World Darts Championship LIVE: Unstoppable Luke Littler sets up mouthwatering final against Michael van Gerwen

A dominant Luke Littler booked his place in the World Darts Championship final as the teenage superstar swept aside Stephen Bunting at Alexandra Palace.

Littler looked in an ominous mood throughout a 6-1 win as he set up a mouthwatering showpiece decider against Michael van Gerwen. The 17-year-old will be tough to stop as he looks to go one better than his sensational runner-up finish on debut last year, again averaging in triple figures across the match to allow Bunting seldom a sniff.

Earlier, three-time champion Van Gerwen had shown off his own strength with a similarly one-sided drubbing of Chris Dobey. Last a winner here in 2019, the Dutchman rarely looked threatened by the unfancied Englishman and thundered to a 6-1 win to book his spot in the tournament decider.

Could this be the moment for Littler’s coronation, or will Van Gerwen reclaim his place on top of the darts world? A blockbuster final no doubt awaits between the present and future of the sport.

Follow all of the action from Ally Pally in our live blog below:

World Darts Championship LIVE

• World Darts Championship semi-finals taking place at Alexandra Palace | Live on Sky Sports

• Tournament favourite Luke Littler dominates Stephen Bunting in second semi-final

• Michael van Gerwen books spot in decider with dominant 6-1 win against Chris Dobey

Semi-finals fizzle out but Littler and Van Gerwen set up fascinating World Championship final

23:02 , Chris Wilson

If ever there can be a calm before the storm amid the raucous, alcohol-fuelled cauldron of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, this may have been it.

While semi-final night can often be the highlight of the entire tournament, the 2025 edition crackled at points but never truly turned into evening of darting classics that will live long in the memory. But the reward comes in what it has set up.

Semi-finals fizzle out but Littler and Van Gerwen set up fascinating final

Part: Littler is favourite

23:20 , Chris Wilson

On Sky Sports, three-time world champion John Part says that Littler is the favourite for the final.

“It was similar to his quarter-final. A really good start to the match and he outplayed him,” said Part.

“Littler looks every bit favourite for the final and that won’t change based on what we saw tonight,” he adds.

“We can expect a wily veteran on Van Gerwen, who is determined to get the title.

“This is going to be a sprint from the start line for these guys to try and assert themselves.”

Littler: “It’s been an amazing tournament so far”

23:10 , Chris Wilson

Speaking on stage right after the win, Littler says his tournament has been amazing so far.

“People will say I was looking at the title throughout the tournament but I was looking at the first game against Ryan Meikle, and ever since I’ve just got to beat what’s in front of me. I’m so glad to win tonight.

“I’ve played a lot better and won plenty of titles leading up to this, but that’s what we do, we lead up to the big one. There are majors all year round but I can’t wait for tomorrow night.

“If we both turn up like we did tonight, it [the final] is going to be really good. As soon as Luke Humphries went out, that’s what everyone was looking at. I just had to focus on my quarter-final and semi-final, and now I’ve done that I can focus on Michael tomorrow.

“We all know he’s hunting for that world title but I’m hunting for my first. The same as last night – go home, chill out and be back tomorrow.”

Littler beats Bunting 6-1 to make the final!

23:00 , Chris Wilson

Here’s a replay of that brilliant 170 checkout from Littler.

Littler beats Bunting 6-1 to make the final!

22:57 , Chris Wilson

Quotes to come shortly from Littler, who averaged 105.48 to Bunting’s 100.10.

Littler beats Bunting 6-1 to make the final!

22:52 , Chris Wilson

One last leg potentially then.

Bunting needs 156, with Littler needing 40. The former steps up, but misses the second T20…

Littler steps up to book his place in the final – and he lands tops to wrap up a 6-1 win!

A brilliant performance from the 17-year-old.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – 5-1 (2-1)

22:50 , Chris Wilson

Probably the best bit of darts yet as Bunting lands 170 to need 110. Littler steps up needing 170 himself, and lands both T20s before nailing bullseye to take the leg!

He makes a ‘look at that’ gesture towards Bunting and the two share a handshake.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – 5-1 (1-1)

22:46 , Chris Wilson

Bunting had the chance to make it 4-2 but he finds himself 5-1 down, and this could be it as he misses the checkout on 74 and Littler takes the first leg with a double to hold throw.

Bunting does go ahead in the second leg, needing 80, and he takes it with tops for 1-1.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – Littler takes the sixth set for 5-1!

22:44 , Chris Wilson

Brilliant from Littler, as he sees himself needing 84. He needs the bullseye to finish, and he nails it! He finished in 12 darts, and his reaction shows that that was a big set win for him.

Littler has one foot in the final.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – 4-1 (2-2)

22:41 , Chris Wilson

180 to open the next leg for Bunting! Could we be seeing the momentum swaying?

We certainly are for now, as a few wide throws from Littler see Bunting needing just 24 after he lands another 180!

Littler follows with a 180 of his own – he’s fine, of course.

And Bunting misses his chance to take the set, missing three attempts at double . Littler makes no mistake, landing double one, and we’re going to a decider.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – 4-1 (1-2)

22:37 , Chris Wilson

Littler gets his 12th 180 of the match, and follows it with 91. He needs 97, but misses D12 to take 85.

Bunting only needs 70 now, and he finds T18 before taking the second leg!

He has the throw in the next leg, landing a 180 to leave himself needing 164. Not an easy checkout, and he can’t get it.

Meanwhile Littler needs 105, but he misses tops to allow Bunting the chance for 2-1…

And he takes it, nailing D4 for 2-1!

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – 4-1 (1-0)

22:33 , Chris Wilson

A 180 for Littler on his second visit to the oche and he looks in a rush to break throw. 91 to follow up, and he needs 90.

He misses tops to checkout, but should be okay next time up, unless Bunting can land 160…he can’t.

Littler takes the first leg, making no mistake with his second dart.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – Bunting takes the set for 4-1

22:26 , Chris Wilson

Much better from Bunting, as he races into a 2-0 lead in this set courtesy of a couple of fine 180s.

Littler fights back in the third leg though, winning it with a double double on tops.

The 39-year-old takes charge of the fourth leg though, landing 100 to leave himself needing 70.

T18 and D8 needed – he lands 18 and 12, but misses tops to take the set. No matter though – after Littler misses double 16 to take it, Bunting lands it! 4-1 now.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – Littler takes fourth set for 4-0 lead!

22:14 , Chris Wilson

If Littler can hold, he’s 4-0 up. Bunting lands a 180, but can Littler check out on 130? No, he gets 54.

81 needed for Bunting – he almost makes it too, landing narrowly wide of D13.

And Littler takes it for 4-0! He makes no mistake.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – 3-0 (2-1)

22:12 , Chris Wilson

Another 180 for Littler, and this leg is far closer, with Bunting needing 114 and Littler needing 54.

Bunting misses out on tops, and Littler has the break opportunity…he lands D20 for 2-1 in the set.

He’s one leg away from 4-0.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – 3-0 (1-1)

22:09 , Chris Wilson

180 to Bunting to start the next set and he’s come out firing. A 180 from Littler gives him a shout, but Bunting lands D32 to take the first leg.

In the second leg, Littler holds his throw after needing 40 to Bunting’s 189, with the 17-year-old finishing up on double 10.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – Littler takes third set!

22:06 , Chris Wilson

Great stuff to open the deciding leg as Littler lands 180 and then 100. He flies into a lead, needing 47 to Bunting’s 274, and he wraps it up in 11 darts for 3-0!

A 114 set average there.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – 2-0 (2-2)

22:04 , Chris Wilson

A 180 to open for Littler, followed by 140 and then 127. 54 to checkout – and he lands it for 2-1 in this set.

Lower scores for both in the next leg, before Littler lands 140 and Bunting now needs 122 to Littler’s 142.

He steps up, but misses the bull to leave himself needing 25. No problem though, as Littler misses the double 11 for the set.

Bunting lands D8 to take the leg, and we’re going to a decider!

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – 2-0 (1-1)

22:00 , Chris Wilson

Littler takes the first leg, holding throw with two treble 20s and a double 19.

He has a great chance to take the second too, but misses the 56 checkout and Bunting punishes him for 1-1.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – 2-0

21:51 , Chris Wilson

High averages from both players, but Littler checks the first one out to take a 2-1 lead. He’s one leg away from a commanding lead.

A 60 from Bunting gives Littler some leeway, and the former now looks like he’s resigned to losing this set.

Littler needs 40…he lands tops on first time of asking for a two-set lead!

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting – 1-0 (1-1)

21:46 , Chris Wilson

Bunting is eyeing a 170 checkout and lands the T20 twice, but misses the bull. He then misses out on double four for the first leg! He’s punished as Littler takes double 10.

On the second leg, Bunting has a 164 checkout – and he misses the bull again!

And Littler does the same as he steps up, with both landing 25!

Next time up, Bunting busts before Littler lands 20 when needing 25, and Bunting then punishes him to get to 1-1.

An 18-dart leg.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting

21:37 , Luke Baker at Alexandra Palace

Littler looks fired up in the early going here. Opens with a 14-dart leg and then smashes in a pair of 180s in the second to break the Bunting throw.

Fair play to Bunting, he impressively broke back immediately and then forced a deciding leg but Littler held his nerve to take out 46 and seal the set.

To lose a set when averaging 113, as Bunting did, is almost cruel but Littler picked his moments to move 1-0 ahead. Ominous from the teenage phenom.

Littler v Bunting – 2-1

21:33 , Chris Wilson

180 early on for Littler – his 52nd of the tournament.

And then he bags his 53rd! He wasn’t on for the nine-darter, but he lands the double 10 for a 2-0 lead.

Bunting replies with a 180 of his own, and the duo need 152 and 103 respectively. The 39-year-old misses out on tops to checkout.

No matter though, as he lands it to break, and we’re at 2-1.

Littler v Bunting – 1-0

21:29 , Chris Wilson

No dynamite to start off with in this semi, though Littler sets up a 161 checkout with 140. He takes 121, with Bunting needing 104 after landing a 180…

But Littler takes the first leg with tops.

Luke Littler v Stephen Bunting

21:28 , Luke Baker at Alexandra Palace

Two brilliant walk-ons that the crowd here loved and it’s got them hyped for what could be a sensational clash. Stephen Bunting has enough experience not to be overawed by the occasion, and might be playing the best darts of his career, while Luke Littler is simply Luke Littler.

Let’s hope for a match that sparks into life more than the first semi-final did.

Van Gerwen v Dobey – van Gerwen wins 6-1!

21:15 , Chris Wilson

We’re gearing up for Littler v Bunting now, which is 15 minutes away at most.

It was a pretty convincing performance from MVG there, with his quality making it a pretty straightforward match. The atmosphere at Ally Pally reflected it – it almost seemed like everyone knew what the result would be once it went 2-0 early on.

Will the next match be as one-sided?

Van Gerwen v Dobey – van Gerwen wins 6-1!

21:10 , Chris Wilson

Some immediate reaction from MVG on stage here, and he opens by saying that “I think it’s not that bad, but I can be happy with the performance”.

“I wasn’t as explosive as the last game, but I was efficient. That’s what you have to do if you want to win games.

“I’m here with a mission and a target. You’re always going to have ups and downs, but today I showed a good mentality. It gives me a lot of confidence.

“To win on this stage, especially in the semi-final, means a lot to me. What I always say, we’re not even close yet, we’re still so far away. I want to keep battling, I love what I do, it’s my passion, it’s my life. I really enjoyed it tonight.

“It’s going to be an incredible battle” he adds regarding the final.

“This is darts at a high level, and this is what we want to do”.

Van Gerwen v Dobey – van Gerwen wins 6-1!

21:05 , Chris Wilson

A 180 to open this leg for Dobey, but it looks like it’s too little too late anyway.

Van Gerwen follows up with his own 180, and he needs 41 for a place in the final now – but he misses double 16 twice!

164 for Dobey to checkout…he gets 64.

Van Gerwen ends it on double 16, and he books his place in the world championship final!

Van Gerwen v Dobey – 5-1 (2-1)

21:03 , Chris Wilson

Close from MVG for a 132 checkout but he misses the double 16. He makes the next one though, landing a double 8 to get to 1-1 this set.

Both players struggle a little in the opening of the next leg, before van Gerwen lands the 82 checkout to get to 2-1. He’s one leg away from a seventh final.

Van Gerwen v Dobey – 5-1 (0-1)

20:59 , Chris Wilson

Van Gerwen is trying to put a show on now, landing two consecutive 180s, but he misses the T20 for the nine-darter.

He misses the next chance to checkout too, missing the double 12 and landing 12.

And Dobey punishes him now, landing a checkout of 120 for a 1-0 lead!

Michael van Gerwen v Chris Dobey

20:58 , Luke Baker at Alexandra Palace

This has been an up and down performance by Michael van Gerwen but he hasn’t really been pushed by Chris Dobey to see exactly what sort of state his game is in.

The Dutchman is picking his moments, as with that big 180 in the deciding leg of that sixth set, and is teasing us with moments of brilliance even if not sustaining it.

Having said that, getting six darts into a nine-darter once again in the opening leg of the seventh set suggests he may be finishing in style. He’s a set away from victory and it’s hard to see how Dobey hits back from here.

Van Gerwen v Dobey – MVG takes the sixth set!

20:57 , Chris Wilson

Dobey starts the next leg with another 180, and he’s well on top over the last few legs. No matter though, as MVG lands the double 18 to level it. We’ll have a decider!

MVG races into a lead, needing 95 with Dobey still on 244.

The Dutchman takes his time, whittling it down to 40 needed – and he lands tops for 5-1!

He’s one set away from the final.

Van Gerwen v Dobey – 4-1 (1-2)

20:53 , Chris Wilson

Dobey dominates the next leg, checking out on 41 when MVG was back on 104. We’re back level.

The Dutchman struggles in his opening two throws, but can he checkout on 153?

So close! But he misses the double 18, and Dobey breaks for 2-1!

Van Gerwen v Dobey – 4-1 (1-0)

20:50 , Chris Wilson

It’s van Gerwen with the dart to open set number six, but Dobey lands the first blow with a 180. He keeps his lead and needs 90 to finish it, but misses the double five.

And van Gerwen punishes it with a 158 checkout!

Van Gerwen v Dobey – van Gerwen takes fifth set!

20:45 , Chris Wilson

It’s easy for MVG to rectify his mistake, as he narrowly misses double 10 for a 140 checkout before landing on his next visit to the oche to move into a 4-1 lead.

Both players head in for a brief break, and the Dutchman has a commanding grip on this tie.

Van Gerwen v Dobey – 3-1 (2-1)

20:42 , Chris Wilson

Van Gerwen is dominating now, with Dobey floundering over the last few legs. The Dutchman needs 128 versus Dobey’s 210 now.

MVG takes it down to 70 versus 152, and then misses double 8 to checkout. Unbelievably, he also misses all three throws on double eight on his next visit!

Dobey takes the third leg checking out on 52, landing the double eight that MVG had needed.

Van Gerwen v Dobey – 3-1 (2-0)

20:39 , Chris Wilson

A 107 average for MVG in the fourth set there.

He begins the fifth by landing a 98 to need just 28, and he gets lucky as Dobey misses double six to take the first leg.

The Dutchman punishes him by landing double 14 for 1-0.

Van Gerwen opens the second leg with 134 and 59, giving Dobey a way in, but some poor scores allow the Dutchman to within 108.

MVG can’t check out on his next visit, missing tops, but he lands a double 10 next time to move to 2-0 up this set.

Michael van Gerwen v Chris Dobey

20:31 , Luke Baker at Alexandra Palace

Taking out the big fish of 170 in the second leg of the third set was certainly an effective way for Chris Dobey to assert himself in this semi-final. And a 108 to seal the set wasn’t bad either!

Van Gerwen has definitely fallen off slightly since that blistering opening set but the signs that he has now reignited are there – not least getting six darts into a nine-dart attempt in the second leg of set four, that he then sealed with a 10-darter.

That was an important set for MVG to win and he remains in control at 3-1 up – halfway to a place in tomorrow’s final.

Van Gerwen v Dobey – Dobey wins third set!

20:25 , Chris Wilson

Better from van Gerwen but he misses tops to checkout…

And Dobey punishes him to take the third set! He checks out on 108 to claw back some ground on the Dutchman.

Van Gerwen v Dobey – 2-0 (0-2)

20:24 , Chris Wilson

Interesting in the second leg as both need 170 to win it…

And Dobey checks out! He lands the two triples and a bullseye to take a 2-0 lead in the set!

Van Gerwen v Dobey – 2-0 (0-1)

20:21 , Chris Wilson

Here we go in set three then.

A slower opening from both, though van Gerwen takes 140 when needing 160. He needs 48 to take the first leg, but misses the double 16!

Dobey needs 80 to hold, but he misses tops, and then van Gerwen busts!

And the Englishman adjusts to land double 10 and take the first leg! He holds in the end.

Michael van Gerwen v Chris Dobey

20:16 , Luke Baker at Alexandra Palace

Van Gerwen has been better than Dobey on his doubles throughout the tournament and that’s been even more pronounced in the early stages of this semi-final.

MVG’s six doubles from nine attempts, for a success rate of 67 per cent, is completely outstripping his opponent. Dobey has had more looks at a double, with 11 chances, but has hit just three of them for a paltry 27 per cent hit rate.

The Englishman has a considerably higher average after two sets (101.08 to 96.54) but the old Bobby George saying of “trebles for show, doubles for dough” is looking prescient right now. Those three missed darts at double in the deciding leg of that second set may come back to haunt Dobey as a ruthless Van Gerwen capitalised to build a solid 2-0 lead.

Van Gerwen takes second set 3-1!

20:15 , Chris Wilson

Dobey equalises the set, finding double 16 to take us to a decider!

On the fourth leg, the Englishman narrowly misses out on opening with 180, following it up with 134 to give himself the advantage.

He needs 96 to take it…but takes 56. 40 needed as he steps up again, and he takes it to within 10 – but misses the double five! That’s three darts he’s missed at double

Van Gerwen steps up looking to capitalise, and he punishes the error with a brilliant 74 checkout!

Michael van Gerwen v Chris Dobey

20:02 , Luke Baker at Alexandra Palace

That has to go down as a statement of an opening set from Van Gerwen. He set the tone by rifling in a 180 with his first three darts of the match, before breaking Dobey’s throw with a 14-dart leg.

A 12-darter and a 15-darter followed in a 3-1 win that took just six minutes as the Dutchman laid down a serious early marker. For his part, Dobey didn’t play badly – averaging 99.61 and winning the third leg with a 13-darter himself, but MVG’s 103.81 average has let the Englishman know he’s not here to mess about.

There have been little signs that just maybe Van Gerwen is recapturing the form that made him almost untouchable at his peak a few years ago. That’s a worry for his opponents if so. A focused Van Gerwen is a dangerous Van Gerwen.

Van Gerwen v Dobey – van Gerwen takes the first set!

20:00 , Chris Wilson

A solid start for the Dutchman there. He looks calm and composed.

A reminder that the semi-finals are best of 11 sets, so the first to six will win.

Michael van Gerwen v Chris Dobey

19:52 , Luke Baker at Alexandra Palace

Let’s Get Ready to Rumble receives a good response from the crowd as Chris Dobey walks out for his first World Championship semi-final but Seven Nation Army for Michael van Gerwen is always a winner. “Oh Michael van Gerwen” rings round Ally Pally – the crowd are up for this tonight.

Van Gerwen is favourite for this clash and a place in a seventh PDC World Championship final should be his, on paper. Of course, sport is not played on paper but how Dobey handles the nerves in his first World Championship semi-final could set the tone in this one.