Luke Littler produced a stunning performance to defeat Gian van Veen 7-1 and retain the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. The 18-year-old, now a two-time world champion, averaged over 105 across the tournament and sealed the win with a spectacular 147 finish. The victory was worth £1 million, the largest prize in darts history.
Van Veen, who had beaten Littler twice in 2025, took the first set but then missed darts to go 2-0 up. Littler responded with a relentless surge, winning 12 of the next 13 legs. The Dutchman finished with a 100 average but admitted the pressure was different to facing other top players. 'This is different pressure,' he said.
Littler's performance was marked by 16 maximum 180s and a clinical finishing rate. 'On stage at times, I'm unstoppable,' he said. The teenager has now won seven major titles and is chasing the remaining majors, including the World Masters and European Championship.
The victory cements Littler's status as the sport's dominant force, with his charismatic style and television appeal drawing new audiences to darts. His triumph also highlighted the 'Littler effect' that has transformed the sport's commercial landscape.
