The PDC World Championship final on March 15, 2025, features a thrilling showdown between Luke Littler and Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace in London. This match pits the reigning world champion against the world youth champion, showcasing the rise of two extraordinary talents in professional darts.
Both players have made headlines leading to this final. Littler, at just 18 years old, has already made his mark by winning the world title at an unprecedented young age. His journey to the final has been impressive, losing only three out of 28 sets throughout the tournament. Van Veen, aged 23, has also proven formidable, overcoming significant challenges in his path to the final, including victories against two former world champions, Luke Humphries and Gary Anderson.
Path to the Final
Littler’s route to the championship match included a series of dominant performances. In the first round, he defeated Darius Labanauskas 3-0, followed by another 3-0 win against David Davies. He continued his impressive form with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mensur Suljovic and a 4-2 win against Rob Cross. In the quarter-finals, he swept Krzysztof Ratajski 5-0, before defeating Ryan Searle 6-1 in the semi-finals. Littler’s match averages have consistently exceeded 105, demonstrating his exceptional skill.
On the other hand, Van Veen faced a tougher challenge in his half of the draw. He entered the tournament without a win at Alexandra Palace but turned his fortunes around with a series of impressive performances. He started with a 3-1 win against Cristo Reyes, followed by a 3-1 victory over Alan Soutar, where he saved his best darts for critical moments. His average of 121.86 in the final set of that match was particularly notable. Van Veen proceeded to defeat Madars Razma 4-1 and overcame Humphries 5-1, before edging past Anderson 6-3 in the semi-finals.
Contrasting Styles and Backgrounds
The match pits contrasting personalities and playing styles against each other. Littler’s confidence and flair have made him a fan favorite, embodying the spirit of a young champion with aspirations to retain the Sid Waddell Trophy, a feat last achieved by Anderson a decade ago. In contrast, Van Veen, with a background in aviation engineering, approaches the sport with a blend of analytical thinking and emotional resilience. His journey has been marked by periods of doubt and setbacks, making his presence in the final a testament to his determination.
As the evening approaches, anticipation builds for the 8:15 PM GMT showdown. Fans are eager to see whether Littler can continue his reign as world champion or if Van Veen will rise to the occasion to claim a significant victory. Both players have shown exceptional talent and skill, setting the stage for a memorable clash in the world of darts.
