Teenage sensation Luke Littler stands on the brink of darting history tonight as he prepares to defend his PDC World Darts Championship title. The 18-year-old phenom faces Dutch challenger Gian van Veen in a highly anticipated final at London's iconic Alexandra Palace, with the prestigious Sid Waddell Trophy and a staggering £1 million prize on the line.
Path to the Pinnacle at Ally Pally
Luke 'The Nuke' Littler has stormed into his third consecutive world final, a feat matched only by legends Dennis Priestley, Phil Taylor, and Gary Anderson. The defending champion showcased his ruthless form with a dominant 6-1 semi-final victory over Ryan Searle. Across the stage, Gian van Veen has enjoyed a breakthrough tournament, reaching his first World Championship final by edging out Gary Anderson 6-3 in a classic encounter.
A Rivalry Rekindled for the Biggest Prize
Tonight's clash is a repeat of the 2023 World Youth final, which Littler won 6-4. However, the head-to-head record adds intrigue: Van Veen has won three of their five previous meetings, making him one of the few players with a positive record against the youngster. This history ensures the final is far from a foregone conclusion.
What's at Stake in the Alexandra Palace Showdown?
Beyond the life-changing winner's cheque, the victor will etch his name onto the sport's most coveted prize. For Littler, victory would cement an extraordinary legacy of back-to-back world titles achieved while still a teenager. For Van Veen, it would mark a stunning debut triumph on the grandest stage. The action commences this evening, January 3, 2026, at Ally Pally, promising a thrilling conclusion to this year's championship.
