The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship final concluded with Luke Littler securing a dominant 7–1 victory over Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace on January 3, 2026. This historic win marked Littler’s second consecutive world title, making him the first player to retain the trophy since Gary Anderson in 2016 and the first-ever “million-pound champion” in darts history. The match was a masterclass in scoring, with Littler averaging over 105 and hitting a tournament-high 73 total 180s to claim the record-breaking £1,000,000 winner’s prize. This guide provides an exhaustive breakdown of the final’s statistics, the 128-player tournament bracket, prize money distribution, and essential information for fans planning to attend future championship events
2026 World Darts Championship Final Overview
The final showdown between Luke Littler and Gian van Veen represented a generational shift in professional darts. Littler, entering as the defending champion and world number one, faced the 23-year-old Dutchman Van Veen in a “Best of 13 Sets” format that lasted just under 90 minutes of high-octane play.
While Van Veen managed to snatch an early set with a clinical 170 checkout, Littler’s relentless power scoring proved too much for the debut finalist. Littler swept the final five sets without reply, maintaining an astonishing 105.4 average and sealing the championship with a double 10 in the eighth set.
Match Statistics and Scoring Highlights
The statistical output of the 2026 final set new benchmarks for professional darts. Littler recorded 14 maximums (180s) in the final alone, contributing to his tournament total of 73, which earned him the prestigious “Ballon d’Art” trophy for most 180s in a single championship.
| Statistic | Luke Littler | Gian van Veen |
| Final Score (Sets) | 7 | 1 |
| Match Average | 105.42 | 98.15 |
| 180s Hit | 14 | 9 |
| Checkout Percentage | 48% | 35% |
| Highest Checkout | 144 | 170 |
The Million Pound Milestone
For the first time in the history of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the winner’s share was increased to £1,000,000. This doubling of the previous prize fund reflects the massive surge in global interest and sponsorship revenue generated by the sport’s recent mainstream breakthrough.
Road to the 2026 Final
The 2026 tournament featured an expanded field of 128 players, providing more opportunities for international qualifiers. Luke Littler’s path to the title was historically dominant, losing only four sets across his seven matches, including a 6–1 semi-final demolition of Ryan Searle.
Gian van Veen’s journey was characterized by major upsets, most notably a 5–1 quarter-final victory over former world champion Luke Humphries. He followed this with a hard-fought 6–3 win over Gary Anderson in the semi-finals to book his place in the record-breaking final against Littler.
Prize Money and Rankings Impact
The 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship boasted a total prize pool of £5,000,000. This fund is distributed based on the round reached, with even first-round losers receiving a substantial £15,000 for qualifying.
- Winner: £1,000,000
- Runner-up: £400,000
- Semi-finalists: £200,000
- Quarter-finalists: £100,000
- Last 16: £60,000
Order of Merit Shifts
As the World Darts Championship is the most heavily weighted tournament on the PDC Order of Merit, Littler’s win solidified his position as world number one for the foreseeable future. Gian van Veen’s runner-up finish propelled him into the top 10 of the world rankings for the first time in his career.
Venue and Atmosphere: Alexandra Palace
Commonly known as “Ally Pally,” Alexandra Palace in London has been the home of the PDC World Darts Championship since 2008. The Great Hall accommodates approximately 3,200 fans per session, creating a festive, high-energy environment synonymous with fancy dress and chanting.
For the 2026 final, the venue reached peak capacity, with tickets selling out within minutes of the general release. The atmosphere was noted for its intensity, particularly during the walk-ons of the two finalists, which have become a major part of the televised spectacle on Sky Sports.
Practical Information and Planning
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for the World Darts Championship typically go on sale in July or August. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the PDC Annual Subscription to gain access to the priority sale window, as general sale tickets are extremely limited.
Costs and Pricing
- Standard Seats: £40–£65 depending on the session.
- Table Seats: £55–£85 (the most popular choice for the “party” atmosphere).
- Hospitality Packages: £250–£600, including premium seating, food, and open bar options.
Travel and Transport
Alexandra Palace is situated in North London and is best reached via the Great Northern rail line to Alexandra Palace station or the Piccadilly Line to Wood Green tube station. Dedicated shuttle buses usually run from the stations to the venue during the championship.
What to Expect
Visitors should expect a long session (approx. 4 hours) with high noise levels and a cashless environment for food and beverages. Fancy dress is highly encouraged, though there are strict rules against political or offensive costumes.
Upcoming Darts Majors in 2026
Following the conclusion of the World Championship, the PDC calendar remains packed with major televised events. These tournaments offer additional opportunities for fans to see the world’s best players in different formats.
- The Masters (January 2026): Held in Milton Keynes, featuring the top 24 players.
- Premier League Darts (February–May 2026): A traveling roadshow visiting major cities across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
- World Cup of Darts (June 2026): A unique pairs competition held in Frankfurt, Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 World Darts Championship final?
Luke Littler won the 2026 final, defeating Gian van Veen 7–1 to claim his second consecutive world title and a record £1 million prize.
What was the final score of the 2026 darts final?
The final score was 7–1 in sets to Luke Littler. Littler dominated the match after an early 1–1 tie, winning six consecutive sets to finish the game.
How much prize money did the winner of the 2026 darts final receive?
The winner, Luke Littler, received £1,000,000. This was the first time in darts history that a single tournament winner earned a seven-figure sum.
Where is the World Darts Championship final held?
The final is held annually at Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) in London, England. It has been the permanent home of the tournament since 2008.
What was Luke Littler’s average in the 2026 final?
Luke Littler maintained a match average of 105.42. This is considered an elite-level average for a long-format match of 13 sets.
Who hit the most 180s in the 2026 tournament?
Luke Littler hit the most 180s, recording 73 maximums throughout the tournament. He was awarded the “Ballon d’Art” trophy for this achievement.
What is the format of the World Darts Championship final?
The final is played as a Best of 13 Sets match. This means the first player to win 7 sets is crowned the world champion.
Can I wear a fancy dress to the darts final?
Yes, fancy dress is highly encouraged at Alexandra Palace. However, the PDC prohibits masks that cover the face upon entry and any costumes that are deemed offensive or political.
How do I buy tickets for the 2027 World Darts Championship?
Tickets usually go on sale in late summer (July/August). You should register for a PDC Fan TV account or a PDC Annual Subscription to get priority access before the general sale.
Is the World Darts Championship final on TV?
In the UK, the final is broadcast live on Sky Sports Darts. International viewers can watch via PDCTV or regional broadcasters like DAZN and ESPN.
Who has won the most PDC World Darts Championship titles?
Phil “The Power” Taylor holds the record with 14 PDC World Titles (and 16 world titles overall). Luke Littler currently has two titles as of 2026.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship final confirmed what many had suspected: we are living in the Luke Littler era. By defending his title at just 18 years old and becoming the sport’s first million-pound winner, Littler has reset the benchmarks for success in professional darts. While Gian van Veen proved he belongs at the summit of the sport by reaching the final and becoming the Dutch number one, the gap between Littler and the rest of the field currently feels wider than ever. As the PDC prepares to move to a larger capacity hall in 2027, the “Littler effect” continues to drive the sport toward unprecedented global popularity.
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