Luke Littler shockingly KO’d in first round of opening night of Premier League darts Gian van Veen

Luke Littler shockingly KO’d in first round of opening night of Premier League Darts by Gian van Veen

Luke Littler suffered a stunning early exit on the opening night of the 2026 Premier League Darts as the teenage world champion was knocked out in the first round by Gian van Veen in Milton Keynes.

The 19-year-old arrived into the new Premier League campaign as the headline act, having enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past 12 months that saw him establish himself as the dominant force in the sport. But in a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, Littler was unable to find his usual rhythm as Van Veen produced a composed and clinical display to claim one of the biggest wins of his career.

Van Veen, who earned his Premier League spot after an impressive run of form on the ProTour and at major televised events, showed no signs of nerves despite facing the reigning world champion on one of the sport’s biggest weekly stages. From the outset, the Dutchman matched Littler scoring power for power and punished every missed opportunity with ruthless efficiency on the doubles.

Littler, normally so deadly in the short-format Premier League matches, looked slightly off his best and struggled to build momentum. Although flashes of brilliance were still evident — including a stunning 170 checkout that briefly lifted the crowd — consistency proved elusive as missed doubles crept into his game at key moments.

Van Veen capitalised, keeping his composure under pressure and producing a series of timely checkouts to edge ahead. As the match progressed, the underdog grew in confidence, while Littler appeared increasingly frustrated at his inability to wrest control of the contest.

In the end, Van Veen sealed the victory with a nerveless finish, sending shockwaves through the Premier League on its very first night. The result ensured Littler exited the competition earlier than anyone would have predicted, while Van Veen booked his place in the semi-finals and announced himself as a genuine threat in the elite eight-player field.

Speaking afterwards, Van Veen admitted the win ranked among the highlights of his career, praising Littler while insisting he believed he belonged on the Premier League stage.

“For me, this is massive,” Van Veen said. “Luke is an unbelievable player, especially at his age, but I felt good on the board tonight and took my chances when they came.”

For Littler, the defeat represents a rare setback in what has otherwise been an extraordinary ascent. However, with the Premier League’s weekly format offering immediate opportunities for redemption, the young star will have little time to dwell on the disappointment.

The Premier League Darts season runs for 16 weeks, with players accumulating points based on nightly performances before the top four advance to the play-offs in London. Despite the opening-night loss, Littler remains one of the favourites to finish inside the top four and challenge for the overall title.

Nevertheless, Van Veen’s shock victory served as an early reminder that no match can be taken for granted, even by darts’ brightest young superstar.