Saturday night at Alexandra Palace. The Sid Waddell Trophy. One million pounds. And two of the most exciting talents in world darts going head-to-head for the sport’s biggest prize.
Luke Littler, the defending champion and world number one, will face Gian van Veen in what promises to be a generational showdown. At just 18 and 23 respectively, these two represent the future of darts—and they’re already battling for its present.
The Defending Champion: Luke Littler
Littler’s march to a second consecutive final has been nothing short of imperious. The Warrington wonder has dropped just three sets across six matches, averaging over 102 for the tournament and hitting 47 maximums along the way.
His semi-final demolition of Ryan Searle told you everything you need to know about his current form. A 6-1 victory, a 105 average, 10 180s, and 59% on his doubles—ruthless in every department. He came within a whisker of a nine-darter in the sixth set, reaching seven perfect darts before Searle mounted a brief comeback with a magnificent 170 checkout.
Luke Littler
That victory made Littler only the fourth player in history to reach three consecutive World Championship finals, joining the legendary company of Dennis Priestley, Phil Taylor, and Gary Anderson. At 18 years old. Let that sink in.
“I went 1-0 down and was not the happiest,” Littler admitted after dispatching Searle. “I thought I didn’t play that well.” When a 105 average and 59% checkout rate constitutes an off night, you know you’re dealing with something special.
The Challenger: Gian van Veen
Van Veen’s journey to his maiden World Championship final is the story of the tournament. The 23-year-old Dutchman arrived at Ally Pally without a single win at the venue—and proceeded to tear through the draw like a man possessed.
His quarter-final destruction of Luke Humphries was the performance that announced him as a genuine title contender. The defending champion from 2024 was dismantled 5-1 with a 105.41 average, 11 maximums, and a 170 checkout that brought the house down. Humphries, the world number two, simply had no answer.
Then came Gary Anderson in the semis. The Flying Scotsman, chasing a third world title a decade after his last, was ultimately outclassed 6-3 in what Wayne Mardle described as “an absolute worldie of a game.” Van Veen averaged 103, crashed in 11 more maximums, and hit 55% on his doubles.
Gian van Veen
“I am so over the moon—I’m so proud,” Van Veen said after knocking out Humphries. “I felt really, really good today. Luke is a fantastic player, and you know that you have to perform at your best to beat him.”
This result has historic significance beyond the scoreline. Van Veen has officially become the new Dutch number one, ending Michael van Gerwen’s 12-year reign at the top of Netherlands darts. The last time MVG wasn’t the highest-ranked Dutchman? 2012.
Head-to-Head: A Fascinating Rivalry
Here’s where it gets interesting. Van Veen holds a 3-2 winning record against Littler in 2025—one of only a handful of players who can claim a positive head-to-head against the world number one.
These two have history, too. At the 2023 PDC World Youth Championship final, a then 16-year-old Littler defeated Van Veen 6-4 to claim the title. Van Veen finished above Littler on the Development Tour Order of Merit that same year, suggesting their rivalry was destined to continue at the highest level.
Yet Littler got the better of Van Veen when it mattered most at the 2025 World Grand Prix, eliminating the Dutchman in the opening round despite Van Veen posting an extraordinary 106.47 average.
The Stats That Matter
| Statistic | Luke Littler | Gian van Veen |
|---|---|---|
| Tournament Average | 102.8 | 100.47 |
| 180s Hit | 47 | 38 |
| Checkout % | 48.6% | 48.39% |
| Sets Dropped | 3 | 9 |
| Highest Checkout | 110 | 170 |
Littler’s numbers are marginally superior across the board, but Van Veen has shown a capacity for brilliance that can’t be measured in statistics alone. His ability to produce 100+ checkouts under pressure—that 170 against Humphries, the crucial finishes against Anderson—suggests he has the composure required for the biggest stage.
What to Expect
The final is first to seven sets, meaning we could witness up to 13 sets of darts between two of the sport’s most explosive talents. With both players averaging comfortably above 100 and hitting maximums at will, expect fireworks.
Littler will start as favourite—the bookmakers have him at 1/2—and his experience of winning this title last year will be invaluable. But Van Veen has already conquered two former world champions in Humphries and Anderson this fortnight. He’s not here to make up the numbers.
“I know what he’s capable of,” Littler said of his opponent. The respect is mutual, but respect doesn’t win you the Sid Waddell Trophy.
Van Veen, for his part, believes he poses the greatest threat to Littler’s reign. After eliminating Humphries, he stated with quiet confidence that he’s ready to take on anyone. That confidence has been validated at every stage of this remarkable run.
The Verdict
This has all the ingredients of a classic. Youth against youth. Power against power. The reigning champion against the reigning European Champion. The world number one against the new Dutch number one.
Van Veen has the game to win. He’s proved that by dispatching two former world champions in consecutive rounds. But Littler at Alexandra Palace is a different beast entirely. His record here—reaching three consecutive finals at 18 years old—is unprecedented in the modern era.
Whoever lifts the trophy on Saturday night will have earned every penny of that £1,000,000 prize. And regardless of the result, we’re watching the beginning of a rivalry that could define the next decade of darts.
The arrows fly at 8pm on Sky Sports. Don’t miss it.
Match Details
2026 Paddy Power World Darts Championship Final
- Date: Saturday 3 January 2026
- Time: 8:00pm GMT
- Venue: Alexandra Palace, London
- Format: First to 7 sets
- Prize Money: £1,000,000 (winner)