Darts Drama Unfolds: Van Veen’s Stunning Upset in Minehead

Minehead, a town known for its coastal charm, was transformed into a battleground of nerves and precision as the 2025 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals kicked off at Butlin’s Resort. The opening day was marked by Gian van Veen’s electrifying victory over defending champion Luke Humphries—a match that will be etched in darts history for its breathtaking tension and relentless momentum swings.

Humphries, who came in seeking a third consecutive title, started strong, racing to a 3-0 lead with clinical checkouts of 145, 40, and 83. But darts, like life, rarely follow a script. Van Veen clawed his way back, unleashing a sensational 161 checkout that energized the crowd and rattled the reigning champion. Momentum shifted dramatically as Van Veen won five out of the next six legs, flipping the narrative and putting himself ahead 5-4. The Dutchman, however, faltered in the tenth leg, missing two match darts—a moment that had fans holding their breath. Yet, in the deciding leg, Van Veen steadied his nerves, capitalizing on Humphries’ missed opportunities to seal a 6-5 triumph. This win marked Van Veen’s fourth consecutive victory over Humphries, reinforcing his reputation as a rising force on the circuit (PDC.tv, BBC Sport).

This defeat capped a difficult month for Humphries, who recently lost his world number one spot to the prodigious Luke Littler. The pressure was palpable: less than a month earlier, Van Veen had upset Humphries in the European Championship final, and now he repeated the feat in Minehead.

Luke Littler: World Number One’s Confident Debut

Meanwhile, the spotlight also shone on Luke Littler, the 18-year-old sensation now introduced to crowds as world number one. Littler made his mark with a commanding 6-1 victory over Jeffrey de Graaf, averaging a remarkable 104.46 and nailing six out of eight double attempts. “It felt amazing being introduced as the world number one,” Littler told ITV Sport, his voice blending pride with determination. “It’s probably one of the best feelings I’ve had in my career, and hopefully there’s more to come.”

Littler is chasing his sixth televised ranking title of the year, and he’s hungry for the Players Championship crown—a title that eluded him last year when he lost to Humphries in the final. His next opponent, Ross Smith, also impressed in the opening round, dispatching Ryan Meikle 6-1.

Day One: Marathon Matches and High-Profile Exits

The first day of action in Minehead saw 32 matches played across two stages—a true festival of darts. Top seed Gerwyn Price overcame a shaky start to defeat Max Hopp 6-2, featuring a spectacular 154 checkout. Not all favorites survived: second seed Wessel Nijman was eliminated by Richard Veenstra in a tight decider, despite averaging over 102 and scoring five maximums. Former finalists Jonny Clayton, Rob Cross, and Dave Chisnall also crashed out, victims of inspired performances from James Hurrell, Sebastian Bialecki, and Ryan Joyce.

Notable performances included Nathan Aspinall’s magical 170 checkout against Czech number one Karel Sedlacek and Danny Noppert’s dominant display over Ricky Evans. Scotland’s Gary Anderson and Peter Wright—both icons of the sport—progressed with solid wins, while Chris Dobey and Daryl Gurney joined the list of comfortable victors. The drama was relentless, with Andrew Gilding surviving nine match darts to overturn a deficit against Dom Taylor, and Cam Crabtree rallying from 4-1 down to deny Mike De Decker.

As the tournament progresses, Saturday promises more intrigue with Round Two matches featuring the sport’s biggest names, broadcast live on ITV4 and streamed globally via the PDC’s partners and PDCTV (PDC.tv).

Community Spirit: Minehead’s Festive Events and Local Life

While darts fans packed Butlin’s Resort, another side of Minehead was coming to life—the local community’s preparations for the holiday season. Rachel Gilmour MP announced the return of her free Community Christmas Concerts, aiming to bring festive cheer to Tiverton and Minehead constituencies. In Tiverton, the concert will be held at St Peter’s Church, featuring performances from local choirs and open to all residents.

However, plans for a Minehead concert hit a snag when the Minehead Choral Society withdrew after finding the venue unsuitable. Despite this setback, Gilmour’s initiative underscores the town’s enduring commitment to togetherness and celebration. “These Community Christmas Concerts are my gift to the Tiverton and Minehead constituency – everyone is welcome to come along,” said Gilmour (DevonLive).

Entry to the Tiverton event is free, but residents must confirm in advance due to venue capacity limits—a reminder of the delicate balancing act between openness and safety that defines modern community gatherings.

Minehead: Where Competition Meets Community

The contrast between the high-octane atmosphere at the Players Championship Finals and the quieter, heartwarming preparations for festive events reveals Minehead’s multifaceted character. It’s a town where sporting ambition and local tradition coexist—where the roar of the crowd and the harmony of choirs both find their place.

For the darts world, Minehead is a proving ground. For locals, it’s a canvas for connection and celebration. This week, as Gian van Veen’s resilience and Littler’s exuberance dominated headlines, the community’s quieter efforts to foster togetherness painted a fuller picture of what Minehead truly represents.

In a year marked by shifting fortunes and resilient performances, Minehead has offered a reminder that both triumph and tradition shape the spirit of a place. Whether on the oche or in the pews, it’s the ability to rise to the moment—and to come together—that defines Minehead’s enduring appeal.

Thought you’d like to know

Who won the big match between Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen?

Gian van Veen defeated the defending champion Luke Humphries in a thrilling 6-5 match. It was his fourth consecutive win over Humphries this year. The match featured a stunning 161 checkout from Van Veen.

How did Luke Littler perform as the new world number one?

Luke Littler won his first match 6-1 against Jeffrey de Graaf. He averaged an impressive 104.46 points. Littler said it felt amazing to be introduced as the world’s top player.

Were there other major upsets on the first day?

Yes, several top players were eliminated early. Second seed Wessel Nijman and former finalists Jonny Clayton and Rob Cross all lost their first-round matches. This opened up the tournament for new contenders.

What is happening with the local community events in Minehead?

Rachel Gilmour MP planned free Christmas concerts for the area. The Minehead event was cancelled due to venue issues. The Tiverton concert at St Peter’s Church is still scheduled to proceed.

Where can I watch the Players Championship Finals?

The tournament is broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK. International fans can watch via the PDC’s global broadcast partners. Matches are also available through a PDCTV subscription.