The 2026 PDC Darts World Championship final promises an electrifying showdown between rising stars Luke Littler and Gian van Veen, with the biggest prize money in sport's history hanging in the balance.

These phenomenal young talents have battled through intense semifinal matches, setting the stage for a best-of-13 set championship that could define their careers. Van Veen, currently ranked 27th globally but poised to leap into the top three, has already defeated top-tier competitors Luke Humphries and Gary Anderson with extraordinary performances.

Van Veen's tournament run has been nothing short of remarkable. In his quarterfinal match against Humphries, he averaged an impressive 102.99 across 42 legs, and in the semifinals, he maintained a stunning 105.41 average over 27 legs. His ability to maintain composure in marathon-style matches demonstrates a maturity beyond his relatively short professional career.

Littler enters the final as a formidable opponent, having dominated his previous matches against Krzysztof Ratajski and Ryan Searle. His consistency is noteworthy - he's averaged over 100 in five of his six tournament matches, though he tends to start matches slightly slower, potentially offering van Veen an early opportunity.

The final's dynamic will likely hinge on critical moments: breaking throws, navigating last-leg deciders, and maintaining composure under immense pressure. Van Veen's exceptional checkout percentage and growing confidence could prove decisive in this high-stakes encounter.

Predictions lean slightly towards van Veen, given his recent tournament performances, but the match remains tantalizingly unpredictable. Darts fans can expect a thrilling, potentially era-defining championship that showcases the incredible talent of two of the sport's most promising young athletes.