Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has cemented his status as a sporting superstar by clinching his second PDC World Darts Championship title in a commanding victory at London's Alexandra Palace.
A Dominant Display Secures The Title
In a stunning display of precision and composure, the 18-year-old prodigy defeated Dutch opponent Gian van Veen by a resounding 7-1 sets in the final on Saturday, 3rd January 2026. The match showcased Littler's phenomenal talent as he outclassed Van Veen to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for the second time.
This historic win sees Littler pocket a life-changing £1 million in prize money, a figure that marks a significant milestone for the sport. The winner's jackpot has doubled from the £500,000 awarded in previous years, which had remained unchanged since 2019. Runner-up Van Veen takes home a substantial £400,000 for his efforts in reaching the final.
History Repeats Itself in Rivalry
The final represented another chapter in the budding rivalry between the two young stars. Their last meeting in a final was in November 2023, when a 16-year-old Littler beat Van Veen 6-4 to claim the World Youth Championship title. That victory served as a springboard for Littler's sensational debut at Ally Pally the following year.
Van Veen, 23, had enjoyed a strong 2025 against Littler, winning three of their five encounters. His impressive run to this final also saw him dethrone the legendary Michael van Gerwen, ending his 14-year reign as Dutch darts number one.
A New Era of Darts is Here
Luke Littler's second world championship triumph at such a young age signals a definitive shift in the sport's landscape. His ability to perform under the immense pressure of a world final, broadcast from a packed Alexandra Palace, underscores a maturity beyond his years.
The decision to double the winner's prize money to £1 million reflects the growing commercial appeal and viewer interest in darts, much of it driven by the arrival of charismatic young talents like Littler. His latest victory not only secures his financial future but firmly establishes him as the leading figure in darts' new generation, poised to dominate the sport for years to come.
