In the thrilling world of darts, Luke Littler stands on the brink of greatness as he prepares to compete against Dutch player Gian van Veen in the PDC World Championship final this Saturday. At just 18 years old, Littler has the opportunity to carve his name into the annals of darts history by becoming one of only six players to secure the championship multiple times.
While Phil Taylor’s legendary record of 16 titles—encompassing two BDO championships and an astonishing 14 PDC crowns—feels out of reach for now, the mere thought of it being a possibility speaks volumes about Littler’s exceptional talent.
His path to the final was marked by an impressive victory over the 20th seed, Ryan Searle, showcasing his skill and determination at Alexandra Palace. Few were surprised by this outcome, considering Littler’s remarkable journey over the past few years. Two years ago, he stunned the darting world by reaching the final at just 16, and he has since ascended to the top of the global rankings, dominating the game in a manner reminiscent of legends like Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.
Littler reflects on his idols, stating, "During their prime, they were simply phenomenal. I watched them as a kid and now, looking at my achievements, I feel I'm playing at an equally high level when considering my titles, scoring averages, and even the number of nine-dart finishes I’ve had on television. If I secure another title on Saturday, then perhaps I can say I'm on that same tier."
Winning a second championship would place Littler among a prestigious list of multiple PDC world champions, which includes iconic figures such as Taylor, Van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, Adrian Lewis, John Part, and Peter Wright.
For his competitors, the alarming reality is that Littler is already regarded as the best player in the world, and many believe he still has more to reveal. Matt Edgar, a former PDC professional, commented on Littler’s performance, noting, "He just makes it look effortless. Reaching three World Championship finals in as many appearances is impressive, and the worrying aspect for others is that he seems to be improving every time. He brushes aside seasoned professionals with ease.
Ryan Searle has been exceptional lately, yet Luke Littler operates on a different plane altogether."
Without a doubt, Littler is poised to dominate the darts scene for many years ahead. However, the burning question remains: who might be capable of challenging his reign?
Often seen as the most likely contender is Luke Humphries. While the 2024 world champion has shown flashes of brilliance that could rival Littler's performance, the young star has recently bested him convincingly in both the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts finals.
Could Gian van Veen, who soundly defeated Humphries in the quarter-finals of the World Championship with a 5-1 scoreline, pose a significant threat? His comprehensive win over the illustrious Gary Anderson in the semi-finals adds weight to this possibility.
At just 23 years old, Van Veen’s journey at Alexandra Palace has been remarkable, especially considering he had never won a match at this tournament prior to this year. His success follows a breakthrough season, where he has already claimed two World Youth titles, although he faced Littler in the final last year and lost. This October, he celebrated his first major PDC victory by winning the European Championship, which has undoubtedly boosted his confidence and elevated his game.
Now, he stands just one victory away from becoming the third Dutch player to lift the revered Sid Waddell Trophy. Over the past weeks, Van Veen has consistently averaged over 100 and demonstrated remarkable composure in high-pressure situations.
This transformation is even more impressive given his past struggles with dartitis, a debilitating condition that hampers a player's ability to release their darts. Reflecting on his journey, Van Veen recounted, "I remember being in Barnsley about three or four years ago, battling dartitis and crying at a table. Fast forward to today, and it's all been worth it because here I am—unbelievable."
Edgar remarked on Van Veen’s rapid ascent, saying, "What a journey he’s had, capturing attention and demonstrating his potential. The turning point came when he won the European title a couple of months ago; that’s when we knew he was a serious contender."
Should Van Veen claim victory on Saturday, he will rise to number two in the PDC world rankings. Aware of the formidable challenge awaiting him, he expressed his eagerness, saying, "Everyone knows what Luke is capable of after the last couple of years. He has played brilliantly in this tournament, but so have I. I’m really looking forward to it, and I hope it turns out to be a fantastic match."
With Littler being only 18 and Van Veen just five years older, the stage is set for a potential rivalry that could captivate fans for years. The world of darts would undoubtedly benefit from having a genuine challenger to Littler as he continues his pursuit of greatness. Whether Van Veen proves to be that worthy opponent remains to be seen, but what he has showcased thus far certainly raises hopes for an exhilarating final.
