The PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace is heating up, with the tournament already delivering a string of dramatic upsets and high-stakes performances. Amid the chaos, three-time champion Michael van Gerwen has made a strikingly confident declaration, brushing aside the intense focus on the two standout favourites: reigning champion Luke Littler and world number two Luke Humphries.
Van Gerwen, the Dutch superstar known for his fiery intensity and relentless drive, stated bluntly that he “does not care” about Littler or Humphries until he actually meets one of them on the oche. This comes as many pundits and fans have tipped the pair for a blockbuster final on January 3, given their dominance throughout the year. Littler, the teenage sensation who claimed his first world title last year at just 17, has stormed through his early matches without dropping a set, showcasing the kind of form that has made him the world number one. Humphries, meanwhile, survived a scare in his latest outing but remains a formidable force, having traded blows with Littler in several major finals.
Yet Van Gerwen, ever the disruptor, is positioning himself as the spoiler in waiting. “I don’t care about them yet,” he emphasised, underscoring his laser-like focus on his own path through the draw. The 36-year-old has had a turbulent year off the board, enduring personal challenges including a separation from his wife and a brief hiatus from the sport. He described 2025 as his “worst year,” but he’s channeled that adversity into a strong comeback, capped by a victory in the World Series of Darts Finals in September. Now, he’s determined to reclaim his place at the pinnacle of the game.
This mindset isn’t new for Van Gerwen, whose career has been defined by unyielding self-belief. With three world titles already under his belt, he’s no stranger to thriving under pressure at Ally Pally. His recent performances have been solid, setting up intriguing clashes ahead, including a potential showdown with veteran Gary Anderson. But his comments highlight a broader narrative in this expanded 128-player field: while Littler and Humphries have shared the spotlight in 15 of the last 16 major televised finals dating back to late 2023, the door is wide open for chaos.
The tournament has already seen unprecedented upheaval, with 17 of the 32 seeded players crashing out before the later rounds—a record level of shocks that has experts predicting even more twists. Analysts note that the sheer depth of talent this year, combined with the record £1 million prize for the winner, is fueling unpredictable results. Van Gerwen himself thrives in such environments, often elevating his game against the elite.
“I work really hard to make sure I keep producing some good darts and for the rest I don’t really care,” he added, doubling down on his indifference to the pre-tournament hype. It’s a classic Van Gerwen psyche-out, reminding rivals that he’s still a dangerous contender capable of derailing any predicted storyline.
As the championship progresses toward the business end, the question lingers: can Littler’s youthful brilliance and Humphries’ consistency hold firm, or will Van Gerwen—and perhaps other dark horses—shatter the anticipated duel? The electric atmosphere at Alexandra Palace, packed with fervent fans in fancy dress and roaring walk-ons, only amplifies the drama. With surprises already the norm, Van Gerwen’s defiant stance adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion.
The action continues with high-profile matches on the horizon, including potential blockbusters that could see the favourites tested early. Darts fans know better than anyone that in this sport, form guides can be thrown out the window with a single 180 or a missed double. Van Gerwen’s words serve as a timely reminder: he’s not here to play second fiddle—he’s here to win it all, and he won’t lose sleep over the favourites until they’re standing across from him.
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