World Darts Championship 2026: a new battle for the title?

The World Darts Championship 2025/26 is sure to be thrilling. While the young generation continues to challenge the old guard and some legends seem to be making a strong comeback, three names are currently dominating the global scene: Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and, of course, Luke Littler.

Luke Littler, the reigning champion

A media and sporting phenomenon, Luke Littler is no longer just a teenage prodigy: he is now the reigning champion and world number 1.

His progress since bursting onto the world stage has been impressive. Littler has already beaten van Gerwen and Humphries on several occasions, and he is capable of turning matches around in the blink of an eye.

At the last World Matchplay, he won the tournament and became only the 5th player in history to achieve the PDC Triple Crown. He is undoubtedly the overwhelming favorite in this world championship.

Luke Humphries’ ice cold consistency

In 2025, Humphries has been solid all season. He won the Premier League Darts (beating Luke Littler in the final) and has had the upper hand over his direct rivals on several occasions. His composure and precision in tense moments make him a formidable opponent.

In every important match, Humphries demonstrates a rare tactical maturity that allows him to turn around difficult situations, reminiscent of the greatest champions in the history of the sport.

Throughout his career, his matches against Littler and van Gerwen have become more frequent, and Humphries will be able to use this experience to try to gain the upper hand over his direct competitors.

The eternal Michael van Gerwen

Despite an inconsistent season, van Gerwen is aiming for the title. In 2025, he showed that he could still beat anyone, anytime, especially when it comes to major titles.

Although he has sometimes been challenged by the new generation, the Dutchman has proven over several tournaments that he remains capable of raising his level at the opportune moment.

Having lost in the final to Littler last year, the Dutchman will give it his all to win this year.

Can there be a clear favorite in 2026?

Given the current level of these three men, everything would suggest that the path towards the world title belongs to one of them.

Humphries embodies consistency, van Gerwen experience, and Littler unstoppable youth. The draw could well determine which one will have the advantage, but it is a safe bet that one of these three favorites will reach the final… or even that two of them will face each other in a historic showdown.

If you want to bet on this event, your eyes should be on Humphries, van Gerwen and Littler.