Rising star Luke Littler has a chance to cement his place among darts’ all-time greats when he faces Dutchman Gian van Veen in Saturday’s PDC World Championship 2026 final at Alexandra Palace. At just 18 years old, Littler is already dominating the sport and is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in darts history.
Littler’s Rapid Rise to the Top
Littler’s journey in professional darts has been meteoric. Only two years ago, he reached the World Youth Championship final, where he faced Van Veen. Now, he has progressed to his third PDC World Championship final in as many years, sweeping aside seasoned professionals with apparent ease.
Most recently, Littler defeated 20th seed Ryan Searle in convincing fashion, showcasing his exceptional skill, focus, and composure on the biggest stage. Having risen to world number one in the PDC rankings, Littler is drawing comparisons to legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.
“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 get [another title on Saturday], then I might be on [the] same level.”
Van Veen: A Formidable Challenger
While Littler is the favorite, Gian van Veen is no stranger to high-stakes finals. The 23-year-old Dutchman, a two-time World Youth Champion, is enjoying a breakthrough season, claiming his first major PDC title at the European Championship in October 2025.
Van Veen’s performance at Alexandra Palace has been nothing short of spectacular. After a 5-1 quarter-final victory over Luke Humphries and a stunning semi-final win against Gary Anderson, Van Veen has averaged over 100 consistently, showing nerves of steel under pressure.
Overcoming past struggles with dartitis, Van Veen reflected on his journey:
“I remember three or four years ago I was in Barnsley at the Metrodome struggling with dartitis and crying at a table. Now look at me four years later. It’s all been worth it. It’s all been worth it because here we are—unbelievable.”
Potential Records and Historic Achievements
Victory for Littler would make him one of the youngest multiple-time PDC World Champions, joining an elite list of legends including Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, Adrian Lewis, John Part, and Peter Wright.
Van Veen, on the other hand, would become only the third Dutchman to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy, adding to the country’s growing influence in professional darts.
Building a Rivalry for the Future
With Littler just 18 and Van Veen five years older, this matchup could mark the beginning of one of darts’ most exciting rivalries. Both players have shown consistent excellence, maturity beyond their years, and the ability to perform on the biggest stages.
Former PDC professional Matt Edgar commented:
“He [Littler] just makes it look easy. Three World Championship finals out of three appearances—and the danger is he’s getting better. He’s brushing seasoned professionals aside with ease. If Van Veen can challenge him, darts will have a thrilling rivalry for years to come.”
Looking Ahead to Saturday’s Final
Fans can expect a high-octane final filled with precision, power, and competitive drama. Littler’s dominance and Van Veen’s resurgence make this a clash of young titans, potentially shaping the future landscape of professional darts.
With both players peaking at the right moment, the 2026 PDC World Championship final promises to be a landmark event in darts history.
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