The darts world has watched with a mix of admiration and concern as 23-year-old sensation **Gian van Veen** continues to navigate a challenging recovery from a painful bout of kidney stones. The Dutch star, widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents on the PDC circuit and currently ranked world number three, made a remarkably swift return to competitive action after undergoing surgery. Yet, despite his determination to push through, van Veen has openly admitted he is still battling lingering effects that are impacting his performance on the big stage.
It all began in mid-March when van Veen was struck by severe pain that escalated dramatically after a tournament in Göttingen. The discomfort grew so intense that he found himself hospitalized, forcing a last-minute withdrawal from Night Seven of the BetMGM Premier League Darts in Dublin. At the time, the 23-year-old remained in the hospital, expressing cautious optimism about a quick discharge. The diagnosis—kidney stones—required surgical intervention, and late last month he went under the knife to have them removed. Recovery from such a procedure is rarely straightforward, and van Veen has been candid about the patience it demands in a sport that leaves little room for downtime.
“Following the surgery to remove my kidney stones, recovery has been a process that requires patience,” he shared in an update during the early stages of his comeback. He emphasized that while the will and motivation to compete have never wavered, his body has been sending clear signals that full strength has not yet returned. “As important as the Premier League is, my health is more important,” he added, striking a mature balance between ambition and self-care that has earned respect across the darts community.
Van Veen’s return came sooner than many expected. He missed only the Dublin night and the subsequent European Tour event in Belgium before stepping back into the spotlight. His Premier League campaign, which had started so promisingly with three nightly final appearances in the opening weeks and a strong position near the top of the table, suddenly faced disruption. Now sitting fifth overall and four points adrift of the all-important play-off spots, the young Dutchman knows the margin for error is slim in one of the most grueling formats in the sport.
In Brighton on Night Ten, van Veen suffered a 6-4 quarter-final defeat to three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen. Reflecting on the match, he acknowledged mixed emotions. “Yes, of course I’m very disappointed. I think the scoring wasn’t great today, but it was a lot better than in recent weeks. On the finishing I’m just letting it go,” he explained. He noted that van Gerwen’s own missed opportunities helped him stay competitive, yet his inability to capitalize when chances arose proved costly. “It was just an important match today. The connection is a bit gone now.”
More tellingly, van Veen pointed directly to the physical toll of his recent health battle. “I feel good but I do notice my first dart often dips a bit. I’ve just lost some strength and energy.” That subtle loss of power and stamina has become a recurring theme. During the German Darts Grand Prix last weekend, he endured a heavy 6-2 second-round exit against William O’Connor. The fatigue hit hardest in longer sessions; at the Euro Tour event the previous Saturday, he was scheduled for the final match of the evening and felt his energy completely evaporate. “Last Saturday at the Euro Tour I had to play the final match of the evening and my energy was completely gone. Today it was fine, so it didn’t come down to that. But I’m definitely still recovering.”
These honest admissions paint a picture of a young athlete refusing to make excuses while refusing to ignore reality. At just 23, van Veen has already reached the final of the PDC World Darts Championship and established himself as a consistent threat in major events. His explosive scoring and fearless approach have drawn comparisons to the sport’s elite, but the physical demands of a packed schedule—travel, practice, and high-pressure matches night after night—have amplified the impact of his health setback.
Looking ahead, van Veen is making calculated decisions to protect his long-term prospects. He has opted to skip the upcoming ProTour double-header, including the Players Championship events, choosing instead to remain in the Netherlands for rest and targeted recovery on Monday and Tuesday. Two exhibitions this weekend will provide valuable practice hours without the full intensity of tournament play. “I’ve got two exhibitions this weekend, which will feel like getting some practice hours in. But rest is very important too,” he said. He plans to return for the following two events, prioritizing quality over quantity as he rebuilds.
What excites him most is the upcoming Premier League night in Rotterdam at the iconic Ahoy arena—his home-soil debut in the competition. The prospect of performing in front of a passionate Dutch crowd has clearly become a powerful motivator. “I’m really, really looking forward to it, honestly can’t wait. I even had a special shirt made for Ahoy. That says it all,” van Veen revealed with evident enthusiasm. “You don’t play in the Netherlands that often, usually only the Euro Tour. But when you play Premier League at Ahoy… that’s something you really look forward to. When I got the invite, I immediately thought: I get to play at Ahoy.”
He will face world number one Luke Humphries in what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter, and the home support could provide the lift needed to overcome his current challenges. “Hopefully I’ll be a bit better than in recent weeks. But we’ll see,” he added cautiously, showing the realism that has defined his approach throughout this ordeal.
The darts calendar waits for no one, and van Veen’s story highlights the hidden battles athletes face even as they dazzle under the bright lights. Kidney stones are notoriously painful and debilitating, often leaving patients drained long after the stones are gone. For a precision sport like darts, where even the slightest dip in strength or focus can mean the difference between a 180 and a wayward throw, those lingering effects are magnified.
Yet van Veen’s resilience shines through. He has spoken of taking “small steps, every day,” practicing where his body allows and rebuilding methodically toward his peak. The motivation to compete at the highest level remains undimmed, and his willingness to listen to his body rather than rush back recklessly suggests a maturity beyond his years.
As the Premier League season heads toward its decisive phase, all eyes will be on whether van Veen can regain the sparkling form that saw him challenge the very best earlier in the campaign. Supporters and fellow professionals alike are rooting for a full recovery, knowing that when he is firing on all cylinders, the 23-year-old is capable of producing magic on the oche. For now, the focus remains on smart management—balancing rest, practice, and competition—so that the talent that has already taken the darts world by storm can continue to flourish for years to come.
In the unforgiving world of professional darts, where consistency and mental toughness are everything, Gian van Veen’s ongoing battle serves as a reminder that even the brightest stars are human. His swift return after surgery was impressive, but the road to complete fitness is still being traveled one careful step at a time. With Rotterdam on the horizon and a special shirt ready, the stage is set for what could be an emotional and pivotal chapter in his young career.