Littler Triumphs Over Van Gerwen In Riyadh Darts Showdown

The 2026 Saudi Arabia Darts Masters made history in Riyadh, bringing together a dazzling lineup of the world’s top dart players and regional hopefuls for two days of high-octane action. The event, held at the Global Theater on January 19 and 20, marked the first time the World Series of Darts landed in Saudi Arabia, and it certainly lived up to the hype with upsets, tight finishes, and a new champion crowned.

The Masters kicked off on Monday night with eight first-round matches, featuring a blend of established PDC stars and regional qualifiers. Among the crowd favorites was 17-year-old Luke Littler, the back-to-back World Champion who has captivated the darting world with his meteoric rise. Joining him were 2024 World Champion Luke Humphries, 2023 World Matchplay winner Nathan Aspinall, and the ever-formidable Michael van Gerwen, fresh off his Bahrain Masters triumph. The field also included 71-year-old Singapore legend Paul Lim, Filipino standouts Alexis Toylo and Lourence Ilagan, and Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung, who would soon become the tournament’s breakout story.

The stakes were raised even higher by a jaw-dropping $100,000 bonus for any player landing a nine-darter, with the tantalizing possibility of doubling it to $200,000 via the Riyadh Season Bullseye—an unprecedented prize pot for perfection in PDC history. While no nine-darters were recorded this time, the incentive kept fans and players on the edge of their seats throughout.

Day 1 delivered its share of drama and surprises. Man Lok Leung stunned the field by outplaying Danny Noppert 6-3, earning his place among the elite for Day 2. Stephen Bunting dispatched Tomoya Goto 6-1, while Nathan Aspinall made quick work of Lourence Ilagan with a 6-1 victory. Michael van Gerwen, living up to his reputation, breezed past Nitin Kumar 6-1. Luke Littler, showing no signs of nerves, overwhelmed Paul Lim 6-1, and Gerwyn Price shut out Alexis Toylo 6-0. Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen rounded out the quarterfinal lineup, defeating Ryusei Azemoto (6-2) and Motomu Sakai (6-2), respectively.

As the tournament moved into Day 2, the intensity ratcheted up another notch. The quarterfinals saw Michael van Gerwen edge Stephen Bunting 6-4, while Nathan Aspinall ended Man Lok Leung’s dream run with a hard-fought 6-4 win. Luke Littler held his nerve to defeat Gian van Veen 6-4, and Gerwyn Price narrowly overcame Luke Humphries 6-5 in a nail-biting finish.

The semifinals were nothing short of electrifying. Van Gerwen and Aspinall traded blows in a high-quality contest, but it was the Dutchman who prevailed 7-5, booking his spot in the final. On the other side of the draw, Littler and Price locked horns in a tense battle, with the young prodigy eventually sealing a 7-5 victory. Both semifinals showcased the very best of modern darts—precision, resilience, and a dash of swagger.

All eyes turned to the final, pitting the legendary Michael van Gerwen against the sensational Luke Littler. With the best-of-15 legs format, there was little margin for error. Van Gerwen, a seasoned champion, started strong, but Littler’s composure and scoring power proved decisive. The teenager surged ahead in the closing stages, ultimately clinching the title with an 8-5 triumph. It was his first World Series of Darts crown in 2026 and another milestone in a career that continues to defy expectations.

For his efforts, Littler walked away with the winner’s prize of £30,000, while van Gerwen claimed £16,000 as the runner-up. Semi-finalists Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall each earned £10,000, and the quarter-finalists pocketed £5,000 apiece. Even first-round losers were rewarded with £1,750—a testament to the event’s growing prestige and financial muscle.

Reflecting on his victory, Littler was all smiles. While there were no official post-match quotes provided, his performance spoke volumes. The teenager’s ability to handle pressure, combined with his flair for big moments, has quickly made him a fan favorite not just in the UK, but across the globe. His run in Riyadh adds another chapter to a remarkable story that shows no signs of slowing down.

The event also highlighted the increasing globalization of darts. Regional representatives like Man Lok Leung, Paul Lim, and others proved they could hold their own against the world’s best. Leung’s upset win over Noppert will surely be remembered as one of the tournament’s most inspiring moments, signaling a bright future for Asian darts on the world stage.

While the much-anticipated nine-darter—and the accompanying $100,000 (or potentially $200,000) payday—remained elusive, the quality of play was consistently high. The unique Riyadh Season Bullseye rule added a layer of excitement, and it seems only a matter of time before someone cashes in on this lucrative opportunity in future editions.

The Saudi Arabia Darts Masters also served as a showcase for the PDC’s commitment to expanding the sport’s footprint. By bringing world-class darts to new regions, the World Series continues to inspire fresh talent and engage new audiences. The Riyadh event, following hot on the heels of the Bahrain Masters, demonstrated that the appetite for top-tier darts is truly global.

Looking ahead, the World Series of Darts will continue its globe-trotting journey, but the memories from Riyadh will linger. From Littler’s coronation to Leung’s breakthrough and the near-misses for perfection, the 2026 Saudi Arabia Darts Masters had it all—thrills, upsets, and a glimpse into the sport’s exciting future.

With fans already buzzing about next year’s event and players eager for another shot at glory (and perhaps that elusive nine-darter payday), Riyadh has firmly established itself on the World Series map. As the lights dimmed on the Global Theater, there was a sense that this was just the beginning for darts in Saudi Arabia—and for the young champion who stole the show.