Topics: Darts, Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen
Michael van Gerwen has sent both Luke Littler and Gian van Veen an surprising message ahead of their clash in the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship final.
After an incredible and exciting month of darts, the 2026 PDC World Championship will come to an end after the final on Saturday night.
Reigning champion Littler will become the first man to win back-to-back titles since Gary Anderson a decade ago should he win the 2026 title.
Meanwhile his opponent Van Veen is hoping to win his first world championship title following his impressive run in the competition so far, beating the likes of world number two Luke Humphries and Anderson.
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Ahead of the final, three-time champion and fan-favourite player Van Gerwen has spoken out about the match, sending a message to both players on social media.
Heading into the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, Van Gerwen was among the favourites to win the competition despite his form in recent months.
However, the Dutchman lost to Anderson in the fourth round, and with Van Veen making it to the final, the 36-year-old has now lost his status as Dutch number one for the first time since 2012.
And with Van Veen now facing his fellow Dutchman's former rival, many believed that Van Gerwen could be bitter about the match, but that is far from the case.
Posting a classy message on social media, the former champion wrote: “Tonight, two exceptional talents step onto the biggest stage of our sport.
“Luke, the chance to go back-to-back as World Champion is something very few ever get to experience.
“Respect for what you’ve already achieved and for how you carry yourself at such a young age.
“Gian, watching you grow into the player you are today makes me incredibly proud.
“If the next Dutch World Champion carries your name, the future of our sport at home is in very good hands.
“Enjoy every second of it, stay true to yourselves, and let the darts do the talking. The stage is yours. Good luck to you both.”
Should Van Veen win the tournament, he would climb to world number two, furthering the gap to his countryman who has now fallen to fourth in the PDC Order of Merit rankings.
However, Van Gerwen will have a chance to improve on this later in this year as he has already confirmed that, due to contractual agreements, he will play in the Premier League Darts this year.
