Who was the defending champion of the PDC World Darts Championship which concluded in January 2026?

Luke Littler was indeed the defending champion of the PDC World Darts Championship which concluded in January 2026. He earned this prestigious title by winning the previous edition of the tournament, the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, where he famously defeated three-time champion Michael van Gerwen in the final. This victory, achieved at the remarkable age of 17, made him the youngest world champion in PDC history, solidifying his status as a prodigious talent in the sport.

Littler's meteoric rise to the top of professional darts has been nothing short of extraordinary. He first captured global attention during his debut at the 2024 World Darts Championship, where he reached the final as an unseeded player, ultimately finishing as runner-up to Luke Humphries. His subsequent triumph in the 2025 championship cemented his place in darts history and set the stage for his defense of the title.

His defending champion status for the tournament concluding in January 2026 was further highlighted by his performance in that event. Littler successfully retained his title, defeating Gian van Veen in the final to claim his second consecutive PDC World Darts Championship. This incredible feat established him as only the fourth player in history to win back-to-back world titles, underscoring his dominance and sustained excellence in the sport.