World Darts Championship 2026 betting odds: Gian van Veen now among the favourites

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The World Darts Championship is now less than eight weeks away and there are only two major events left on the schedule.

Indeed, following the conclusion to the European Championship last weekend, only the Grand Slam and Players Championship Finals remain before the big one.

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Gian van Veen claimed his maiden major title in wonderful fashion last weekend, defeating Luke Humphries 11-10 in the final. In the process, he became the youngest darts European champion in history.

As such, he has climbed the betting odds ahead of the World Championship, which begins in December.

Luke Littler and Humphries still lead the way, but there have been several changes following the conclusion to the European Championship.

FIRST’s partners Ladbrokes have installed the teenager as the man to beat, but who are his closest challengers?

Luke Littler – 11/8

Littler came into the European Championship having won his first World Grand Prix crown a few weeks prior.

He lost in the first round of the 2024 European Championship and was looking to make amends this year. Furthermore, the teenager was aiming to win four consecutive major titles having claimed the UK Open, World Matchplay and Grand Prix.

In Dortmund, however, he was pipped by James Wade in the second round. Despite this early defeat, he is still favourite to win the World title at odds of 11/8.

Luke Humphries – 7/2

Humphries won six major titles from October 2023 to November 2024, establishing himself as the best player in the world.

This season, however, the Englishman has claimed only two major crowns: the World Masters and Premier League.

Humphries has reached the finals of the Grand Prix and European Championship in recent weeks, yet lost to Littler and Van Veen respectively.

He is still the second favourite for the worlds at odds of 7/2 and these are unchanged from a few weeks ago.

Gian van Veen – 8/1

A few weeks ago, Van Veen was 20/1 to win a maiden World Championship crown. Now, after winning the European Championship title, he has soared to being third favourite at odds of just 8/1.

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Of course, plenty can change in the coming weeks, but the Dutchman will be hoping he can go from strength to strength ahead of the biggest event in the calendar.

Strong performances at the Grand Slam and Players Championship Finals will likely see his odds shorten.

Michael van Gerwen – 11/1

Van Gerwen has moved up to being the fourth favourite to become a four-time world champion, but his odds have lengthened slightly.

He was 10/1 a few weeks ago, but has slipped to 11/1, despite reaching the semi-finals of the European Championship. 

The Dutchman lost to his compatriot, Van Veen, in Germany, but it does appear as though he is finally returning to his best form.

Van Gerwen hasn’t won a major title for nearly a year. Can he change this at the Grand Slam?

Gerwyn Price – 12/1

Price is another player who has seen his odds lengthen in recent weeks. As short as 8/1 a few weeks ago, the Welshman has drifted out to 12/1 after a poor display in Germany.

Indeed, the 2021 world champion lost in the first round to Chris Dobey, continuing his major title drought that stretches back to 2022.

Price has reached just two major semi-finals this season and needs a big finish to give himself confidence heading to the Alexandra Palace this December.

Josh Rock – 14/1

Rock has enjoyed a solid few months. Not only did he win the World Cup representing Northern Ireland, but he has also reached two European Tour finals and the last four at the World Series of Darts Finals.

As such, he was the fourth favourite for the World Championship just a few weeks ago, but the Irishman has suffered early exits at the two latest major tournaments.

Last week, Rock lost in round 1 to Ricardo Pietreczko at the European Championship. Despite this, his odds have gone from 20/1 to 14/1.

He has the potential, but the onus is on him to follow Van Veen and secure a maiden major in the next few weeks.

Previous Odds

13/10/2025

Luke Littler – 5/4

After winning his first world title in January, many predicted Littler to eclipse the records set by the great Phil Taylor.

His first goal will be to retain his title, becoming the youngest to ever win consecutive world crowns.

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Littler added the UK Open, World Matchplay and Grand Prix titles to his ever-growing resume this year, while also reaching the final of the Premier League and World Series of Darts Finals.

It is simple: if Littler plays at his best, he will win another World Championship title.

Luke Humphries – 7/2

Despite Littler stealing the limelight, Humphries has still managed to defeat the teenager in three major finals since January 2024.

The Englishman is arguably the only player right now who can challenge Littler, although his lop-sided defeat in the Grand Prix final may have dented his confidence.

With the World Masters and Premier League crowns already won this year, Humphries has shone in spells, however, he will need to step up if he aims to win a second world title in 2026.

Gerwyn Price – 8/1

Gerwyn Price has one world title to his name, but someone of his talent certainly deserves more.

Unfortunately with Littler and Humphries leading the way, Price will have to fight harder than ever. 

He hasn’t won a major PDC title since 2022, although the Welshman has won three World Series titles and a European Tour crown since the start of 2024.

Odds of 8/1 reflect this, but a favourable draw combined with some solid opening performances could give Price the confidence to challenge the two favourites.

Josh Rock – 8/1

Six months ago, Josh Rock wasn’t the joint-third favourite to win the World Championship. His rise since then is testament to the Northern Irishman finally delivering on his potential.

Alongside Daryl Gurney, he helped his nation win a first ever World Cup, before progressing to the semi-finals of the World Matchplay a month later.

The 24-year-old then reached back-to-back European Tour finals before succumbing in the last four of the World Series Finals.

A second round exit at the Grand Prix wasn’t ideal, but with three majors before the World Championship, Rock will be looking to send out a message to his rivals.

Michael van Gerwen – 10/1

Michael van Gerwen hasn’t won a ranked television event since the 2022 Players Championship Finals.

This year has been particularly difficult. Following a loss in the World Championship final to Littler, Van Gerwen suffered early exits at the World Masters, UK Open, World Matchplay and the Grand Prix.

The Dutchman did secure a superb victory over Littler in Amsterdam to claim the World Series Finals title, however, proving that he certainly still has it.

Can Van Gerwen realistically challenge for a fourth world title? The next few weeks will be the judge of that.

Gian van Veen – 20/1

Raymond van Barneveld and Van Gerwen are the only two Dutchmen to have won a PDC World Championship.

Could Gian van Veen be the third? The youngster has immense talent and has shown remarkable improvement throughout 2025.

Indeed, he reached the quarter-finals of the UK Open and World Matchplay, while also helping the Netherlands reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.

He is trending in the right direction, no doubt about that. Having already defeated the likes of Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, Price and Littler across various events this year, the 23-year-old doesn’t appear to be afraid of anyone.

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