darts world championship 2026

Luke Littler Powers Into World Darts Championship Final as Alexandra Palace Roars

The 18-year-old reigning champion delivers a masterclass, setting up a blockbuster final against a rising star of the sport.

The electric atmosphere at Alexandra Palace has reached a fever pitch as the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship draws to a dramatic close. In a tournament defined by high averages, nail-biting finishes, and the continued dominance of the sport's young prodigy, the final lineup is now set. Defending champion Luke Littler has secured his spot in the championship match with a commanding performance, while Dutch sensation Gian van Veen has battled his way through to join him, setting the stage for a titanic clash for the Sid Waddell Trophy.

For darts fans across Australia and the globe, this year's championship has been a spectacle of skill and pressure. The journey from 128 hopefuls in the opening round down to the final two has been a grueling test of nerve, but it is the teenager from Warrington who continues to steal the show, backed by a legion of passionate supporters.

The Road to the Final: A Semifinal Showdown

The semifinals, played out on a pulsating Friday night, provided all the drama and tension that makes the World Championship so unmissable. The first match saw the reigning champion, Luke Littler, face off against the formidable power thrower Ryan Searle. Littler, entering the match as the overwhelming favourite, wasted no time in asserting his authority.

According to live reports from the BBC, Littler was in "dominant" form, cruising to a 5-1 set victory that sent a clear message to the rest of the field. His clinical finishing and relentless scoring ensured Searle was rarely given a foothold in the contest. The win sees Littler continue his remarkable defence of the title he claimed just 12 months ago as an unseeded 17-year-old.

In the second semifinal, the atmosphere was equally charged as the young Dutchman Gian van Veen took on the veteran Scottish legend Gary Anderson. This was a clash of styles and generations. Van Veen, who had earlier in the tournament eliminated the world number one and pre-tournament favourite Luke Humphries in a stunning 5-1 upset, carried his scintillating form into the semifinal.

As reported by The Guardian in their live coverage, Van Veen displayed immense composure to overcome the two-time world champion. While Anderson fought valiantly, the young Dutch prospect's relentless scoring and clinical checkout rate proved decisive, booking his place in his first-ever World Championship final. The result sent shockwaves through the darts world, confirming that a new generation of talent is ready to challenge the established order.

"The crowd was absolutely unbelievable. I just had to keep my head down and get the job done." — Luke Littler on the Alexandra Palace atmosphere (via ESPN)

The Champion: Luke Littler's Unstoppable Rise

To understand the current landscape of professional darts, one must appreciate the meteoric rise of Luke Littler. His victory in the 2025 championship was a watershed moment for the sport, but his performance in the 2026 tournament suggests his triumph was no fluke.

Throughout the tournament, Littler has displayed a maturity that belies his age. He navigated his side of the bracket with minimal fuss, dispatching Krzysztof Ratajski with a 5-0 whitewash in the quarterfinals to signal his intentions. His ability to perform under the immense pressure of the Alexandra Palace crowd is perhaps his most impressive asset. As noted by ESPN, Littler has consistently praised the support he receives, channelling the energy of the crowd into his performances.

This tournament has solidified his status not just as a future star, but as the current man to beat. His average scores have remained consistently high, and his checkout percentages have been clinical, leaving opponents with little room for error. He is playing with a confidence and swagger that suggests he is ready to dominate the sport for years to come.

The Challenger: A New Force Emerges

Standing between Littler and back-to-back titles is a player who has arguably been the standout performer of the knockout stages: Gian van Veen.

The 23-year-old from the Netherlands announced his arrival on the world stage with a devastating display against Luke Humphries. Humphries, the world number one and a multiple-time major champion, was swept aside, a testament to Van Veen's explosive power and unflappable temperament under pressure.

His semifinal victory over the legendary Gary Anderson further cemented his credentials. To beat two of the greatest players of their generation in successive nights is a feat few players can claim. Van Veen possesses a lightning-fast throw and a scoring power that can overwhelm opponents in a matter of minutes. His journey to the final is the classic story of a young gun fearlessly taking on the established elite, and he arrives at the final with nothing to lose and momentum firmly on his side.

The Setting: Alexandra Palace and the Spirit of Darts

The PDC World Darts Championship has been held at Alexandra Palace in London since 2008, and it has become the spiritual home of the sport. The venue, with its iconic stage and raucous crowds, provides a backdrop that is both intimidating for players and electrifying for viewers.

The tournament began on December 11, 2025, with 128 players from across the world competing for the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy and a significant share of the prize fund. The format, a grueling marathon of best-of-three, five, seven, and nine sets leading to the final, is designed to test every facet of a player's game. For the finalists, the final will be a best-of-13 sets, a true test of endurance and mental fortitude.

The passion of the fans is a key part of the championship's identity. The chants, the fancy dress, and the thunderous applause create an atmosphere unlike any other in sport. As Littler himself said, via ESPN, the crowd was "absolutely unbelievable," a sentiment that resonates with every player who steps onto that stage.

The Final Verdict: What to Expect

As the tournament moves towards its conclusion on Saturday, the stage is set for a classic final. It is a matchup of contrasting styles: the established, relentless force of the defending champion against the hungry, explosive power of the new challenger.

For Luke Littler, the goal is clear: to cement his legacy as one of the sport's greats by securing a second consecutive world title, a feat that would place him in illustrious company. For Gian van Veen, the final represents the biggest stage of his life, a chance to announce himself as a new king of darts.

The question on everyone's mind is whether Littler's experience and composure will prevail, or if Van Veen's scintillating form can topple the champion. One thing is certain: when they step up to the oche at Alexandra Palace, the world will be watching. The 2026 World Darts Championship final promises to be an unforgettable battle for darting supremacy.

How to Watch and Key Information

For fans in Australia looking to catch the action, the final is scheduled for Saturday, January 3. The match will be broadcast live on various sports networks and streaming services. Check your local listings for Sky Sports or DAZN for live coverage.

• Final: Best of 13 sets
• Participants: Luke Littler vs. Gian van Veen
• Prize Money: The winner will claim a top prize of £500,000, with the runner-up taking home £200,000. The total prize fund for the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship is £2,500,000.