Tungsten tickler Dave Chisnall is back with his first blog of 2026, and looks at the impact of Luke Littler as the teenager won back-to-back World Championships at Alexandra Palace.
Dave Chisnall: The Luke Littler Effect
I’ve said it for two years since starting these blogs but you don’t need me to tell you the lad can chuck! His composure on that big stage has been frightening, and apart from being a little bit rattled in the third round, he’s been pretty much in third gear on the way to winning back-to-back world titles.
He’s in good company too, I think he joins Lewis, Anderson and Taylor in going back-to-back – showing just how hard it is to do. The darts he threw in the final were world class, whilst looking like he had another gear to go still. People talk about how well Luke Littler has played but the number don’t do the manner of the performances justice.
Luke Littler: Top of the Pile
Him and fellow finalist Gian Van Veen will now be eyeing up the Premier League, which will be a real test for Van Veen and fellow debutant Josh Rock. Both are young lads with huge futures, winning food tournaments during 2025 and Rock in particular on a huge upward trajectory. Rocky should have beaten Luke Littler in the semi-finals of The Grand Slam when 9-6 up before The Nuke rattled off 7 on the spin as only he can.
The Northern Irishman will have learnt plenty from that, as will Van Veen who didn’t play bad in t he final – despite the 7-1 scoreline. Averaging 100+ and plenty of maximums aren’t good enough against Littler annoyingly! With the likes of Littler, Van Veen, Rock and the forgotten man Luke Humphries I think darts is in good hands.
Premier League: Luke Littler’s to Lose
It will be interesting to see how the year pans out with the Premier League and the increased schedule. It’s a gruelling 4 months and I will be watching like plenty others to see how the young lads on the up play against those who perhaps didn’t have the best of years, such as Mike (Van Gerwen) and Steve (Bunting). Steve was probably a bit fortunate to edge out the likes of Danny Noppert and James Wade who both had excellent seasons, whilst Mike has had a lot going on back home and probably couldn’t have done with the break.
World Darts: Life on the Road
It may look glamorous being in all those cities every week, but when there’s a Pro Tour or Euro Tour event going on as well, it means you could be away from home 10 days out of 14 and when you’ve got a family it makes life really hard. That’s not me whinging, just the reality of the stuff some lads who are playing in everything have to juggle. And why those at the very top warrant even more praise.
I’m next in action in Milton Keynes for The Cazoo Masters and really looking forward to the season ahead. I know I haven’t been at my best during the last year, but I’ve got the hunger back and practice has been good. Can’t wait to get started now.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Chiz x
By Dave Chisnall
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