Gian van Veen successfully defended his PDC World Youth Championship crown with a 6-3 victory over Beau Greaves at Butlin’s in Minehead. The 23-year-old Dutchman produced a high-class display, averaging 96.55, hitting six of ten doubles and sealing the win with a 118 checkout. He also landed a 161 earlier in the match and recorded one 180; Greaves averaged 90.42.
In the race to six legs Van Veen opened with a 14-dart hold. Greaves replied by taking one leg on double eight, but Van Veen then hit heavy scores, including the 161 that left 24 to finish, which he took out on double 12. He broke Greaves after firing his first 180 and converted an 86 finish to move 4-1 in front. Greaves held throw to trim the deficit and then staged a break, but missed five darts at doubles in a crucial leg and Van Veen closed out the contest with the 118 checkout to complete a 6-3 win.
Van Veen becomes only the second player to retain the PDC World Youth Championship, joining Dimitri Van den Bergh (2017, 2018). After the match he said: “I’m over the moon. It feels really good to retain my title. I’m only the second player to retain the title after Dimitri, and to see what Dimi has done since… I think they are encouraging signs for myself. This weekend has given me massive confidence, not just beating Beau but also beating Luke Humphries on Friday, so hopefully it’s going to be my year.”
Greaves, who reached the final after edging Luke Littler in the semis, enjoyed an exceptional run on the PDC Women’s Series this season. She compiled an 86-match winning streak, won 13 consecutive Women’s Series events and claimed 18 Women’s Series titles in 2025, and also secured a PDC Tour Card via the Winmau Development Tour. She will return to the World Darts Championship in December.
Veteran figures have been quick to assess Greaves’ prospects. Former world champion Raymond van Barneveld suggested a deep run at the Worlds could put her in Premier League contention, while Gary Anderson warned she will “cause so much trouble next year” on the ProTour. Michael van Gerwen offered a note of caution, saying the Premier League can be brutal and that Greaves should focus first on adapting to the demands of the tour.
Back-to-back PDC World Youth Championship winners: Dimitri Van den Bergh (2017, 2018) and Gian van Veen (2024, 2025).