When is Luke Littler’s opening PDC World Championship match and who will he face? Date, start time and how to watch
Defending world champion Luke Littler begins his quest for back-to-back titles at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship on Thursday, December 11, 2025, with fans around the globe eagerly anticipating the teenager’s return to the Alexandra Palace stage.
The 18-year-old sensation, who stunned the sporting world with his historic triumph last year, headlines the opening night of darts’ biggest tournament — and the draw has handed him a familiar, battle-tested opponent.
Who Will Luke Littler Face?
Littler opens his campaign against Lithuanian star Darius Labanauskas, a former World Championship quarter-finalist known for his calm temperament and clinical finishing.
Labanauskas has a strong track record at Ally Pally, making him a dangerous proposition for any top seed. But facing the defending champion on opening night will be one of the toughest tests of his career.
When Does the Match Start?
- Date: Thursday, 11 December 2025
- Session Start Time: 7:00 PM GMT
- Littler is one of the featured matches in the evening session, meaning a prime-time atmosphere will accompany his walk-on.
For fans in Nigeria, the match will air from 8:00 PM WAT.
Where to Watch the Match
Coverage is available across multiple platforms:
United Kingdom
- Sky Sports Darts
- Sky Sports Main Event
Every session of the World Championship will be televised live.
United States
- Coverage available through PDC broadcast partners and selected streaming platforms with live and on-demand options.
Australia
- Select matches televised through PDC partners, with live streaming available across major platforms.
For most international viewers, the tournament will also be accessible via their regional broadcasters or streaming subscriptions aligned with PDC’s global media partners.
A Blockbuster Start to the Tournament
Littler’s return to the stage where he made history is expected to draw a huge global audience. The 2026 edition marks his first world title defence — something only darts legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen have managed with success.
The teenager enters the tournament in strong form, and he’ll be backed by a full Alexandra Palace crowd on what promises to be an electric opening night.
If he gets past Labanauskas, Littler will begin charting his way toward another deep run — and possibly another chapter in his already extraordinary story.
