Van Veen living out 'childhood dream' playing alongside Van Gerwen

As the current world No 3 and world No 4, Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen represent the Netherlands' strongest ever partnership at the World Cup of Darts.

Van Veen has been on a sensational rise which saw him make it all the way to the World Darts Championship final in January, where he lost to childhood rival Luke Littler.

In that time, Van Veen usurped Van Gerwen to claim the Dutch No 1 spot which MVG had held for over a decade.

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A Dutch duo last clinched World Cup glory eight years ago in the shape of Van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld, and as the second seeds. This year's pairing represent a huge chance for the country to lift the trophy for the fifth time.

Van Veen made his debut at this tournament in 2025 alongside Danny Noppert, but admitted he is living out a childhood dream in 2026 by getting to play alongside one of his country's greats.

Not only that, he has his sights set on a potential final clash with England, comprised of the world's top two Littler and Luke Humphries, but admits he would happily take on anyone if they are crowned winners at the end of it.

"This year with Michael it's going to be new but I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a good one," Van Veen said.

"I'm very excited about playing with Michael. As a Dutchman growing up he was always in the national team and if you want to play in the team you have to play with Michael - unless he doesn't want to play - but I'm very honoured to play with him.

"Everyone before the tournament has been talking about England and the two Lukes but it would be good to beat them in the final. As long as we lift the trophy I don't mind."

MVG: You just have to trust your partner

Van Gerwen last represented his country in this tournament in 2024 and thinks that he and Van Veen can work well together if they have "belief and trust".

"It's different every time but you need to get your own preparation in," said MVG. "You need to prepare yourself well.

"I've never played with Gian so it's going to be different. As long as you keep playing well and you do the right things for yourself at the right moment, you need to have belief and trust in yourself as well as your partner and I think that's key.

"You need to go with your own strength. You need to believe in your own ability. You need to beat what's in your path. I've been playing with pressure for the last 10 years now so one tournament more of less doesn't matter."

Who will win this year's World Cup of Darts? Northern Ireland will be defending their title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports from June 11-14. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.