World number one Luke Littler has launched a blistering verbal attack on rival Gian van Veen, questioning whether the Dutchman’s withdrawal from this week’s Players Championship events in Leicester is genuinely due to illness—or a deliberate attempt to avoid him.
The 19-year-old defending world champion did not hold back when asked about Van Veen’s late decision to skip the double-header of Pro Tour events at the Mattioli Arena, with Littler suggesting the timing of the withdrawal was highly suspicious.
“He pulls out of Leicester right after I confirm I’m playing? Come on,” Littler said in an exclusive interview. “Is he really sick or scared to face me this time? You have to ask the question.”
The war of words marks a dramatic escalation in what has become one of darts’ most compelling rivalries, with the two young superstars having already contested two major finals this year .
Absences spark controversy
The controversy centres on the latest round of Players Championship events, with six high-profile tour card holders confirmed to be skipping the Leicester fixtures .
Van Veen’s withdrawal was announced alongside those of Stephen Bunting, Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, and Alexander Merx . However, Littler’s decision to compete—having abstained from all four previous Players Championship instalments this season—has led to intense speculation about the Dutchman’s motives .
“You see the list of who’s playing and who isn’t. I’m there, and suddenly he’s not,” Littler continued. “He beat me in Newcastle a few weeks ago and hasn’t stopped talking about it. Now when there’s a chance for me to respond, he’s ‘ill’? I find it interesting.”
The rivalry between the pair has intensified since their World Championship final clash in January, where Littler dismantled Van Veen 7-1 to claim his second consecutive world title . Van Veen did manage to gain a measure of revenge in last week’s Premier League night in Newcastle, defeating Littler in their opening fixture before going on to reach the final .
‘I didn’t play my best but still beat him’
Van Veen’s comments following that victory appear to have struck a nerve with the world number one. The Dutchman, now ranked third globally, boasted after the Newcastle win: “I didn’t play my A game, and that helps because I know that even though I didn’t play at my best I can still beat him” .
Littler, who has been in imperious form throughout 2026, was quick to reference those remarks when discussing Van Veen’s Leicester withdrawal.
“He said he beat me without playing his best. Well, here’s a chance to prove that was no fluke,” Littler said. “But suddenly he’s not here. I’m not buying it.”
The teenage sensation has been selective about his Pro Tour appearances this season, having bypassed all four previous Players Championship events before opting to compete in Leicester . His decision to attend was seen as a statement of intent to rack up ranking points and maintain his commanding lead at the top of the world rankings.
A rivalry for the ages
The Littler-Van Veen rivalry has become one of the sport’s most captivating storylines. The pair first met in the 2023 World Youth Championship final, which Littler won, before Van Veen claimed the European Championship title last year and established himself as the new Dutch number one—ending Michael van Gerwen’s 13-year reign atop the Netherlands rankings .
Van Veen’s breakthrough has been remarkable, with the 23-year-old overcoming a period of dartitis just four years ago to now sit as world number three .
Following his World Championship final defeat, Van Veen was gracious in defeat, admitting: “Luke wasn’t in the mood to give me any more chances. He played phenomenally. I missed too many chances to make it an even game. That’s why he’s world number one by a margin now” .
However, his more combative stance after the Newcastle victory has added fresh edge to the rivalry, with Van Veen declaring that players “need to poke back at him” and that he wouldn’t hesitate to do so .
Leicester fallout
The Players Championship events in Leicester will proceed with a depleted field of star names, though several top players remain in contention. Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price were both provisionally listed to compete, though ambiguity still surrounds their participation .
For Littler, the focus remains on adding to his trophy collection and extending his lead at the top of the world rankings. But the absence of his chief rival has clearly left a sour taste.
“I’m here to play darts, to compete against the best. That’s what the fans want to see,” Littler said. “If he wants to be world champion one day, he’s going to have to go through me. Running away doesn’t help.”
The PDC has not commented on the withdrawals, which are permitted under tour rules. Van Veen’s camp has maintained that illness is the reason for his absence, though no further details have been provided.
With the Premier League season in full swing and more Pro Tour events scheduled throughout the spring, the opportunity for another Littler-Van Veen showdown may come sooner rather than later. But for now, the world champion’s challenge hangs in the air: is illness really keeping his rival away—or something else entirely?
