Gian van Veen is set to join a new equipment sponsor after announcing that his 12-year partnership with Red Dragon is coming to an end. The 24-year-old Dutchman revealed the news on Friday on Instagram, confirming that the Dutch Darts Championship in Maastricht will be his final tournament under contract with the manufacturer.
"This weekend's Euro Tour will be my last event as a Red Dragon player," Van Veen wrote. The European champion has played with Red Dragon equipment for almost his entire career, a relationship that began when he was just 12 years old and only beginning to develop as a darts player. "I joined Red Dragon when I was just 12 years old, and they've backed me every step of the way since," he said.
Over those 12 years, Van Veen grew into one of the best players in the world, winning two world youth titles before making his mark among the senior ranks. One of the highlights came in 2025, when he claimed the European Championship in Dortmund — his first major individual televised title at senior level. He also reached the World Darts Championship final in early 2026, where he had to settle for second place behind Luke Littler. "We have shared some incredible moments together. The World Youth titles, the World Championship final and lifting the European Championship trophy in Dortmund," he reflected.
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.
