In an electrifying showdown, Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen are set to face off in the World Championship final this Friday, marking a climax to their thrilling rivalry. Over the past 12 months, both players have engaged in twelve matches, each securing six victories, solidifying their status as top contenders in the world of darts.
Littler’s stunning performance at the 2024 World Darts Championship, where he secured the runner-up position against Luke Humphries, has complemented his titles in the Premier League, World Series of Darts Finals, and Grand Slam of Darts. In stark contrast, Van Gerwen enters the final without a success in any televised tournament for the first time since 2011, a rare occurrence for the seasoned champion.
The upcoming final is critical, as Van Gerwen aims for his fourth World title, while Littler seeks his inaugural championship win. How did this intense rivalry develop?
Head-to-Head: Littler vs. Van Gerwen
| Event: | Winner: | Scoreline: |
| Bahrain Darts Masters | Luke Littler | 8-5 |
| Dutch Masters | Michael van Gerwen | 8-6 |
| Premier League Berlin | Michael van Gerwen | 6-5 |
| Premier League Nottingham | Luke Littler | 6-2 |
| Premier League Belfast | Luke Littler | 6-3 |
| World Series Finals | Luke Littler | 11-4 |
| European Tour Championship | Luke Littler | 6-1 |
Rising Tension and History
Following his remarkable victory in the Bahrain Darts Masters, where Littler executed a nine-darter against Nathan Aspinall, the young player bested Van Gerwen once again in an 8-5 final, capturing his first senior PDC title. Van Gerwen vowed to improve, and he responded swiftly, defeating Littler in subsequent matches, including crucial Premier League clashes where both players demonstrated their elite skills.
The rivalry intensified through a series of close matches, including a stunning 6-2 quarter-final victory for Littler in Nottingham. However, Van Gerwen showcased his experience and resilience, winning pivotal encounters that culminated in a thrilling finale.
The World Matchplay Showdown
In their most recent World Matchplay encounter, Van Gerwen dominated, eliminating Littler 6-1, which adds another layer of complexity to their final face-off. Despite this, Littler’s recent form, marked by significant victories, gives him the momentum as they head into the championship.
Mutual Respect
Both players have expressed admiration for one another, acknowledging the positive impact of their rivalry on the sport. Van Gerwen commended Littler’s contributions to darts, while Littler reflected on his long-standing respect for the three-time world champion.
Upcoming Championship Final
Littler stands on the brink of making history as he approaches his second consecutive world championship final. The 17-year-old prodigy from Warrington will face Van Gerwen, who is determined to claim his fourth World title. The high-stakes match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM on Friday.
Stay tuned for all the excitement as this epic battle in the world of darts unfolds, promising to deliver a thrilling night of sporting action.
