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Gian van Veen says goodbye to Red Dragon after twelve years: “It was an honour”
Gian van Veen (5)

Gian van Veen is set to join a new equipment sponsor. The 24-year-old Dutchman has announced that his 12-year partnership with Red Dragon is coming to an end. The Dutch Darts Championship in Maastricht will be his final tournament under contract with the manufacturer.

Van Veen announced the news on Friday on Instagram. The European champion has played with Red Dragon equipment for almost his entire career, but the two will part ways after the season’s final Euro Tour event. “This weekend’s Euro Tour will be my last event as a Red Dragon player,” Van Veen wrote.

From youth player to European champion

The partnership began when Van Veen was just 12 years old. At the time, the Dutchman was only beginning to develop as a darts player. Over the years, he grew into one of the best players in the world. “I joined Red Dragon when I was just 12 years old, and they’ve backed me every step of the way since,” Van Veen said.

Van Veen achieved several notable successes during those 12 years. He won two world youth titles before making his mark among the senior ranks.

Gian van Veen won the European Championship in 2025

One of the highlights came in 2025, when he claimed the European Championship in Dortmund. It was his first major individual televised title at senior level. Van Veen also reached the World Darts Championship final in early 2026, where he had to settle for second place behind Luke Littler.

In his farewell message, the Dutchman reflected on those achievements and the role Red Dragon played in his development. “We have shared some incredible moments together. The World Youth titles, the World Championship final and lifting the European Championship trophy in Dortmund,” he wrote.

New sponsor yet to be announced

The end of the partnership brings a long-standing relationship to a close. Van Veen has not said why he is leaving Red Dragon, and it is not yet clear which manufacturer he will join next.

His final appearance for Red Dragon will come this weekend at the Dutch Darts Championship in Maastricht, where the 15th and final Euro Tour title of 2026 will be decided.

Van Veen ended his Instagram post with a personal message of thanks to the company’s staff. “Thank you to everyone at Red Dragon for everything you’ve done for me. My dream has become reality and I’ll always be grateful for that,” the Dutchman concluded.

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