Luke Littler, the teenage prodigy who stunned the darting world in 2025, has done it again. In a gripping final at Alexandra Palace, the 19-year-old from Warrington defeated Michael van Gerwen 7-4 to retain his PDC World Darts Championship crown, solidifying his status as the sport's new dominant force. The 2026 tournament, which ran from December 15 to January 3, saw Littler navigate a treacherous field of 96 players, culminating in a showdown against the three-time champion van Gerwen that will be remembered for its high-quality scoring and nerve-shredding drama.
Littler's path to the final was a masterclass in resilience and skill. He opened with a commanding 3-0 win over qualifier John O'Shea, then dispatched former world champion Rob Cross 4-2 in a tense third-round clash. In the quarter-finals, he faced a resurgent Gary Anderson, edging out the Scotsman 5-4 in a match that saw both players average over 100. The semi-final pitted Littler against world number one Luke Humphries, a rematch of the 2025 final, and Littler prevailed 6-3 with a stunning 107.32 average, showcasing his ability to peak under pressure.
The final itself was a spectacle of darting excellence. Van Gerwen, seeking his fourth world title and first since 2019, started strong, taking the first set with a 121 checkout. But Littler responded with a barrage of 180s and clinical finishing, winning the next three sets to seize control. Van Gerwen fought back to level at 4-4, but Littler's composure shone through as he reeled off three consecutive sets, sealing victory with a 140 checkout. The match statistics were staggering: Littler averaged 102.45, hit 18 maximums, and boasted a checkout percentage of 48%, underscoring his all-round prowess.
This victory cements Littler's place in darting history. He becomes only the third player in the PDC era to retain the world title, joining Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen, and the youngest ever to do so. Since his breakthrough win in 2025, Littler has amassed over £2 million in prize money and climbed to world number two, behind only Humphries. His retention of the title signals a potential shift in the sport's power dynamics, with the old guard of van Gerwen and Peter Wright facing a new generation led by Littler and Humphries.
The 2026 tournament also highlighted broader trends in darts. Viewership records were smashed, with the final attracting over 4 million viewers on Sky Sports in the UK alone, reflecting the sport's growing global appeal. Emerging talents like Josh Rock and Gian van Veen made deep runs, suggesting a bright future for the game. However, controversies lingered, such as the early exit of defending runner-up Humphries and the ongoing debate over the PDC's expansion to 96 players, which some argue dilutes the competition.
For Littler, this win is more than just another trophy; it's a statement of intent. In post-match interviews, he expressed his desire to chase Phil Taylor's record of 14 world titles, a goal that now seems within reach given his youth and talent. The victory also sets up a tantalizing 2027 season, with Littler poised to dominate the Premier League and other majors. As the darting world digests this result, one thing is clear: Luke Littler is not a flash in the pan—he's the new king of the oche, and his reign may just be beginning.
Source: BBC Sport Darts