Teenage darts prodigy Luke Littler has cemented his legendary status by securing a historic second consecutive PDC World Darts Championship title. The 18-year-old sensation defeated Dutch opponent Gian van Veen 7-1 in a commanding final at London's Alexandra Palace on January 4, 2026.
A Decade-Long Feat Achieved
Luke Littler has become the first player in ten years to win back-to-back World Darts Championships. This remarkable victory marks his second successive title, a feat achieved in only his third appearance in the prestigious competition. Remarkably, Littler has reached the final every single time he has entered the tournament, showcasing a level of dominance unprecedented for a player so young.
The final itself was a one-sided affair, with Littler's relentless scoring and clinical finishing overwhelming his opponent. For van Veen, it was a crushing debut in a world final, though the new Dutch number one acknowledged Littler's superiority, stating he had hoped to give the champion a closer game.
The Crucial Support System Behind The Champion
The footage from behind the scenes following his win speaks volumes about the environment that has fostered Littler's success. Surrounded by his dedicated team in a celebratory setup, the new two-time world champion was greeted with chants of "Championes" as he entered the room.
His girlfriend, Faith Miller, was the first to rush forward, embracing and kissing the champion, with Littler seen wiping a tear from her face. The supportive circle also included his parents and social media influencer 'Angry Ginge', all of whom have been constants throughout his rapid and intense rise to the pinnacle of the sport.
This support network has been vital for the teenager, who was thrust into the global spotlight after his stunning debut run in 2024. From that initial final defeat to Luke Humphries, through his 2025 triumph over Michael van Gerwen, to this latest retention, the challenges of fame and expectation have been constant.
Overcoming Adversity on the Path to Glory
The road to this second title was not without its moments of tension. During his clash with Rob Cross earlier in the tournament, Littler was seen getting angry with sections of the Ally Pally crowd, insisting he was "not bothered" and making a pointed remark about prize money. The ability to refocus from such incidents underscores his mental fortitude, no doubt bolstered by his close-knit team.
Speaking after his victory, Littler reflected on the unique feeling of retaining the Sid Waddell Trophy. "It feels amazing. It's what dreams are made of," he said. "Nothing will ever beat a first world title... but this was all about retaining it, bringing it back home with me for another 11 or 12 months, and adding my name to the list of players to go back-to-back. It's a very short list, but I'm on it."
The win sets up another intriguing year in darts, with the sport's elite aiming to dethrone its dominant young king. Meanwhile, Gian van Veen's breakthrough to the final promises more major clashes between the pair, with the Dutchman now poised for a Premier League debut as he consolidates a top-three world ranking.
