World Darts Championship 2026: Pundits resolve simply who can cease Luke Littler in his tracks at Alexandra Palace

Ahead of the PDC World Darts Championship 2026, we requested the Sky Sports Darts pundits who they consider can cease Luke Littler from going back-to-back at Alexandra Palace…

Emma Paton’s predictions

Who can cease Littler?

I’m unsure anybody can! The defending champion has seemed unstoppable at occasions this 12 months and it is arduous to see previous him going back-to-back.

Gerwyn Price is the one actual hazard in his quarter – he is clearly bought the large stage presence and has proven some good ranges this 12 months – however can he do it over an extended sufficient interval? I’m not so certain.

Luke Humphries is the large favorite within the backside half however I just like the look of Gian van Veen this 12 months, who, having picked up his first main title on the European Championship, will likely be eager to show some extent on the largest stage.

Josh Rock can also be in that backside half and having made a behavior of constructing the enterprise finish of a number of majors this 12 months I’m excited to see what he can produce on the Palace.

Looking elsewhere, I’d like to see Beau Greaves have a run! The three-time Women’s World Champion has a tricky first spherical attract Daryl Gurney however she’s been so spectacular this 12 months in incomes herself a tour card for subsequent season and I feel she’ll be fearless on her Ally Pally return.

And I am unable to assist however suppose there’s actual alternative within the second quarter of the draw. Stephen Bunting is the highest seed in that part however the Bullet is not within the kind he was originally of 2025. I ponder who can seize that chance – I’m Ross Smith and Ryan Searle to possibly spoil the get together!

Mark Webster’s predictions

Who can cease Littler?

Luke Littler mentioned it himself. For him to not win that match he has to have an off-day and he isn’t having lots of them on the minute. He’s brimming with confidence. He’s ticking packing containers by profitable tournaments. The world championship is simply one other match for him to win.

There’s all of the glamour across the million pound prize however he simply desires to win one other match.

Wayne Mardle’s predictions

Who can cease Littler?

I feel it is going to be a Luke-Luke ultimate. I’ve already predicted it. I feel he [Littler] will retain it. I feel Luke and Luke are head and shoulders. Littler underneath strain in set play has already proven what he can do within the World Grand Prix Final – each large leg, he received!

John Part’s predictions

Who can cease Littler?

Josh Rock as a result of he has the sport and units will assist him to maintain digging at Littler in a possible ultimate. I do nonetheless suppose Luke wins.

Ross Smith has a manageable draw and eager mindset coming into this as properly I really feel.

Dan Dawson’s predictions

Who can cease Littler?

He could be stopped, after all he can – his first spherical opponent Darius Labanauskas is a former quarter-finalist, and has hit a nine-darter on that stage earlier than. However, the defending champion is lucky to have a whole lot of the seeds in his part of the draw be off form proper now – Cross, Heta and Cullen have all struggled in latest occasions.

The large risk in his quarter comes from Gerwyn Price, however that may not be till the quarter-final itself. Not solely is it no assure that Price can get there, however ‘The Iceman’ has thrown away robust positions in large televised video games with Littler repeatedly this 12 months… might he lastly get it proper on the greatest occasion there may be? By that stage although, the format will increase to better of 9 units, and that additional favours ‘The Nuke’. If you’ll beat him, you may have to get him early, and should you do not, you may not beat him in any respect.

I personally suppose Willie O’Connor might trigger issues for Michael van Gerwen and discover himself making an impression at Ally Pally. Debutant Dom Taylor might equally take some large scalps. But the shock bundle I’ve gone for is Jermaine Wattimena. The Dutchman has received his first PDC titles this 12 months, just lately made an enormous TV semi-final in Minehead, and is taking part in in an open-looking part of the draw.

At world quantity 19, you could possibly argue it isn’t a lot of a shock decide – however he may very well be ranked an terrible lot larger than that by January 4.

Laura Turner’s predictions

Who can cease Littler?

Littler goes to be robust to cease – I feel solely Gezzy Price within the quarter-finals or Luke Humphries within the ultimate can cease him this 12 months.

I’m trying ahead to see how Charlie Manby will get on. He is a really thrilling younger prospect, and naturally Beau Greaves!

Rod Studd’s predictions

Who can cease Littler?

I’m going with Gian van Veen – He has by no means received a match at Ally Pally however one could carry a number of for the explosive younger Dutchman.

Dirk van Duijvenbode is my shock bundle too.

Stuart Pyke’s predictions

Who can cease Littler?

Answer one… no one! I simply can’t see previous Littler going back-to-back on the Ally Pally and pocketing that eye-watering cheque for £1m.

However there will likely be hurdles to leap and a attainable enormous quarter-final with Gerwyn Price (if the seeding goes to plan) will likely be an enormous check for {the teenager} and let’s not overlook he’s nonetheless solely 18 for goodness sake!

He will likely be underneath strain for certain, however he’s ice chilly on that stage and he makes certain he has enjoyable too. Apologies to the remaining… Littler all the best way!

Gary Anderson – could also be unusual tipping a two-time world champion as a shock bundle. Many consider the Scot’s finest days are behind him however he comes alive on the Ally Pally stage.

He nonetheless has the starvation and want to succeed, particularly right here. There are potential ties in opposition to Peter Wright and Michael van Gerwen down the road however he’s up for this… make no mistake!

Glen Durrant’s predictions

Who can cease Littler?

I feel it may very well be Gerwyn Price who stops him within the quarter-finals. I feel Martin Schindler may very well be a shock bundle for the match too.

Polly James’ predictions

Who can cease Littler?

That is the burning query! His first activity at Ally Pally will see him tackle Darius Labanauskas, a Lithuanian who’s ranked ninety fifth on this planet.

It could be a seismic shock if he was to cease The Nuke at this stage and I simply do not see it occurring and thereafter when he more than likely will face both Mario Vandenbogaerde, a 52-year-old Belgian ranked 66 on this planet or qualifier David Davies, a 40-year-old Welshman.

If any of these gamers can cease Littler pre-Christmas early in his tracks, they may go down in Darting folklore I’m certain.

Even although Humphries declared struggle on Littler and claimed the World title could be his, I consider his hardest opponent will likely be from a sure chip store proprietor, Gerwyn Price.

Gezzy, over latest months has fallen wanting an enormous TV ultimate second, however he seems extra dialled in than ever, and may they conflict in what could be the QF’s, the victor would doubtless be seen because the frontrunner afterward.

Raz Mirza’s predictions

Who can cease Littler?

I imply, Littler actually has to have a extremely, actually unhealthy day on the workplace to even come near dropping on the Ally Pally stage, would not he!?

There are just some names that would doubtlessly knock him out corresponding to Luke Humphries in one other Luke vs Luke ultimate, or younger Dutchman Gian van Veen, after which there’s Chris Dobey or Gerwyn Price in what could be a blockbuster quarter-final.

The shorter the format, the higher likelihood you have got of knocking out ‘The Nuke’ – however he is head and shoulders above anyone else on this planet proper now – and he is aware of it too!

I’m retaining a detailed eye on Charlie Manby having spoken to him just lately. He’s an actual expertise and heads into the match having received on the MODUS Super Series. An actual one to look at!

Meg Wellens’ predictions

Who can cease Littler?

I’m going to exit on a limb right here – I’m not backing Luke Littler to win all of it. I simply see a subject of people that will likely be fired as much as attempt to cease him, amongst others, from having his means. And who’s chief amongst them? Gary Anderson.

Anderson takes on Adam Hunt and if he will get by that, will face both Connor Scutt or Simon Whitlock to return after Christmas.

Anderson was the final back-to-back champion 10 years in the past in 2016 and with Littler having that purpose in his sights, we all know that Anderson is motivated to point out that the previous boys have nonetheless bought it.

Underestimate the Flying Scotsman at your individual peril!

Then among the others to look at, I’m actually intrigued by how Cam Crabtree fares on this match. He has had an excellent 2025 and after chatting with him on the Grand Slam, it’s clear he’s a mature head on younger shoulders with an absolute heap of expertise.

Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch each match completely dwell from December 11 to January 3 on Sky Sports’ devoted darts channel (Sky channel 407 from December 10). Stream darts and extra high sport with NOW.