As the Paddy Power World Darts Championship approaches, Luke Littler stands out in the darts community. He recently emerged victorious in back-to-back televised ranking titles, securing his position as the world number one. As the reigning World Champion, he aims to defend his title amid high expectations.
Luke Littler’s Dominance
Statistical analyses reveal Littler’s exceptional performance across multiple metrics. His efficiency rating, known as OChE (Ordinal Checkout Efficiency), reaches a staggering 73%. This means he is expected to win 73% of legs against Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) opponents. His scoring prowess is equally impressive, with an average of 46 180s per 100 legs played and a doubles success rate of 47%.
Challengers to Littler’s Title
Despite his remarkable statistics, a few players challenge Littler’s supremacy. Gian van Veen is notable for his recent victories against Littler. In fact, van Veen has won three out of five encounters in 2025, showcasing his potential as a formidable opponent. With a 100 average over the last 200 legs, he ranks among the top three players in doubles accuracy, just behind Littler and Luke Humphries.
- Gian van Veen: 23 years old; won three of five matches against Littler in 2025.
- Luke Humphries: Also sustaining a 100 average over the last 200 legs; has struggled against van Veen.
Other Top Performers
Nathan Aspinall has reclaimed his place in the top 16 of the world rankings. He reached the final of the Player Championship Finals, averaging 97 and achieving 89 maximums over 200 legs. This performance positions him favorably compared to other competitors like Josh Rock and Stephen Bunting.
Gerwyn Price, a former World Champion, is currently ranked third in OChE ratings after reaching quarter-finals in four recent events. Although he has faced challenges against Littler and Humphries, Price remains a strong contender for the upcoming championship, needing to overcome his rivals for a chance at victory.
Understanding OChE
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| OChE (Ordinal Checkout Efficiency) | A measure of how efficiently players convert averages into legs won. |
As the championship draws near, the competition will intensify. Luke Littler’s unprecedented form, coupled with the emergence of strong challengers like Gian van Veen and Nathan Aspinall, promises an exhilarating tournament at Alexandra Palace.
