Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has set his sights on a monumental achievement: becoming the first player in a decade to successfully defend the PDC World Darts Championship title.
The Rise of a Champion
Littler, who became the youngest world champion in history by defeating Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 final, has seen his star power soar over the past year. The 18-year-old has dominated the circuit, claiming five major titles since his Ally Pally triumph. His recent victory at the Players Championship solidified his position at the top of the world rankings, overtaking Luke Humphries.
He is now the heavy favourite to win a second successive crown and will begin his campaign at Alexandra Palace on December 11 against Lithuanian qualifier Darius Labanauskas.
A Rare Feat in Darts History
Successfully defending the Sid Waddell Trophy is one of the sport's rarest accomplishments. Only three legends have managed it at Alexandra Palace: Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis, and Gary Anderson. The Scot, Anderson, was the last to achieve the feat, winning back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016.
Littler is fully aware of the challenge. "Defending is different," he said. "I have won the last few majors and now the big one is around the corner. Gary Anderson was the last person to go back-to-back and that was 10 years ago. I’ll try to go back-to-back."
The Road to Glory at Ally Pally
Littler expressed satisfaction with his opening draw, acknowledging that while Labanauskas is not the quickest player, the initial focus is purely on progression. "It’s all about getting past the first round," he stated. "It won’t be easy, but I just have to try and get past the first round."
He also feels more prepared for the tournament's pressures compared to his debut run. "If there is nerves I will know how to cope," Littler added. "I didn’t have a clue last year, but this year I know what to expect."
Looking further ahead, a potential quarter-final clash with Gerwyn Price looms, while world number four Stephen Bunting is the highest-ranked player he could face in the semi-finals.
The tournament promises high drama from the start. Luke Humphries, who can reclaim the world number one spot with a victory, begins against Ted Evetts. Three-time winner Michael van Gerwen faces Japan's Mitsuhiko Tatsunami.
One of the standout first-round ties sees three-time women’s world champion Beau Greaves take on World Cup winner Daryl Gurney. Greaves recently impressed at the Grand Slam of Darts, pushing both Van Gerwen and Anderson close, and will provide a stern test for the Northern Irishman.
This year's event features an extended field of 128 players, with all seeded players in action twice before the Christmas break.
