It feels almost surreal to be writing this. The PDC World Darts Championship final will be contested by Luke Littler and Gian van Veen , two players who not long ago were pushing each other week after week on the Development Tour, dreaming of nights like this rather than living them.
And yet, here they are.
Luke Littler’s route to the final has been built on expectation. Ever since his breakthrough, every tournament has come with the weight of assumption that he should go deep, and once again, he’s delivered. Along the way, he’s had to deal with pressure, tough opposition,tough crowd and the knowledge that anything less than a title run would be seen as a disappointment.
He’s overcome seasoned professionals, navigated tricky moments, and used his experience brilliantly. Matches against established names tested his composure, but Littler did what champions do, he found gears when needed and managed games superbly. For all his youth, he now plays like someone who understands exactly what it takes to win on this stage.
Gian van Veen’s journey, though, has felt different. Quieter. More understated. But perhaps even more impressive.
This year has been a genuine breakthrough for Van Veen. He’s taken huge steps forward, claiming his first televised title, climbing the rankings, and proving he belongs among the elite. His performances throughout this World Championship have been a continuation of that upward curve.
The standout moment for me was his semi-final against Gary Anderson. Many players freeze against a two-time world champion on that stage,but Van Veen didn’t. He was calm, controlled, and utterly unfazed by the moment. He managed the pace, trusted his throw, and never looked like the occasion was getting to him. That composure will serve him well in the final.
What makes this matchup so compelling is their shared history. Littler and Van Veen know each other’s games inside out. They’ve been rivals for years, trading blows on the Development Tour, pushing standards higher with every meeting. There’s no mystery here, just two players who know exactly what the other is capable of.
On the night, Littler will arrive with more big-stage experience. He’s been here before, felt the noise, and understands the mental demands of an Ally Pally final. That matters. But Van Veen has something else - freedom. He’s the underdog, and I suspect the crowd will gravitate towards him, drawn to the calm challenger looking to complete an incredible rise.
This final feels like more than just a title decider. It feels like a marker for the next era of darts. Whether Littler asserts himself once again, or Van Veen completes his remarkable ascent, one thing is certain: this rivalry is only just beginning.
And we might be watching the first chapter of something special.
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