Luke Littler begins the defence of his title when the 2026 World Darts Championship gets underway on Thursday.

Littler is the star attraction on opening night at Alexandra Palace, as the 18-year-old kicks off this year’s tournament against Lithuanian Darius Labanauskas.

After demolishing Michael van Gerwen in the final last year , Littler is bidding to become just the fourth player ever to retain the World Darts Championship crown.

The 2026 World Darts Championship has an extended 128-player field vying to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy and claim the £1million prize money for the winner.

Littler recently became the new world No1 and is favourite for the title, having already won the UK Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship this year.

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