Luke Littler will attempt to defend his PDC World Championships title on Saturday evening as he faces Dutch star Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace – the second time they have clashed for a world title.
The pair met for the first time in their careers at the World Youth Championship back in 2023.
The match took place in November 2023 at Butlin’s Resort in Minehead, Somerset.
Littler would emerge as the winner of the contest, but faced a tough battle getting over the line against Van Veen.
A 16-year-old Littler established a 5-1 lead in the contest, only for his then 21-year-old rival to fight back to reduce the deficit to 5-4.
Van Veen missed a dart at double five to force the contest into a decider, with Littler ultimately earning a dramatic 6-4 victory and the £10,000 top prize.
Luke Littler and Gian van Veen met in the 2023 World Youth Championships final at Butlins
Littler would ultimately triumph 6-4 in a dramatic final of the event, held in Somerset
Littler won despite Van Veen battling back from 5-1 down to threatened to level the final
‘It’s amazing. I can’t put it into words,’ Littler said at the time. ‘I flew out of the traps but Gian was coming back, and I’m just so glad I got over the line.
‘I’ve got a two-year Tour Card secured and I have the World Championship coming up in a few weeks’ time.
‘This will give me a massive boost playing in front of such a big crowd, and I cannot wait to get to Ally Pally now.’
Littler’s comments proved perceptive, with the teenager ultimately starring on his World Championship debut by captivating fans on route to reaching the final.
The teenage star was ultimately beaten in the final by Luke Humphries, but returned last year to become the youngest winner of the World Championships.
Littler will be featuring in the final for the third successive year on Saturday evening and will face the challenge of Van Veen again.
The Dutchman had also appeared in the 2024 World Championships, weeks after losing to Littler in the youth event, but would suffer a first round exit at the tournament.
Van Veen has since triumphed in consecutive years at the World Youth Championships, beating compatriot Jurjen van der Velde in 2024 and England’s Beau Greaves back in November.
Van Veen has won the youth world title in consecutive years and is eyeing PDC glory
Van Veen poses alongside his girlfriend Kyana Frauenfelder after winning a tournament
Littler will be aiming to defend his World Championship title in his third straight appearance in the final
He has demonstrated his ability further by winning the European Championship title last year, beating Humphries in the final back in October.
Van Veen will now be seeking to prevent Littler from becoming the first man since Gary Anderson to win the world title in back-to-back years and claim the £1million top prize.
The new world No 3, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2025, could become the third Dutchman after Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld to win the title.
While Littler could have the mental edge after winning their Youth World Championship final match, Van Veen could take confidence from his impressive fightback as he heads into their Alexandra Palace meeting.
