The Alexandra Palace in London was the stage for high drama on January 3, 2026, as the World Darts Championship semi-final between Gary Anderson and Gian van Veen delivered one of the tournament’s most unforgettable moments. The fifth set, already being hailed by fans as an instant classic, saw not one but two "Big Fish" finishes—those elusive 170 checkouts—landed in quick succession, electrifying the crowd and swinging momentum back and forth between these two darting heavyweights.
But the story that’s capturing the imagination of darts fans worldwide extends well beyond the oche. In the aftermath of his hard-fought victory, newly crowned Dutch number one Gian van Veen revealed that he’d tried to do something no one else has managed in years: convince his childhood hero, Gary Anderson, to return to the Premier League. Anderson, a two-time world champion and one of the sport’s most celebrated figures, remains steadfast in his refusal to rejoin the prestigious 17-week roadshow—despite mounting calls from fans, pundits, and even his opponents.
The semi-final itself was a showcase of darts at its highest level. Both Anderson and van Veen matched each other dart for dart, with the epic fifth set providing the kind of drama that only the World Darts Championship can deliver. The crowd was treated to two "Big Fish" finishes in rapid succession—a feat that’s rare enough to see once in a match, let alone twice in the same set. The tension inside Ally Pally was palpable, as each player responded to the other’s brilliance with nerves of steel and pinpoint accuracy.
Ultimately, it was Gian van Veen who emerged victorious, booking his place in the final and cementing his status as the new Dutch number one. For Anderson, the defeat meant more than just missing out on another shot at the world title—it also meant he would not automatically qualify for the 2026 Premier League. While his form and stature would make him a logical wildcard pick for the PDC and Sky Sports, Anderson has made it abundantly clear: he’s not interested in returning to the weekly grind of the Premier League circuit.
Speaking to TalkSPORT after the match, Anderson didn’t mince words about his intentions. “No, no I’m quite happy, I need to concentrate on my rankings. If I done the Premier League, Europeans gone, Players Championship gone,” he said. “I couldn’t give a monkeys [if I’m world champion]. I can’t do it; it’s been great the years I’ve done it.” For Anderson, the relentless travel and the impact on his ability to compete in ranking events are deal-breakers—no matter how much the darts world clamors for his return.
Gian van Veen, just 23 years old and already making waves on the biggest stage, has never hidden his admiration for Anderson. In an interview with SportsBoom.co.uk, van Veen recounted how he’d tried to persuade the Scottish legend to reconsider his Premier League stance before their semi-final showdown. “Even before the semi-final tonight, I asked Gary, You got to be in the Premier League?” van Veen said. “He said, No, I can’t do it. too much travel, blah, blah, blah. I said, just join us. Come play in the Premier League because that’s what we all want to see.”
Van Veen’s respect for Anderson is echoed by players across the circuit, many of whom believe the sport is better with the Scot in the Premier League mix. “We all say this to him. What Gary’s capable of, so that’s what we want. But if Gary says, ‘I’m not doing it’, then that’s his decision,” van Veen admitted. “But if it’s down to me, of course I would like to Gary be involved.”
Anderson’s steadfastness hasn’t gone unnoticed by the next generation of darts stars either. Teenage sensation Luke Littler, fresh off his own semi-final victory over Ryan Searle, weighed in on the debate. “Like Gary has said, if he’s in the Premier League then he’s had a kick up the backside,” Littler remarked. “I don’t think he will. He’s been there and done it before.” Littler even questioned whether Anderson’s family could sway his decision. “It’s Gary who’s throwing the darts. He’s got his wife and kids supporting him. It’s whatever Gary does, and I don’t think he could change that. That’s Gary and I don’t think he will.”
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the Premier League, Anderson’s legacy in the sport is secure. His achievements—two world titles, countless televised victories, and a reputation as one of the game’s most gifted natural talents—have already earned him a spot in darts folklore. Yet, for many fans and fellow pros, the Premier League just won’t feel the same without the swagger and skill of the Flying Scotsman lighting up arenas across the UK and Europe.
For Gian van Veen, the semi-final victory was more than just a personal milestone. It marked the passing of the torch from one generation to the next, with the young Dutchman now carrying the hopes of a nation that’s produced legends like Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen. Van Veen’s performances throughout the tournament have been nothing short of sensational, and his debut in the Premier League later this year is eagerly anticipated.
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship has already delivered its fair share of drama, but the storylines off the oche are proving just as compelling as the action on it. Will Gary Anderson ever reconsider his Premier League stance? Could the lure of one final campaign alongside the sport’s brightest young stars tempt him back? For now, the answer is a firm no—but in darts, as in life, never say never.
As the tournament heads toward its thrilling conclusion, fans can only marvel at the quality on display and wonder what surprises the sport still has in store. One thing’s for sure: whether or not Gary Anderson returns to the Premier League, his influence on the game—and on the players who grew up idolizing him—remains as strong as ever.
With Gian van Veen’s star firmly on the rise and the next generation of darts talent eager to make their mark, the future of the sport looks as bright as ever. And as the dust settles on an epic semi-final, all eyes turn to the final, where new legends are sure to be written.