Dutch darts sensation Gian van Veen is set to compete in his first-ever World Darts Championship final this Saturday at London's Alexandra Palace, where he will face England's Luke Littler. Yet, his remarkable journey to the sport's biggest stage was almost derailed by a severe psychological battle with a condition known as Dartitis.
What is Dartitis? The 'Yips' of Darts
Dartitis is a debilitating psychological condition that severely impairs a player's ability to release a dart. Comparable to 'the yips' in golf, it manifests as a physical stutter or a complete mental block during the throwing action. The condition disrupts fine motor skills, often triggered by performance anxiety or overthinking the mechanics of the throw.
Players can find themselves frozen at the point of release, mentally willing their hand to let go but physically unable to do so. The condition gained notoriety in the 1980s when five-time world champion Eric Bristow saw his dominant career undermined by its effects. It is widely considered a form of focal dystonia, where the brain's motor cortex malfunctions during repetitive tasks.
Van Veen's Personal Struggle and Triumph
Van Veen's own battle with Dartitis began in 2020 and persisted through 2021, a period he describes as losing his throwing rhythm entirely. He revealed the ordeal started suddenly while practising in his bedroom. "I suddenly couldn't let go of the dart," Van Veen told Dutch media.
The psychological pressure was compounded by financial worries, feeling he was wasting his parents' money with poor results. "I was playing for my parents, not for myself," he admitted. However, in a surprising twist, Van Veen believes the struggle ultimately improved his game. He forced himself to be 100% certain of his target before releasing, which initially saw his averages dip but later soar to the low 90s as his technique and confidence rebuilt.
His victory over Dartitis paved the way for a breakthrough 2025, where he clinched the European Championship by defeating Luke Humphries. He has carried that form into the World Championship, notably knocking out former champion Gary Anderson to reach the final.
Other Players Affected by Dartitis
Recovery from Dartitis varies greatly from player to player, often requiring sports psychology, altered techniques, or even switching throwing hands. While some, like Van Veen, overcome it, others find the barrier insurmountable.
Aside from Eric Bristow, other professionals have suffered publicly. Berry van Peer experienced a visible crisis on stage during the 2017 Grand Slam of Darts. Mark Webster, the 2008 BDO world champion, also saw his ranking plummet as he fought a hitch in his throw, with the psychological strain eventually forcing him to step back from the sport.
As Gian van Veen prepares for the biggest match of his life against Luke Littler, his story stands as a powerful testament to mental resilience in professional sport, transforming a period of profound doubt into the foundation for world championship glory.
