Luke Littler will step onto the oche at Alexandra Palace on Saturday evening with history in his sights, aiming to defend his PDC World Darts Championship title against a familiar foe: Dutch sensation Gian van Veen. This high-stakes final marks a remarkable full-circle moment, being the second time the pair have battled for a world title.
From Minehead to Ally Pally: A Rivalry Renewed
The seeds of this championship showdown were sown over two years ago in a very different setting. In November 2023, a 16-year-old Luke Littler faced a 21-year-old Gian van Veen in the final of the World Youth Championship. The venue was Butlin's Resort in Minehead, Somerset, a far cry from the electric atmosphere of a packed Ally Pally.
That night, Littler stormed into a commanding 5-1 lead, seemingly on course for a straightforward victory. However, Van Veen displayed the fighting spirit that has since become his trademark, clawing his way back to 5-4. In a nail-biting climax, Van Veen missed a dart at double five to force a deciding leg, allowing Littler to secure a dramatic 6-4 win and the £10,000 top prize.
"It's amazing. I can't put it into words," a jubilant Littler said after that victory. "I flew out of the traps but Gian was coming back, and I'm just so glad I got over the line. This will give me a massive boost playing in front of such a big crowd, and I cannot wait to get to Ally Pally now."
Divergent Paths to the Pinnacle
Littler's words proved prophetic. Just weeks later, he captivated the sporting world with a fairytale run to the senior World Championship final on his debut, eventually losing to Luke Humphries. He returned a year later to make amends, becoming the youngest ever winner of the Sid Waddell Trophy. Saturday's final will be his third consecutive appearance in the sport's biggest match.
Van Veen's journey, while different, has been equally impressive. After a first-round exit in the 2024 World Championship, he has dominated the youth scene, winning the World Youth Championship in both 2024 and 2025. He has also proven his elite senior credentials, claiming the European Championship title in October 2025 by defeating none other than Luke Humphries in the final.
Everything on the Line in North London
The stakes at Alexandra Palace could not be higher. Littler is aiming to become the first man since Gary Anderson to win back-to-back world titles and will pocket a life-changing £1 million top prize if successful. For Van Veen, ranked world number three after a breakthrough 2025, victory would see him join Dutch legends Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld as a PDC world champion.
While Littler may hold the psychological edge from their previous final encounter, Van Veen can draw immense confidence from his stunning fightback in Minehead and his recent surge in form. This is more than just a final; it's the next chapter in a burgeoning darting rivalry, with the ultimate prize in the sport awaiting the winner.
