Luke Littler overcame the Ally Pally wasp to thrash Gian van Veen and cement his position as one of the greats of the sport after winning back-to-back World Darts Championship titles.
The 18-year-old joins Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson in winning successive crowns and he is the new king of Alexandra Palace. Littler burst onto the scene with an epic debut run to the final two years ago and has not lost on that stage since after a masterful 7-1 win over Van Veen, which earned him a record £1m prize cheque.
With an average of almost 106, 15 maximums and a 'Big Fish' 170 checkout, this was one of the great final performances. He has been a tour de force over the last year, winning five of the last six major tournaments, and looks set for an era-defining period of domination similar to what Taylor enjoyed.
Indeed, his biggest obstacle on a trouble-free night was the reappearance of the Ally Pally wasp, who made a beeline for Littler in the fourth set, causing a short delay while both players and referee George Noble swatted it away. Even though the final was not the close contest people were expecting, Van Veen has emerged as a serious contender and Luke Humphries is still his number one rival, but Littler has been virtually unbeatable in all of the big tournaments.
Relive all the action from the final at Alexandra Palace with our live blog below:
World Darts Championship 2026 final - Luke Littler vs Gian van Veen
- Luke Littler thrashes Gian van Veen 7-1 to win the 2026 World Darts Championship
- Teenage darting phenom Littler wins back-to-back titles, becoming just the fourth man in darts history to do so
- REPORT: Luke Littler cements status among darts greats with dominant World Championship win over Gian van Veen
- BIG FISH! Littler takes out a 170 finish to win set three
- ALLY PALLY WASP! The famous Ally Pally wasps makes his return as Littler dances to avoid it
Gian van Veen reflects on disappointing defeat
23:30 , Luke BakerGian van Veen spoke up on the stage after his defeat and was left frustrated by his display but full of praise for his opponent.
“The scoring maybe tonight wasn't my greatest game in the whole tournament,” admitted Van Veen. “Luke wasn’t in the mood to give me any more chances. He played phenomenally.
“I missed too many chances to make it an even game. That’s why he’s world number one by a margin now and back-to-back world champion.
“Today I would have liked to lift up the title but I would have liked to give Luke a game and that's what I didn’t do today.
“I'm very proud of getting to the final, number three in the world now, Dutch number one. I'm very proud of myself but disappointed today.”
Luke Littler cements status among darts greats with dominant World Championship win over Gian van Veen
22:50 , Luke BakerCome at the king, you best not miss. A record 128 players started the World Darts Championship on 11 December and seven took their shot at reigning champion Luke Littler along the way. Some fans turned on him too and his walk-ons were regularly accompanied by a smattering of noisy boos.
Yet no one could knock him off his stride, not even rising star Gian van Veen, who was ripped limb from limb by a ruthless Littler on the Alexandra Palace stage as the champion retained his crown.
At times it has seemed like the whole darts world is against him. This was a different Littler to the boy who triumphed 12 months ago against Michael van Gerwen on the same platform: a snarling, snorting Littler, hurling darts like he’d pinned the face of a sworn enemy to the board, ripping them out of the treble-20 bed after each of his 16 180s with feeling.
His onslaught was stalled only twice, first by a wasp that attacked his head during the fifth set, and then when the board had to be changed after Van Veen smeared a spot of blood across single five in the latter stages. Minutes later he bled out in a brutal 7-1 thrashing.
Read Lawrence Ostlere’s full report from Alexandra Palace:
Luke Littler cements status among darts greats with dominant World Championship win
More from Luke Littler
22:24 , Luke BakerHere’s some more reaction from Littler after that victory.
“I was getting closer and closer to the winning line but you can’t think of it too much,” said Littler. “It [the trophy] is right next to you on stage but you’ve just got to keep going.
“Not a chance [would I have imagined being here when I first started playing darts]. I didn’t think it would be anything like it has been. I’ve been practising, the family and friends have always been there to support me.
“It’s very special. We've got to keep going, we’ve got to keep adding more titles. We can’t stop here. We’re still on this rollercoaster.”
Littler seals £1m prize
22:12 , Luke BakerA reminder of what Luke Littler has won this evening – not only the trophy but the £1m winner’s cheque, the largest in darts history. Gian Van Veen leaves with £100k for being runner-up.
Here’s what Littler has to say about the prize: “It is life-changing for anyone. Even the first round was doubled. It’s life-changing, this win has just increased that gap from Luke Humphries and I’m in the clear as world number one.”
World Darts Championship 2026 prize money
- Runner-up: £400,000
- Winner: £1,000,000
Luke Littler: 'So nice, I had to do it twice!'
22:01 , Luke BakerLuke Littler has spoken to Sky Sports after winning his second world title and was understandably delighted.
Littler said: “It feels amazing. First of all, I've got to say thank you to John McDonald [MC] and George Noble [match referee, both retiring] – what fantastic careers they have had.
“Everyone knows what happened with Anthony Joshua and his team, rest in peace to his friends. But it’s just like AJ said... ‘the first time was so nice, I had to do it twice’!
“I wasn't happy going into the break 1-0 down, but I had to kick on from there. I said just give it time, you'll find it. It all came to plan. Gian, what a tournament though, he can be very happy for himself.”
WATCH: Luke Littler lifts the World Championship trophy for the second time
21:54 , Luke BakerHere’s the moment Luke Littler lifted the trophy again. How many of these is the 18-year-old going to win throughout his career?
Emotional Littler wins his second world title
21:45 , Luke BakerLuke Littler becomes just the fourth man to win back-to-back world titles, following Phil Taylor, Gary Anderson and Adrian Lewis. And he’s only 18...
Incredible stuff. And The Nuke is understandably emotional at his victory
Luke Littler wins the 2026 World Darts Championship
21:38 , Luke BakerIncredible stuff - Luke Littler absolutely blew Gian van Veen away. There’s huge celebrations as he fist pumps, runs to the side of the stage and screams with joy.
Then he’s in tears at his table and congratulated by Van Veen. There was nothing the Dutchman could do today
Littler 7-1 Van Veen - LUKE LITTLER IS WORLD CHAMPION
21:35 , Luke BakerCould this be the leg? Will Littler finish it with a break of throw. He’s down to 147, the first to a finish.
Treble 20... Treble 19... And nails double 15! HE’S DONE IT - LUKE LITTLER IS WORLD CHAMPION ONCE AGAIN. WOW!
Littler (6) 2-1 (1) Van Veen
21:34 , Luke BakerLittler only needs two more holds of throw to win back-to-back World Championship titles.
He narrowly misses double 15 to miss out on a 150 takeout but cleans up on the following turn. He’s one leg away!
Littler (6) 1-1 (1) Van Veen
21:32 , Luke BakerLittler still looks focussed here. This is a better leg from Van Veen and reaches a finish first, down to 155.
He can just set it up, with Littler not on a finish, and he duly takes out 56 cleanly. 16, double tops. A rare leg win for the Dutchman!
Littler (6) 1-0 (1) Van Veen
21:30 , Luke BakerLittler begins this potential final set with a 180 because why not.
The shoulders have dropped for Van Veen now, he knows there’s almost no way back.
Littler sets himself up from 126 and then takes out the 72 he’s left himself. Two legs away...
Van Veen on the brink of defeat
21:28 , Luke BakerGian van Veen having words with himself but you feel it’s far too late. He’s been blown away by the greatest darts player in the world
Littler (6) 3-0 (1) Van Veen - LITTLER WINS SET SEVEN
21:26 , Luke BakerSurely Van Veen couldn’t pull a nine-darter out of nowhere? He throws six perfect darts to start the third leg of this seventh set...
Next dart slips into treble 5, alas. And then he fails to take out 96. Uh oh. Littler suddenly has darts at double to win the set and he takes them! LUKE LITTLER WINS THE SEVENTH SET.
He’s 6-1 up in a race to seven and Gian van Veen looks a beaten man as he trudges off the stage for the latest (and probably final break). Littler will have a chance to wrap it up when they return.
Littler (5) 2-0 (1) Van Veen - LITTLER BREAKS
21:24 , Luke BakerThe board, which had a speck of Van Veen’s blood in the five segment, is replaced between sets. Fair play.
This final might not last more than about 10 minutes though. Van Veen is on the receiving end of an absolute drubbing.
Littler breaks his opponent again to start set seven and then consolidates the hold. Eight legs in a row he’s won now...
Luke Littler attacked by wasp during World Darts Championship final
21:21 , Luke BakerLuke Littler’s dominance at the start of the World Darts Championship final against Dutchman Gian van Veen was disturbed only by a wasp in his face during the fifth set of the match.
Littler was in the middle of a visit to the oche when he stopped and stepped away, flapping furiously at his face. The match was paused while officials tried to drive the wasp off the stage.
Littler, the reigning world champion, was leading the match at the time and kept his composure to win the set and extend his lead to 4-1 in the best-of-13 final, in a bid to retain the title.
It is not the first time a wasp has interrupted play at this year’s World Championship. Ahead of his first-round match, Jurjen van der Velde caused a stir when he pulled insect repellent from his pocket, liberally spraying the air and himself, much to the crowd's amusement.
Luke Littler attacked by wasp during World Darts Championship final
Littler (5) 3-0 (1) Van Veen - LITTLER WINS SET SIX
21:20 , Luke BakerThis is magnificent from the 18-year-old. He is in cruise control. It’s another set for Littler as HE WINS SET SIX and it’s another 3-0. Hard to see a way back for Van Veen now at 5-1 down in sets
Littler (4) 2-0 (1) Van Veen - LITTLER BREAKS
21:18 , Luke BakerIt looks like Van Veen might have cut his hand and there’s a speck of blood in the five segment now.
It doesn’t seem to matter as both men hammer in the 180s but Littler is too relentless. Takes out 25 and it’s another break of throw for Littler. He’ll be throwing for a 5-1 lead
Littler (4) 1-0 (1) Van Veen
21:17 , Luke BakerLittler is averaging 107.06, with Van Veen at 100.27. The Nuke is running riot at the moment. Can the Dutchman somehow win this set against the throw?
Erm, a 180 to open up in the first leg of the sixth set from Littler doesn’t help. The world No 1 then finds three more treble 20s! Six darts into a nine-darter!
The crowd rise in anticipation but the next dart is single 20. He comes back to the board with 54 but misses two darts at double!
A chance for Van Veen, who has hit a 180 to leave himself needing 90. Treble 20 hit, two darts at double 15, both missed! Oh dear - golden opportunity gone. And Littler capitalises.
Littler (4) 3-1 (1) Van Veen - LITTLER WINS SET FIVE
21:13 , Luke BakerHmmm, this is getting very, very dicey for Gain van Veen. He’s simply not scoring well enough to live with Littler, who is playing brilliantly.
The Dutchman gets broken by Littler and then can’t take out 140 to break back, leaving the world No 1 with 20 to win it. First dart is outside the double and the second one inside! But he nails double 5 and LUKE LITTLER WINS SET FIVE TO LEAD 4-1. Plus, he’ll be throwing first in the next... This is on the brink of getting out of hand for Van Veen.
Fair play to the Sky Sports video team, who dig out a montage of the Ally Pally wasps best moments, set to Wiz Khalifa hit Black and Yellow as we go into the break. Quick on the draw!
WATCH: The Ally Pally wasp returns
21:09 , Luke BakerHere’s that iconic moment. The Ally Pally wasp has become a cult hero and of course he waits for the final to make his return! Love it
Littler (3) 1-1 (1) Van Veen - THE RETURN OF THE ALLY PALLY WASP!
21:08 , Luke BakerWell, the biggest moment of the final has just happened. Forget your 170 finishes, the Ally Pally wasp has returned!
In the second leg of the fifth set, Littler is at the board and the wasp is back. Littler does a little hokey-cokey dance to avoid it and the crowd are cheering. The Nuke doesn’t look like he’s enjoying this as he tries to avoid the wasp and waits for it to fly away.
Eventually it does but a chant of “Ally Pally wasp” rings round from the crowd! When things eventually resume, Littler holds his throw to win the leg.
Littler (3) 0-1 (1) Van Veen
21:05 , Luke BakerVan Veen simply has to win this fifth set, where he’s got the throw. Being 4-1 down, with Littler having the throw would be a disaster.
And that is some leg from Van Veen. Littler needs bull to win it but misses. The Dutchman has to take out 137 AND NAILS IT. That’s big, finishing on double tops for a hard-earned hold of throw.
WATCH: Littler reels in the big fish
21:01 , Luke BakerHere’s the moment Luke Littler landed a 170 finish to win set three. Incredible
Littler (3) 3-0 (1) Van Veen - LITTLER WINS SET FOUR
20:59 , Luke BakerOooof. Van Veen completely blown away in that fourth set. Nothing he can do to stop the Littler juggernaut and THE NUKE WINS SET FOUR WITH EASE. Holds his throw by landing double 6 and that’s a 3-0 set.
Suddenly he’s 3-1 up in sets and looking unstoppable
Littler (2) 2-0 (1) Van Veen - LITTLER BREAKS AGAIN
20:57 , Luke BakerThe fans are chanting “there’s only one Luke Littler now”. He’s absolutely flying and the body language of Gian van Veen isn’t great. This is relentless from the world No 1.
This fourth set is in danger of slipping away from the Dutchman now. Littler holds his throw in the first leg and then comes back to deliver a break of throw.
In the blink of an eye, Littler is throwing for the set.
Littler (2) 3-1 (1) Van Veen - LITTLER WINS SET THREE WITH THE BIG FISH
20:55 , Luke BakerPURE THEATRE! Stop it, Luke Littler! He’s throwing for the third set and leaves himself 170.
We know what happens next... Treble 20, treble 20 and the third dart finds the bullseye. LUKE LITTLER REELS IN THE BIG FISH TO WIN SET THREE.
Just huge. He celebrates with a ‘boom’ and a fishing gesture. Class, pure class. That set was a break of throw for The Nuke as well. He’s taken control of this match
Littler (1) 2-1 (1) Van Veen - LITTLER BREAKS
20:51 , Luke BakerThe quality of finishing is absolutely unreal so far. No ton-plus finish is safe with these two around.
Littler checks out a fifth 100+ finish in just the 12th leg of the match as he nails 112 to hold his throw.
In the next leg, Van Veen is millimetres away from taking out 126 but misses the bull. And Littler strikes! Double 12 gives The Nuke a key break of throw. He’s now throwing for the set
Littler (1) 0-1 (1) Van Veen
20:48 , Luke BakerThe two men trading 180s in the first leg of the third set and Van Veen does well to get down to a finish first.
Leaves himself with 40 and needs just one dart to take it out. Good hold to start the set
Littler (1) 3-2 (1) Van Veen - LITTLER WINS SET TWO
20:46 , Luke BakerPhew! This is already relentless stuff, with these two knocking seven bells out of each other.
Van Veen is lurking on 170, leaving himself the ‘big fish’. Littler has a shot at 116 first though.
Van Veen has already hit that checkout today and Littler follows suit! T19, single 19 to leave double tops and The Nuke lands it! LUKE LITTLER WINS SET TWO.
That’s big for the reigning champ, levelling the match at one set apiece. A fist pump shows how much it means
Littler (0) 2-2 (1) Van Veen - LITTLER BREAKS BACK
20:43 , Luke BakerLittler looks fired up now. He gets five darts into a nine-darter before just missing a sixth treble 20 on the spin.
He’s putting real pressure on the Van Veen throw but the Dutchman has another look at 127. SO CLOSE! Hits the two trebles, leaves double 8 but is just outside the wire.
Littler takes advantage, just... Misses that sometimes troublesome double tops but nails his best friend, double 10 to break back and force a deciding leg for a second straight set.
Littler (0) 1-2 (1) Van Veen
20:40 , Luke BakerVan Veen just needs to hold his throw to win this set and he follows up his 145 by taking out a 127. This is a masterclass from the Dutchman so far!
Littler responds by holding throw himself in fairly straightforward fashion but can he break Van Veen’s throw to keep the set alive?
Littler (0) 0-1 (1) Van Veen - VAN VEEN BREAKS
20:38 , Luke BakerWOW! Gian van Veen is now rocking and rolling after that first set.
He attacks Littler’s throw to begin the second set and hits his first 180 of the match to leave a 145 finish.
He gets a shot at it and takes it out with double 14! Gian Van Veen breaks to begin the second set. This is a real early warning from the underdog to Littler
WATCH: Van Veen wins the first set
20:36 , Luke BakerHere’s how Gian van Veen won that first set. A big moment for the Dutchman
Littler (0) 2-3 (1) Van Veen - VAN VEEN WINS THE FIRST SET
20:34 , Luke BakerInto a deciding leg for this opening set. This is big int he context of the match, for Van Veen especially.
But Littler’s first throw is a 180! Good response from Van Veen though and Littler’s dreams of a nine-darter die quickly at the start of his next throw.
Van Veen has a shot at the ‘big fish’ a 170 finish. First dart in triple 20, and the second... JUST misses the bull and lands in 25. So close!
He’s back to the board though and has two darts at his favourite double 8 to win the set but missed both!
Littler on 40, surely a routine checkout. NO! He misses one at double tops, then two outside D10. That is very un-Littler.
And Van Veen takes advantage! Finds double 4 with the second dart and GIAN VAN VEEN WINS THE FIRST SET 3-2
Littler is chuntering to himself as he walks off the stage for the first break. Not a happy boy
Littler (0) 2-2 (0) Van Veen - VAN VEEN BREAKS BACK
20:29 , Luke BakerLittler struggling to consolidate his hold though.
Van Veen has a shot at breaking back with 89 but misses the bull. However, Littler can’t land a double 5 and Van Veen is back to the board.
Needs this... YES! Double 8 nailed and the Dutchman will throw for the first set.
Littler (0) 2-1 (0) Van Veen - LITTLER BREAKS
20:27 , Luke BakerHmmm, some worrying signs for Van Veen in the third leg. He’s absolutely nowhere, not even close to a finish as Littler gets down to a single-darter.
Takes out double tops, not always his friend, with ease and that is a routine break of throw. Ominous...
Littler (0) 1-1 (0) Van Veen
20:26 , Luke BakerGood response by the reigning champ. He is in total control of the first leg where he has the throw and almost takes out 161, just missing the bull.
Tidies up the 25 to level the match though
Littler (0) 0-1 (0) Van Veen
20:24 , Luke BakerThat is some start by Van Veen. He’s first to a finish and takes out 116, finishing on double top!
A fist pump from the Dutchman and a 12-darts leg for a simple hold. Statement made
Gian van Veen to throw first
20:23 , Luke BakerI’ll be honest, neither walk-on is really my vibe. I’ve always found Littler’s walk-on a tad underwhelming.
The underdog Van Veen throws first in this opening leg. He needs to win this first set, you feel. Opens up with a couple of nerve settling 140s.
Walk-ons done
20:20 , Luke BakerGian van Veen is out first. He looks pretty relaxed as he strolls to the stage. Astronomia by Dutch electronic duo Tony Igy & Vicetone blares out – if you like Dutch techno house then you’ll have loved that walk-on...
He’s followed by Luke Littler, walking out to Greenlight by Pitbull, as per usual. A smattering of boos when the intro initially begins but that is quickly almost universal cheers.
Here. We. Go
20:16 , Luke BakerIt’s time. The players are about to walk-on at Ally Pally. Retiring MC John McDonnell about to do the intros one final time
'Excitement building inside the arena'
20:14 , Lawrence OstlereLawrence Ostlere at Alexandra Palace:
“The atmosphere is phenomenal in the arena tonight, as you would expect. The Yaya-Kolo Toure song is being belted out as giant pitchers of beer are carried to the tables on the floor – now is the time to stock up.
“There is the sense of excitement not just because this is the night of the final, but that it could just be an epic night of sporting drama. Let’s hope.”
Littler and Van Veen set up World Championship final that could define darts’ future
20:11 , Luke BakerWe’re about five minutes away from the walk-ons at Ally Pally this evening.
Just enough time to read a preview of tonight’s clash – a tantalising glimpse of a rivalry that could dominate the sport for years to come.
Littler and Van Veen set up World Championship final that could define darts’ future
Van Veen and Littler reflect on what's to come
20:07 , Luke BakerBoth men seem relaxed as they chat about what might happen this evening.
How to watch the final
19:54 , Luke BakerA reminder of how to watch all the action from what could be an epic this evening.
The World Darts Championship final is on Sky Sports Darts and Sky Sports Main Event, with walk-ons from approximately 8.15pm.
Van Veen wins the bull-up
19:45 , Luke BakerFirst blood to Gian van Veen? He wins the backstage bull-up, so will throw first in this final.
A quick start will be key if he’s to live with Littler, so has to hold serve in the first set.
The Dutchman will also have the throw should we go all the way to a final-leg, death shootout. Now that would be something!
Record prize money on offer
19:38 , Lawrence OstlereA reminder of what’s on the line tonight: record £1m prize money and double what Littler won 12 months ago. The total prize pot for the tournament was £5m.
- Runner-up: £400,000
- Winner: £1,000,000
Fans ready for a fascinating final
19:32 , Luke BakerOne last chance for darts fans to turns out in their droves to Ally Pally, show off their fancy dress and enjoy some world-class arrows action.
Luke Littler's route to the final
19:18 , Luke BakerHere’s how Luke Littler has made it to the final this year, culminating in that 6-1 demolition of Ryan Searle last night.
It’s fair to say that only Rob Cross in round four has really tested him
How Luke Littler booked his place in a third consecutive World Darts Championship Final 🙌
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 3, 2026
Here's his wins on the way... pic.twitter.com/e73pOtcDrp
Gian van Veen's route to the final
19:07 , Luke BakerGian van Veen is looking to become just the third Dutchman to win the world title, after Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen.
Here’s how he has reached his first world final, ending with that classic 6-3 triumph over Gary Anderson in the semi-finals
Here's how Gian van Veen booked his place in his first World Championship Final...
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 3, 2026
Can he become the third Dutch World Champion? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/0InpYLT5iK
Fans arrive in hope of thriller
18:57 , Lawrence Ostlere at Alexandra PalaceGood evening from Alexandra Palace, where fans have been arriving in their droves ahead of tonight’s final. It is quite literally freezing outside and they looked delighted to finally be let inside a moment ago.
The final offers up the least darts you can possibly get for your money over the tournament, but they are hot tickets tonight after last night’s semi-finals, when both Littler and Van Veen looked in supreme form. It has all the ingredients for a classic.
Here’s a look inside the venue a few moments ago, when all was quiet:
The trophy they're playing for
18:46 , Luke BakerHere’s what Littler and Van Veen are playing for this evening – the Sid Waddell Trophy, named after the legendary darts commentator.
Littler lifted it last year, Van Veen is trying to do so for the first time.
Littler vs Van Veen head to head
18:33 , Luke BakerWhile Luke Littler is rightly a heavy favourite to win this evening, Gian van Veen can take heart from the fact that he has a winning record against the teenage phenom on the professional tour.
In fact, he’s the only player who has played Littler more than once to lead their head to head – having won three matches to the younger man’s two.
Littler won their first clash on the pro tour, at the UK Open 10 months ago, and their most recent clash at the World Grand Prix but Van Veen won the previous three at the Czech Open in September, the German Grand Prix in April and the Players Championship back in March – the latter a thrilling 7-6 win for the Dutchman.
Record prize money on the line
18:13 , Luke BakerA reminder of what’s at stake here tonight, beyond darts history: record prize money.
World Darts Championship 2026 prize money: How much does the winner earn?
Football really wants to be darts right now – but darts still wishes it was pro wrestling
17:59 , Luke BakerA fun one from The Adam Clery Football Column, comparing darts, football and pro wrestling – centred on Luke Littler’s shifting relationship with the Ally Pally crowd and how Wayne Rooney fits into the puzzle...
Read Adam’s full column here:
Football wishes it was darts – but darts wants to be pro wrestling
Littler reveals eye surgery as a child
17:44 , Luke BakerThis week Littler revealed that he had eye surgery as a child to repair strabismus, a condition commonly known as cross eye, where the eyes do not align.
It was an operation his parents wanted and it has paid dividends as the teenager now has treble-20 vision and is the best darts player in the world.
Luke Littler reveals eye surgery that helped propel his darts career
Van Veen's bumpy road to the pinnacle of darts
17:28 , Luke BakerGian van Veen spoke movingly about his journey to the top of darts after beating Gary Anderson in an epic semi-final yesterday.
“I struggled with dartitis for many years,” said Van Veen. “I had it about four years ago just before I got my tour card.
“Even back then when I wasn't struggling, I never thought this would happen. To be in a World Championship final, is not even a dream come true because I wasn't able to dream about this but now it's happened.
“Now look at me four years later. It's all been worth it.”
Littler ready to move alongside the greats
17:10 , Luke BakerLittler believes he will be able to stand alongside the giants of the game if he wins a second successive World Championship title this evening.
Should he beat Van Veen, he will become the first man to win back-to-back titles since Gary Anderson a decade ago.
The 18-year-old Littler is dominating the sport in the same way Phil Taylor did for the best part of 20 years and Michael van Gerwen did during the mid-2010s.
“Obviously in their primes, they were just absolutely unbelievable. I was watching it as a kid,” Littler said.
“With what I’ve done, I can near enough say I'm playing just as well, with the titles, the averages, the amount of nine-darters on TV.
“Maybe if I win tomorrow, then I might be on the same level.”
Littler plays down money motivation
16:57 , Luke BakerIf Luke Littler does become champion this evening – and it is going to take something special to stop him – he would collect a record £1m prize.
“It’s a massive prize, but it’s the trophy on the stage, it's not the money,” he said after beating Ryan Searle. “I’m repeating myself, but ever since the Grand Slam I have just said I want to go back-to-back.
“So hopefully I can lift the trophy again and think about the money after.
“It feels great, not many people have done it, the first three World Championships reaching the final.
“I have joined a short list of people doing that. Now obviously the only goal is to join the list of people going back-to-back champions.”
Littler and Van Veen set up World Championship final that could define darts’ future
16:44 , Luke Baker at Alexandra PalaceThe future, it seems, is now. The 2026 World Championship final will not only showcase the very best that darts currently offers but also give a tantalising glimpse of a rivalry that could dominate the sport for years to come.
Luke Littler – teenage darting phenom, reigning world champion, transcendent star who has made the sport cool again – and Gian van Veen – coming Dutch force, reigning two-time world youth champion, scourge of Luke Humphries – will do battle on the Alexandra Palace stage for the right to hold aloft the most famous trophy in darts.
Littler knows exactly what that feels like, having made history with his World Championship triumph 12 months ago at the age of 17, while Van Veen is trying to break new ground.
This could be the first major chapter in a rivalry to match the likes of Taylor vs Van Barneveld, Lowe vs Bristow or Van Gerwen vs Wright.
Read a full preview of this evening’s final:
Littler and Van Veen set up World Championship final that could define darts’ future
How to watch the World Darts Championship final
16:35 , Luke BakerLittler and van Veen will face off in the final of the 2026 World Darts Championship at 8pm GMT on Saturday 3 January.
The match will be best of 13 sets.
Viewers in the UK can watch the final on Sky Sports Darts and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage from 7.30pm GMT, and walk-ons from approximately 8.15pm.
Everything you need to know about Littler vs Van Veen
16:34 , Luke BakerThe final of the World Darts Championship will see 18-year-old star Luke Littler bid to defend his title against another one of darts’ most formidable young talents, Gian van Veen.
The pair could ignite a generational rivalry at Alexandra Palace and there will be £1,000,000 on the line.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What time is World Darts Championship final, TV channel and how to watch online
World Darts Championship 2026 final
16:32 , Luke BakerWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of the 2026 World Darts Championship final where Luke Littler takes on Gian van Veen.
Littler is gunning for a second straight world title, while Van Veen is in his first final. Stick with us for all the action
