Michael van Gerwen has issued a bold warning to reigning world champion Luke Littler as the countdown to the 2026 World Darts Championship intensifies. With the sport’s biggest event set to begin on December 11 at Alexandra Palace, the three-time world champion insists he is “ready to take back what’s mine” — and has placed Littler firmly in his sights.
Littler, who stunned the sporting world by winning the 2025 title at just 17 years old, enters the tournament as the youngest defending champion in darts history. His meteoric rise has transformed him into the face of the PDC, but Van Gerwen has made it clear that experience still matters on the Ally Pally stage.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Dutch superstar didn’t mince his words:
“Luke is a phenomenal talent, but talent alone won’t save you at the World Championship. I’m feeling sharp, I’m playing well, and I’m coming to win. Everyone knows what I can do when I’m at my best.”
Van Gerwen, who endured an inconsistent 2025 season riddled with injury setbacks, now appears fully rejuvenated. Strong performances in the final months of the year have reignited belief among fans that the 35-year-old is back to his dominant self — and his confidence is unmistakable.
Littler, meanwhile, remains the bookmakers’ favourite to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for a second consecutive year. His explosive scoring power, relentless finishing, and calmness under pressure have made him the most feared player in the sport. But MVG’s message is clear: the teenager still hasn’t beaten a fully firing Van Gerwen on the Ally Pally stage.
“If Luke wants to keep that trophy, he’ll have to get through me. And that’s not going to be easy,” Van Gerwen added.
“I’ve been on that stage more times than he’s been alive. Pressure is different when you’re the man everyone wants to beat.”
The potential Littler–Van Gerwen clash is one of the most anticipated storylines of the upcoming tournament, with fans already salivating at the prospect of a showdown between darts’ brightest young star and one of the greatest to ever throw a dart.
Littler has yet to respond directly to the warning, but the 18-year-old has previously stated he is “not afraid of anyone” and feels “ready to dominate for years to come.”
With the tournament now days away, one thing is certain: the rivalry between Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen is set to electrify the 2026 World Championship — and only one of them can walk away with the sport’s biggest prize.
