Luke Littler wins second straight World Darts Championship defeating Dutchman Gian van Veen

Luke Littler, 18, clinched his second consecutive World Darts Championship title by defeating Dutchman Gian van Veen 7-4 in the final at Alexandra Palace on January 3, 2026. After losing the opening set, Littler won seven straight sets to claim the Sid Waddell Trophy and become the first back-to-back champion since Gary Anderson (2015-2016). The victory marks Littler's third World Championship final appearance in three years, having lost to Luke Humphries in 2024 at age 16. Throughout the tournament, Littler lost only four sets across all matches. He finished the competition as world number one and became the first player to win the new £1 million prize for the winner. Van Veen finished as world number three despite the loss. Littler dedicated his win to boxer Anthony Joshua, referencing Joshua's quote: 'The first time was so nice, I had to do it twice.'