The PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace is already crackling with drama, producing major shocks and high-pressure moments as the tournament gathers pace. In the middle of it all, three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen has delivered a typically bold message, making it clear he is unfazed by the growing hype around favourites Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.
The Dutch star, famous for his intensity and ruthless mindset, insisted he has no interest in either Littler or Humphries until one of them is standing opposite him on the oche. While fans and pundits continue to predict a dream final between the reigning champion and the world number two, Van Gerwen remains locked in on his own route through the draw. Littler, who stunned the darts world by lifting the title at just 17, has been flawless so far, powering through his matches without dropping a set and showing exactly why he now tops the rankings. Humphries, despite surviving a recent scare, is still widely viewed as one of the most dangerous players in the field after a year spent trading major titles with Littler.
Van Gerwen, however, is positioning himself as the man ready to rip up the script. He has stressed that outside noise means nothing to him, reinforcing his belief that success will come from focusing solely on his own performances. The 36-year-old has endured a difficult period away from the game, including personal struggles and a short break from competition, even labelling 2025 as the toughest year of his career. Yet that adversity appears to have reignited his hunger, highlighted by his World Series of Darts Finals triumph in September, and he now looks determined to force his way back to the very top.
That unshakeable confidence has defined Van Gerwen’s career. With three world titles already secured, he knows exactly what it takes to deliver on the biggest stage at Ally Pally. His form has been solid, setting up mouth-watering encounters ahead, including the prospect of a clash with Gary Anderson. His comments also reflect the wider theme of this championship, where unpredictability has taken centre stage. Despite Littler and Humphries dominating the majority of major televised finals since late 2023, this expanded field has blown the tournament wide open.
The scale of the shocks has been remarkable, with a record number of seeds already eliminated, underlining just how volatile this year’s competition has become. The depth of talent, combined with the huge £1 million prize on offer, has created a pressure cooker where reputations offer no protection. Van Gerwen has often thrived in this kind of chaos, raising his level when the stakes are highest.
Doubling down on his message, he reiterated that his focus is purely on producing his best darts, not worrying about narratives or favourites. It is classic Van Gerwen mind games, a reminder that he remains more than capable of tearing up any expected storyline.
As the championship heads towards its decisive stages, the big question remains whether Littler’s brilliance and Humphries’ consistency will hold firm, or whether Van Gerwen or another challenger will derail the anticipated showdown. With Alexandra Palace buzzing and surprises already piling up, Van Gerwen’s defiant stance only adds to the tension. One thing is certain: he has no intention of playing a supporting role, and he won’t pay attention to the favourites until they are standing directly in his way.