Luke Littler to defend title against Darius Labanauskas in World Darts Championship
Reigning champion Luke Littler is set to face Lithuanian qualifier Darius Labanauskas as he begins his title defence at the World Darts Championship, commencing on 11 December at Alexandra Palace, reports BritPanorama.
The 18-year-old from Warrington, who won his first world title in January with a 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen, enters the tournament as the world number one. The championship will conclude on 3 January 2026 and features a record-breaking field of 128 competitors aiming for the Sid Waddell Trophy.
The recent draw set the first-round pairings for all participants, with a new format ensuring that every player starts their campaign from the opening round. Littler arrives in formidable form, having previously secured victories at the Players Championship Finals and the Grand Slam of Darts in the lead-up to the championship.
Labanauskas earned his spot in the tournament through strong performances on the 2025 Challenge Tour, finishing second in the rankings, and boasts past quarter-final runs at both the 2017 BDO World Championship and the 2020 PDC World Championship. The championship’s prize pool has been increased to £5 million, with the winner set to receive £1 million, double the amount Littler earned for his victory earlier this year.
The tournament’s new structure sees the top 64 ranked players paired against those ranked 65-128 in the opening round. Littler aims to join an exclusive group that has successfully defended their world title, a feat achieved only by Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis, and Gary Anderson in the PDC era. Other notable first-round matches include former world champion Luke Humphries facing Ted Evetts, and three-time winner Michael van Gerwen taking on Japanese debutant Mitsuhiko Tatsunami.
As the competition evolves, notable pairings include women’s world number one Beau Greaves against 22nd seed Daryl Gurney, and the 2023 champion Michael Smith facing Lisa Ashton.
This year’s tournament marks a shift towards inclusivity with an expanded participant pool, confirming the continued growth and excitement surrounding the sport. For Littler, the path ahead is daunting yet thrilling, embodying a unique blend of youth and experience in an ever-competitive arena. As the stage is set at Alexandra Palace, the world of darts watches closely—excited for what the next chapter holds.
