Michael van Gerwen defeated Luke Littler 8–6 in the final of the International Darts Cup in Tampere, Finland, in front of 7,500 fans. The exhibition event, held ahead of the PDC World Darts Championship, saw the Dutchman produce a strong performance to overcome the world number one.
Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, described 2025 as his worst year ever due to personal changes. He acknowledged that Littler and Luke Humphries are currently playing better than him, but stressed that the World Championship is a different challenge. “It’s always nice to chase someone. It’s easier than being hunted,” he said.
Littler, who is aiming to become the first player in a decade to successfully defend the World Championship, admitted that defending is different from chasing. “Only three people have ever done it, the last time was 10 years ago. I want to go back-to-back,” he said. The PDC World Darts Championship begins on December 11, with Van Gerwen facing Mitsuhiko Tatsunami in the first round.
