Sky Sports Mutes Keir Starmer Chant in Littler Darts Final Win

Key Points

• Luke Littler’s Victory: 18-year-old world number one Luke Littler defended his World Darts Championship title with a dominant 7-1 win over Dutchman Gian van Veen in the final at Alexandra Palace on Saturday night, becoming the fourth player to claim back-to-back titles and the first since Gary Anderson in 2016.
• Performance Highlights: Littler averaged 106 – the fourth-highest average in a World Championship final in history – after dropping the first set, the only one he lost in the tournament; he pocketed £1 million in prize money.
• Sky Sports Intervention: Broadcaster Sky Sports drowned out a chant from the Ally Pally crowd referencing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the final, marking the second such instance in the event amid political distractions from the audience.
• Crowd Behaviour: The Alexandra Palace crowd shifted focus from the darts to politics, with chants indicating disinterest or mockery, turning attention away from what was billed as Littler’s night.
• Context of the Event: Littler entered as the favourite and delivered a convincing performance despite an early wobble, solidifying his status as a darts prodigy.

Sky Sports were once again forced to drown out one of the chants heard during the World Darts Championship final at Alexandra Palace on Saturday night. It was Luke Littler’s night for the second consecutive year, as ‘The Nuke’ became the fourth player to claim back-to-back World Championships – and the first since Gary Anderson in 2016 – with a convincing 7-1 win over Dutchman Gian van Veen.

Luke Littler, the 18-year-old sensation from Warrington known as ‘The Nuke’, retained his PDC World Darts Championship crown in emphatic fashion at London’s Alexandra Palace. Facing world number six Gian van Veen from the Netherlands, Littler dropped the opening set – his first concession of the tournament – but roared back to claim the next seven frames. His tournament-clinching average of 106 ranked as the fourth-best in a World Championship final in history, securing the £500,000 first prize alongside the £500,000 winner’s bonus for a total haul of £1 million.

As reported by the GIVEMESPORT team in their article “Keir Starmer chant darts crowd drowned out Luke Littler final”, the electric atmosphere at Ally Pally took an unexpected turn. World number one Littler was the clear favourite to retain his title, yet after the early set loss, a tense finale briefly seemed possible. That prospect evaporated as Littler dominated, but the crowd’s attention waned, with politics intruding on the sporting spectacle.

Who Won the World Darts Championship Final?

Luke Littler emerged victorious in the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship final, defeating Gian van Veen 7-1. The match unfolded on Saturday night at Alexandra Palace, drawing a raucous crowd of over 3,000 fans. Littler, who turned 18 in the previous year, etched his name further into darts folklore by becoming only the fourth player to win consecutive titles, following in the footsteps of legends like Gary Anderson, whose last back-to-back triumph came in 2016.

Littler’s path to glory was not without a momentary hiccup. As detailed in GIVEMESPORT’s coverage, he went down a set for the first time in the tournament, sparking brief concerns of a comeback from Van Veen. However, ‘The Nuke’ quickly regained composure, breezing through the remaining sets with clinical precision. His 106 average – a mark of dominance – placed him among the elite in final performances, underscoring why he enters 2026 as the undisputed world number one.

The victory netted Littler £1 million, a testament to the PDC’s lucrative prize structure. Fans and pundits alike hailed it as a masterclass, with Littler’s youth and maturity drawing comparisons to darts icons like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.

What Happened During Luke Littler’s Match Against Gian van Veen?

The final showcased Littler’s supremacy from the outset, bar that solitary early lapse. Van Veen, a talented Dutch thrower, capitalised on Littler’s uncharacteristic start to claim the first set, but could not sustain the momentum. Littler responded with a flurry of maximums (180s) and double finishes, dismantling his opponent frame by frame.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Littler’s average of 106 was the fourth-best in a World Championship final historically, highlighting the efficiency of his game. Van Veen struggled to match the pace, averaging in the high 90s but faltering on crucial doubles. The 7-1 scoreline flattered the Dutchman somewhat, as Littler never looked threatened after set two.

Alexandra Palace, the spiritual home of darts since 2007, pulsated with energy, yet the focus occasionally strayed. Despite the on-mat dominance, the narrative post-match centred not solely on Littler’s brilliance but on crowd antics that forced broadcaster intervention.

Why Did Sky Sports Drown Out the Crowd Chant?

Sky Sports, the PDC’s primary broadcaster, took decisive action mid-final to mute a chant from the Ally Pally faithful. As reported by the GIVEMESPORT team, Sky Sports were once again forced to drown out one of the chants heard during the World Championship final. The specific chant referenced UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, erupting amid a lull in proceedings and reflecting the crowd’s divided attentions.

This was not an isolated incident; it marked the second time Sky Sports employed such measures during the tournament. The broadcaster overlaid crowd noise or music to mask the political outburst, prioritising the sporting integrity of the broadcast. GIVEMESPORT noted that the chant indicated the crowd’s lack of attention on the darts, underscoring how politics overshadowed what should have been a classic final.

Sir Keir Starmer, Labour leader and Prime Minister since 2024, has become a polarising figure in British sports crowds, with similar chants reported at football matches and other events. PDC officials remained silent on the matter, but the intervention highlighted Sky Sports’ commitment to neutral coverage.

What Chant Broke Out Involving Keir Starmer?

The precise nature of the chant, as covered by GIVEMESPORT in their piece linked to Sky Sports coverage, involved supporters voicing disapproval towards Keir Starmer. Chants of his name, often laced with boos or satirical lyrics, have proliferated at UK sporting venues amid ongoing political debates over taxes, housing, and public services.

GIVEMESPORT detailed how the Ally Pally crowd began directing its attention – or rather its lack of it – away from the darts towards politics. This occurred despite Littler’s commanding lead, with the Starmer reference amplifying the sense that the final fell short of ‘classic’ status in the eyes of some spectators.

No official PDC statement addressed the chant’s content, but Sky Sports’ quick response prevented it from dominating airtime. Analysts suggested the crowd’s restlessness stemmed from the one-sided scoreline, allowing political frustrations to surface.

How Did the Crowd React to Luke Littler’s Performance?

The Alexandra Palace audience, renowned for its passionate support, largely celebrated Littler’s masterclass. Yet, as GIVEMESPORT reported, if there was any indication that the final was anything but a classic, it was the fact that the Ally Pally crowd began to direct its attention away from the darts.

Cheers for 180s and big finishes mingled with the disruptive chant, creating a bifurcated atmosphere. Littler, focused amid the noise, later credited the Ally Pally magic for his success in post-match interviews. Van Veen, gracious in defeat, acknowledged the crowd’s intensity without referencing the political interlude.

Social media buzzed post-event, with fans divided: some decried the political intrusion, others praised Sky Sports’ handling. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) amplified clips of the drowned-out audio, fuelling debates on sports and politics.

What Is Luke Littler’s Record in World Championship Finals?

Littler’s back-to-back triumphs cement his legacy at just 18. Last year’s victory over Luke Humphries marked his debut final win; this year’s rout of Van Veen made history. As GIVEMESPORT highlighted, he is the first since Gary Anderson in 2016 to defend successfully.

His tournament stats dazzle: unbeaten until the first set of the final, with checkout percentages above 45% throughout. Littler’s rise from teenage qualifier to two-time champion draws parallels to Wayne Mardle’s prodigy label.

Why Was This Final Considered Less Than a Classic?

Despite Littler’s brilliance, the lopsided scoreline and crowd distractions tempered enthusiasm. GIVEMESPORT pointed to the early promise of tension dissolving into dominance, compounded by the Starmer chant. Averages were high, but lack of competitiveness diminished the drama.

Broadcasters and pundits like Wayne Mardle and John Part noted the quality of darts but lamented the audience’s split focus. PDC chairman Barry Hearn has previously addressed Ally Pally chants, emphasising entertainment value.

What Are the Implications for Sky Sports and PDC Broadcasting?

Sky Sports’ proactive muting sets a precedent for handling unruly crowds. Similar actions occurred earlier in the tournament, per GIVEMESPORT. With darts’ global audience growing – viewership hit record highs – maintaining apolitical broadcasts is paramount.

PDC officials may review protocols ahead of future majors like the Premier League. Littler’s win, however, ensures positive headlines dominate, with £1 million reinforcing the sport’s commercial appeal.

Luke Littler’s retention of the World Darts Championship amid the Keir Starmer chant furore encapsulates the unpredictable blend of sport and society at Alexandra Palace. As ‘The Nuke’ eyes further dominance, questions linger on crowd conduct and broadcasting standards.