Luke Littler Cements His Place Among Darts Greats with Dominant World Championship Win Over Gian van Veen
A Historic Championship
On December 11, 2025, the World Darts Championship kicked off with a record 128 players in competition, all vying for the prestigious title. Reigning champion Luke Littler had the weight of expectation on his shoulders, facing off against seven challengers throughout the tournament. As he stepped onto the Alexandra Palace stage, mixed reactions greeted him, with some fans expressing their disappointment through boos. Nonetheless, Littler’s focus remained unshaken, and he was determined to defend his title.
A Ruthless Performance
In the finals, Littler faced the rising star Gian van Veen. The match was intense, but Littler’s energy and precision shone through. Channeling the fierce spirit of a champion, he showcased a level of play reminiscent of a predator on the hunt. His 16 powerful 180s were accompanied by a palpable rage—a stark contrast to his previous, more composed self during last year’s championship, where he bested Michael van Gerwen.
Despite moments of disruption—such as a wasp interrupting him during the fifth set and a necessary board change due to a minor injury—Littler’s ruthless performance never faltered. He dismantled Van Veen with a staggering 7-1 victory, leaving spectators utterly awestruck.
Reflections from the Runner-Up
After the match, Van Veen took a moment to reflect on his disappointing performance. “The scoring maybe tonight wasn’t my greatest game in the whole tournament,” he admitted, acknowledging Littler’s phenomenal play. He expressed his pride in reaching the final and his current world ranking but acknowledged that he missed too many opportunities to make it a competitive match. “I would have liked to lift up the title, but I would have liked to give Luke a game,” he added, showing his respect for Littler’s talent.
Littler’s Vision for the Future
In the aftermath of his victory, Littler spoke to Sky Sports, sharing his elation at securing his second world title. “It feels amazing,” he said, reflecting on how much has changed since he first began playing darts. With family and friends supporting him along the path, he expressed a desire to continue building on his success. “We’ve got to keep adding more titles. We can’t stop here. We’re still on this rollercoaster,” he emphasized, indicating his aspirations for an even brighter future.
A Life-Changing Prize
The 2026 World Darts Championship not only brought Littler glory but also a life-changing £1 million winner’s cheque—the largest in the history of darts. Van Veen, the runner-up, left the tournament with a respectable £100,000, but Littler’s victory substantially widens the gap between him and other competitors, solidifying his status as world number one.
Celebrating a Milestone
In a tearful moment after his victory, Littler jubilantly celebrated with his team and fans. He is now only the fourth player in history to achieve back-to-back world titles, joining the elite ranks of Phil Taylor, Gary Anderson, and Adrian Lewis—all of whom have left indelible marks on the sport.
The Emotional Journey of a Young Champion
At just 18 years old, Luke Littler’s journey in the world of darts has taken an extraordinary trajectory. From a promising young talent to a two-time world champion, he has captivated fans and established himself among the legends of the game. “The first time was so nice, I had to do it twice!” he joked, channeling the spirit of sporting greats who have graced the stage before him. With Littler, the future of darts looks exceptionally bright.
