Michael van Gerwen has sent an unexpected and classy message to both Luke Littler and Gian van Veen ahead of their showdown in the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship final.
After a thrilling month of action at Alexandra Palace, the 2026 PDC World Championship will reach its conclusion on Saturday night, with two of the sport’s brightest stars battling for the biggest prize in darts.
Reigning champion Luke Littler is chasing history, knowing victory would make him the first player since Gary Anderson a decade ago to win back-to-back world titles.
Standing in his way is Gian van Veen, who is aiming to lift his maiden world crown after a stunning run through the tournament. The Dutchman has impressed throughout, recording eye-catching victories over the likes of world number two Luke Humphries and Anderson to reach the final.
Ahead of the showpiece, three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen — one of the pre-tournament favourites himself — broke his silence by sharing a heartfelt message to both finalists on social media.
Van Gerwen entered the championship widely tipped to contend for the title despite mixed form in recent months. However, his campaign ended in the fourth round following defeat to Anderson. With Van Veen progressing all the way to the final, the 36-year-old has now relinquished his status as Dutch number one for the first time since 2012.
Despite that shift — and Van Veen now facing Littler, a rival Van Gerwen has shared many battles with — any suggestion of bitterness was quickly dismissed by the tone of his message.
Posting online, Van Gerwen wrote:
“Tonight, two exceptional talents step onto the biggest stage of our sport.
Luke, the chance to go back-to-back as World Champion is something very few ever get to experience. Respect for what you’ve already achieved and for how you carry yourself at such a young age.
Gian, watching you grow into the player you are today makes me incredibly proud. If the next Dutch World Champion carries your name, the future of our sport at home is in very good hands.
Enjoy every second of it, stay true to yourselves, and let the darts do the talking. The stage is yours. Good luck to you both.”
Should Van Veen go on to lift the trophy, he would rise to world number two, extending the gap between himself and Van Gerwen, who has slipped to fourth in the PDC Order of Merit.
However, Van Gerwen will have opportunities to reclaim ground later in the year. The Dutch star has already confirmed that, due to contractual obligations, he will feature in this season’s Premier League Darts, offering him another chance to add to his illustrious career.
