What's happened
Luke Littler, 18, secured his second consecutive PDC world darts title at Alexandra Palace, defeating Gian van Veen 7-1. The victory cements his status as a top player, with a record prize of £1 million. Littler's dominance continues as he aims for more titles.
What's behind the headline?
Littler's victory signals a new era in professional darts, with the 18-year-old demonstrating exceptional skill and mental resilience. His back-to-back titles place him among the sport's elite, and his high averages and finishing prowess suggest he will challenge the sport's historical record of Phil Taylor's 16 world titles. The tournament also highlights the increasing competitiveness of young players like Van Veen, who is poised to rise further in rankings. The event's prize money and media attention underscore darts' growing commercial appeal, especially with young talent emerging as dominant figures. Littler's performance indicates he will likely continue to dominate in the coming years, potentially redefining the sport's landscape.
What the papers say
AP News reports Littler's historic win, emphasizing his rapid rise and potential to challenge Phil Taylor's record. BBC News highlights Littler's back-to-back titles and his dominance at Alexandra Palace, noting his high scoring averages and emotional celebration. Both sources agree on Littler's exceptional talent and the significance of his victory, with AP focusing on his career trajectory and BBC on his immediate achievements and future prospects.
How we got here
Littler, who first reached the final at 16, has rapidly risen in darts, winning multiple major titles in 2025. His recent victory at Alexandra Palace marks his second world championship win, following his 2025 success. Dutch player Van Veen, 23, made a significant run to the final, following in the footsteps of notable Dutch players like Van Gerwen and Van Barneveld.
Go deeper
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Pieter Gerard "Gian" van Veen (Dutch: [ˈɣiɑɱ vɑɱ veːn]; born 23 April 2002) is a Dutch professional darts player who competes in Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events, where he is ranked world number three. He is the reigning European champio
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Luke Littler is an English professional darts player who currently plays in the Professional Darts Corporation events.
He is the current PDC World Youth Champion.
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Alexandra Palace is a Grade II listed entertainment and sports venue in London, situated between Wood Green and Muswell Hill in the London Borough of Haringey. It is built on the site of Tottenham Wood and the later Tottenham Wood Farm.