The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship final may already have delivered one of the standout sporting moments of the year — thanks largely to the Ally Pally crowd.
After a dramatic month of darts at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace, the tournament reached its climax on Saturday night, with reigning champion and world number one Luke Littler facing Dutch star Gian van Veen in the showpiece final.
As expected, Littler once again rose to the occasion to book his place on the sport’s biggest stage. Throughout the competition, fans have been treated to countless moments of drama that quickly went viral online — many of them sparked by an unlikely recurring theme.
While the quality of darts on display has been exceptional, supporters have also become enamoured with the now-infamous “Ally Pally wasp.”
The unexpected visitor has made multiple appearances during this year’s championship, including a remarkable first-round moment when a wasp was struck by a dart during Richard Veenstra’s match against Nitin Kumar. Since then, the insect has taken on almost mythical status among fans.
During the final, supporters began chanting for the wasp to make another appearance — and in the fifth set, they got exactly what they asked for.
As Littler stepped up to throw in the second leg, the wasp reappeared, flying close enough to cause the world champion to recoil in panic in a moment that left the arena in stitches.
Commentating on the incident, Wayne Mardle could be heard exclaiming:
“Just kill it!” as Littler desperately tried to bat the insect away.
Speaking afterwards, Littler saw the funny side of the disruption.
“Someone has to be putting a wasp in here,” he joked. “They don’t just come out of nowhere — no chance!”
The recurring issue has even prompted expert analysis. Professor Seirian Sumner, a leading wasp expert from University College London, told BBC Sport that the insects are likely queen wasps nesting in lofts, outbuildings or around the grounds of the park.
“At this time of year, queen wasps are looking for somewhere warm and dry,” she explained.
The Professional Darts Corporation echoed that view, adding:
“When inside, they’re drawn to light and heat, which is why they end up on the stage.”
In a final already packed with history, pressure and world-class darts, it was an unexpected guest — and the raucous Ally Pally crowd — that produced a moment few will forget anytime soon.
