive, was almost secondary to them. They know “The Nuke” is set to dominate for years to come. The only question remains if another Dutch talent, perhaps even a resilient Danny Noppert, could eventually challenge Littler’s reign. One can only imagine the contortions the PDC would then go through to keep him out of the “monstrosity” that is the modern Premier League Darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
