Luke Littler’s next appearance on the PDC stage could produce one of the most uncomfortable reunions in darts after the world champion was placed on a collision course with Dutch star Gian van Veen at the Nordic Darts Masters in Copenhagen.
The pair have not faced each other since their fiery on-stage confrontation earlier this year, a clash that sparked weeks of debate among fans and players alike. Now, with both men drawn in the same half of the bracket, the possibility of another showdown is growing.
Littler enters the tournament as one of the headline attractions after recently capturing his second Premier League title. The world No. 1 has been dealing with intense scrutiny in recent months, but his focus will now switch to the Nordic Darts Masters, where he begins his campaign against Norway’s Cor Dekker.
Van Veen, meanwhile, opens against Sweden’s Daniel Larsson. If both players win their opening matches, they will set up a highly anticipated semi-final meeting that many darts fans have been waiting to see.
Their rivalry exploded during a Premier League night in Manchester. In a tense quarter-final encounter, emotions boiled over after Van Veen missed a crucial match dart. Littler reacted with animated gestures, encouraging his opponent to continue before later making a crying motion toward the crowd as the Dutchman eventually secured victory.
The incident quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the Premier League season.
Van Veen was far from impressed afterward, describing Littler’s behaviour as “out of order.” The Dutchman made it clear that while he respects Littler’s ability on the oche, their relationship is unlikely to become a close friendship.
“I’m here for myself,” Van Veen said after the controversy. “He’s a fantastic darter, the world No. 1, so what he does for the sport is great, but I care little about what he thinks of me.”
Littler later attempted to explain his actions, insisting some of his gestures had been aimed at his girlfriend and her father rather than Van Veen. However, the explanation did little to calm the discussion surrounding the incident.
The tension appeared to continue away from the stage. Shortly after the Manchester clash, Littler posted an image on social media highlighting his trophy collection. Some fans interpreted the post as a subtle dig at Van Veen, especially as it appeared to overlook one of the Dutchman’s biggest career achievements.
What makes the rivalry even more intriguing is the history between the two young stars.
At the start of the year, Littler defeated Van Veen in the PDC World Championship final to retain his world title. The victory further strengthened Littler’s position at the top of the sport and underlined why many already consider him one of the greatest talents darts has ever seen.
Yet Van Veen has shown repeatedly that he is capable of troubling the English sensation. Their meetings have often been competitive, and the Dutchman’s Manchester victory proved he is not intimidated by the sport’s biggest name.
For Littler, the Nordic Darts Masters represents another opportunity to build momentum after an emotional Premier League campaign. The teenager recently admitted that constant crowd abuse and booing had affected him more than many people realised.
Following his dramatic Premier League triumph, Littler revealed that there were moments when he questioned whether he even wanted to continue competing.
“Didn’t even want to go out, didn’t want to go to the next Premier League night,” he admitted while reflecting on the difficult period.
The boos followed him across several venues after the Manchester controversy, particularly in the Netherlands, where many supporters sided with Van Veen. Despite that hostile atmosphere, Littler continued to produce remarkable performances and ultimately finished the Premier League season as champion.
His victory was an emotional one. After defeating Luke Humphries in a thrilling final, Littler broke down in tears as the pressure of recent months finally caught up with him.
Now attention turns back to the dartboard.
The Nordic Darts Masters features a strong field, including defending champion Stephen Bunting and several of the sport’s biggest stars. However, much of the spotlight will inevitably fall on Littler and Van Veen.
Both players belong to a new generation that is reshaping professional darts. Both are fearless competitors. And both know exactly what is at stake whenever they share a stage.
If results go as expected in Copenhagen, fans could be treated to another chapter in a rivalry that has already produced controversy, drama and unforgettable moments.
Whether the pair choose to put their differences behind them or add more fuel to the feud remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: if Luke Littler and Gian van Veen meet again this weekend, the atmosphere inside the arena will be electric.