As the 2024 PDC season heats up, rising talents are making their mark, and none more so than Gian van Veen. The Dutchman is proving to be a serious contender to Luke Littler’s dominance, with recent performances showcasing his ability to convert scoring power into winning efficiency.
Littler Still the Benchmark, But Van Veen Closing In
Luke Littler remains the PDC’s standout player in several key areas, topping the charts for three-dart averages, 180s, and overall scoring power. His remarkable consistency has seen him maintain an astonishing run of throwing at least 80 maximums in every 200-leg period for nearly a year. His latest total of 112 maximums is the highest ever recorded in the history of the Form Guide.
However, despite Littler’s prolific scoring, Van Veen is proving to be more clinical in converting his opportunities into legs won. The Dutchman, fresh off back-to-back Players Championship finals, is playing at a level that would see him claim 67.7% of legs against an average ProTour opponent. While he trails Littler in 180s, Van Veen holds a crucial advantage in finishing ability, leading the PDC in ton-plus checkouts with 22—an impressive stat that puts him on the verge of a record-breaking run.
Gerwyn Price: The Littler Kryptonite?
One player who continues to stand in Littler’s way is Gerwyn Price. ‘The Iceman’ remains the only elite-level opponent against whom Littler has struggled to find consistent success. Price has already claimed two Premier League nightly wins over the World Youth Champion, most recently securing a commanding 6-3 victory with a modest 94 average—far below his usual standard but still enough to dispatch his younger rival.
Price’s overall form remains formidable, boasting a 99 average over his last 200 legs, along with an Ordinal Checkout Efficiency (OChE) rating of 65.5—exceptionally high for an average below 100. This highlights his ability to finish legs efficiently, a trait that has kept him in contention for the Premier League playoffs.
Rob Cross Takes Doubling Crown, Aspinall Hits New Heights
For the first time, Rob Cross sits atop the PDC’s doubling statistics. His checkout accuracy has surged to nearly 48%, aided by a crucial 170 finish that helped him defeat Price in last week’s Premier League action.
Meanwhile, Nathan Aspinall is enjoying a resurgence, having recently captured his first-ever European Tour title at the European Darts Trophy. His OChE rating has climbed to a 12-month high of 58, and his tally of 80 maximums signals a return to top form. However, if he wants to secure a Premier League playoff spot, he will need to maintain this momentum on the big stage.
Ross Smith’s Meteoric Rise
Ross Smith is staking his claim as the dominant ‘Smith’ in the PDC, recording the largest efficiency increase of any player in recent weeks. His OChE has jumped 8.3 points thanks to three quarter-final appearances in the last six Pro Tour events. Smith’s finishing power is also at an all-time high, with 21 ton-plus checkouts, including a stunning 125 finish in his most recent Players Championship outing.
Starting March with a 52% winning efficiency, Smith has now pushed that figure to 60%, the biggest leap of any player. With such rapid progress, he is quickly establishing himself as a major threat in every tournament he enters.
The Next Generation of Darts Dominance
With Littler at 18 and Van Veen not yet 23, the PDC’s present and future are firmly in the hands of its youngest stars. As the battle for dominance continues, the next few months will determine whether Littler can maintain his grip on the game, or if Van Veen and the chasing pack can topple him from the top spot. Either way, one thing is certain—the new generation of darts is here to stay.
