Exclusive Interview with John Part: 2026 World Darts Championship Insight, Littler’s Rise & Darts Predictions
Last updated: by Liam Reaney
Three-time World Champion John Part speaks to the Best Betting Sites team ahead of the 2026 Paddy Power World Darts Championship. Part shares his thoughts on Luke Littler’s rapid rise, the contenders in this year’s field, the challenge of retaining a world title, and what punters should consider before placing their bets.
Thoughts on Luke Littler
In 2008 you won your second PDC World Championship by beating Kirk Shepherd, who had started the tournament as a 1,000/1 outsider. When Luke Littler reached the final aged 16 in 2024, did you think his run might be a flash in the pan?
I suspected his impact could be short-lived, but he had a proven record in JDC youth events. It was a matter of discovering how good he was on the big stages. He had the ideal set-up for a talent that was always likely to emerge at some point.
Are you surprised by what Littler has achieved since – nine major titles before turning 18?
It didn’t take long for him to show composure on stage. He has not faced much adversity, but when he has, he has handled it well. I’m surprised you couldn’t see it coming, but not surprised based on the player he has become. He is the most feared opponent in the sport, and he became that very quickly.
Price unsettled Littler at the World Grand Prix and others may try similar tactics. What is the key to beating him, and do you expect more rivals to try disrupting his rhythm?
With the volume of matches he plays, any player will lose sometimes. As world number one, he gets the best performance from most opponents. Playing him is a golden opportunity for others to make their own name. I think any sense that Price had his number has been dispelled. Littler’s real threats are Josh Rock and Gian van Veen.
Littler is the even-money favourite. Are the odds fair? What chance do you give him?
Even money is fair. I’d put him at around a 75% chance of retaining the title. It will take a historic effort to stop him.
Thoughts on the All-Time Greats
At their very best, who is the greatest – Taylor, Van Gerwen, Littler or someone else?
If you mean the most dominant ever, it’s Phil Taylor. He set the standard the game is played at today. Nobody has done anything that he didn’t do first. Two nine-dart legs in one match long before the other contenders even appeared.
Is that opinion based on scoring or performing under pressure?
Both, but timing is the biggest attribute a player can have.
Contenders for PDC World Darts Championship 2026
Littler lost early in the European Championship. What is the best approach to beating him?
Anyone can lose with the amount of matches played. Very few crumble at the top level now. Most players view facing him as a free hit, with little to lose.
No player has retained the world title since 2016. Should punters factor that into selections?
I’m surprised Van Gerwen didn’t achieve it, but I don’t think history plays a part in Littler’s defence.
Rock and Van Veen look like the next big prospects. Are there others who could make a run?
Niko Springer looks capable of making an impact, though he’s in a very tough section with Rock and Beau Greaves.
Is there a lesser-known player who could emerge with a deep run?
Matt Campbell is more than capable. He’s a scrapper, and set-play formats will help him.
This year’s event features five female players. Can Beau Greaves beat Daryl Gurney? Could any of the others progress?
Yes, Beau can beat Daryl and some will favour her. I think their match will go several sets. The other women have tough draws and would need peak performances. I don’t see success outside Beau this year.
How far will Michael van Gerwen go in 2026?
I project him losing in round three to Peter Wright, who is more accustomed to dealing with erratic form. If he gets through, he has a difficult path through Anderson and Rock to reach the semis.
Phil Taylor averaged 110.94 in the 2009 final. Could that record be beaten soon?
High averages are helped by opponents playing well, but that means more legs to maintain the standard. I don’t see the record going any time soon.
Three former champions – Smith, Wright and Anderson – have dipped in form. Can any win another world title?
Taking one match at a time makes anything possible. They must embrace who they are now rather than trying to be who they were. I see Anderson reaching the quarter-finals.
Betting on the 2026 WDC
The latest odds via Ladbrokes at the time of the interview.
Current odds: Littler 10/11, Humphries 9/2, Price 14/1, Van Veen 16/1, Rock 16/1, Van Gerwen 20/1, Bunting 33/1, Smith 100/1. Do any look wrong to you?
Nothing stands out as wrong. I’d have Littler and Rock slightly shorter, but the pricing looks reasonable.
Who wins the 2026 World Championship, and who reaches the final?
Littler beats Rock in the final. For a long-shot contender, Ross Smith is my dark horse pick.
Prize Money & Personal Ambition
This year’s winner earns £1m. Has the prize money boom been good for darts – and would you consider a comeback?
What people forget is the cost of playing: travel, expenses, agents’ fees. It’s still very good money for some. I’d love to earn a tour card. I play Q-School and will continue to look for chances to compete. UK Open and World Cup appearances could come quickly if I succeed. Full-time wouldn’t be suitable at my age, but never say never. If I don’t win a card, the Challenge Tour is the next goal. I like to talk the game, but I also like to walk the walk.
The Team Behind This Interview
BestBettingSites.co.uk is a comparison website operating in the online betting and gambling world for over ten years. We provide fair and safe advice to players seeking trusted UK bookmakers and online casinos, as well as the latest sports betting news.