In front of a sold-out crowd in Dublin, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler faced off on stage in a highly anticipated clash that delivered both drama and spectacle.
Spectators were treated to a remarkable and unusual moment between the two players—an incident that quickly became the talking point of the evening.
Moment 1
MvG HITS THE BIG FISH 🎣
This is INCREDIBLE 🤯
Luke Littler wires a 170 finish on the bullseye, only for Michael Van Gerwen to take out the big fish himself 🔥
📲 https://t.co/gFQK4rQ2wU#PLDarts | SF1 pic.twitter.com/cerRuJfVJU
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 19, 2026
Moment 2
NOW LITTLER GETS A BIG FISH 🎣🤯
It's raining fish 😱🐟
Luke Littler redeems his missed big fish earlier, taking out the second 170 checkout of the match to stay in the match 🔥
📲 https://t.co/gFQK4rQ2wU#PLDarts | SF1 pic.twitter.com/DH4C2hpsCe
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 19, 2026
Van Gerwen’s night began in an unexpected fashion, as he did not have to compete in the quarter-finals. His scheduled opponent, Gian van Veen, was forced to withdraw due to kidney stones, granting his compatriot a direct passage to the semi-finals.
Awaiting him there was Littler, who had produced an outstanding performance in the quarter-finals. The young Englishman averaged over 105 in his victory against Stephen Bunting. Despite Bunting’s own impressive average exceeding 104, it proved insufficient to halt Littler’s momentum.
Forewarned of Littler’s form, Van Gerwen entered the semi-final prepared for a fierce contest. The two former finalists of the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 lived up to expectations, delivering a thrilling encounter that encapsulated the intensity of top-level darts.
Ultimately, Littler edged the match 6–5 after Van Gerwen missed a crucial opportunity to check out from 104. The victory secured Littler’s place in the final, where Gerwyn Price awaited.
The final initially appeared one-sided, as Price—nicknamed “The Iceman”—stormed into a commanding 5–0 lead. What seemed destined to become a rout, however, transformed into one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent memory. Littler mounted an extraordinary recovery, winning six consecutive legs to clinch a stunning 6–5 triumph and claim the title.
Attention now shifts to the Belgian Darts Open, set to take place this weekend in Wieze. A strong Dutch contingent is expected to compete, although Van Veen will once again be absent. Van Gerwen is scheduled to take to the stage on Saturday, where he will face either Michael Smith or Mickey Mansell, who will first battle it out on Friday afternoon for a place in the next round against the Dutchman.