In a major upset at Alexandra Palace, reigning champion Luke Humphries has been eliminated from the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship. The world number one was defeated in a stunning performance by the tenth seed, Gian van Veen, on Wednesday, 1 January 2026.
Van Veen's Ally Pally Masterclass
The highly anticipated match saw the 23-year-old Dutchman, Gian van Veen, produce a display of exceptional quality. From the outset, van Veen controlled the tempo, leaving the 2024 champion, Luke Humphries from Newbury, with few opportunities to settle into his usual rhythm. The precision and consistency of van Veen's finishing proved to be the decisive factor on the night.
The victory marks a significant career milestone for van Veen, confirming his status as one of the sport's elite contenders. His performance at Ally Pally was a statement of intent, dismantling the defence of one of the tournament's favourites with remarkable composure.
Littler's Prediction Comes True
Adding a layer of narrative to the shock result is the fact that fellow darts sensation Luke Littler had previously predicted van Veen's potential to go deep in the tournament. Littler's foresight has been validated in dramatic fashion, as van Veen now advances to the latter stages, having removed the defending champion from his path.
This result dramatically alters the landscape of the 2026 championship, blowing the draw wide open. The focus now shifts to who can capitalise on Humphries' unexpected early exit.
Implications for the Tournament
Humphries' departure is the biggest story of the championship so far. It ends his quest to retain the Sid Waddell Trophy and underscores the incredible depth of talent in modern darts, where no player is safe from an early exit.
For Gian van Veen, the journey continues. His superb victory over Humphries will fill him with immense confidence as he prepares for his next opponent. The darts world will now be watching closely to see if the young Dutchman can maintain this level and potentially lift the title himself.
The 2026 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace has once again delivered a unforgettable moment of sporting drama, proving that on any given night, any player can produce magic on the oche.
