Littler and Rock odds slashed for World Championship after epic Belgium final
Luke Littler and Josh Rock have both seen their odds cut for the 2026 World Championship after the pair played out a memorable final in the 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy on Sunday.
Littler, who became darts’ youngest ever world champion back in January, lifted the trophy after downing his fellow youngster 8-7 – breaking throw in the deciding leg of the contest.
Though yet to officially overtake Luke Humphries as the world number one, an immaculate run of form over the last few months means it is a matter of if, not when, the 18-year-old inherits top spot in the PDC rankings.
Bookmakers reacted to Littler’s latest mesmerising performance by chopping him to no bigger than an 11/8 favourite (PricedUp) to defend his Ally Pally crown this winter, with some going as short as 11/10 about the teen sensation.
Rock more than played his part in a memorable contest, firing in six 180s and taking out a sensational 161 finish in the penultimate leg to force a decider.
And though he was no match for Littler in the last leg, bookies continue to trim the price of Rock to land a first PDC World Championship in four months' time. Rock was as big as 28/1 before his World Matchplay semi-final run last month but is now a best price of 11/1 to be the 2026 world champion.
Rock now sits as third-favourite for the World Championship and a continuation of his blistering performances could yet see the gap between him and second-favourite Humphries reduce further.
Humphries, the 2024 world champion, is suffering a well-documented form dip at the moment and confessed to Darts Now last month that his foe Littler is ‘clearly the best in the world’.
Cool Hand was a last-minute withdrawal Flanders Darts Trophy this weekend alongside Gary Anderson and Nathan Aspinall, perhaps suggesting he is looking to manage his schedule ahead of a busy end to the darting year.
Several bookmakers now go 9/2 on Humphries becoming a two-time world champion in January, which is a full point bigger than he was at the start of the year.
Unless he can recapture some of his best levels over the next couple of months, a further drift in the betting looks likely.
Aside from two other former winners in Gerywn Price (12/1) and Michael van Gerwen (16/1), it is 33/1 the remainder for the 2026 PDC World Championship three months out.
Gian van Veen (33/1) and Stephen Bunting (35/1) are attracting some mild interest from punters after some strong recent performances, while tour veterans such as Gary Anderson (40/1), Nathan Aspinall (40/1), Jonny Clayton (50/1) and James Wade (66/1) are all viewed as real outsiders for glory.
For those who like betting on big outsiders, in-form names like Martin Schindler (125/1), Daryl Gurney (150/1) and Bradley Brooks (250/1) could appeal – while fairytale hunters could be suckered into a small wager on Beau Greaves at 250/1.
The ladies world champion has caught the eye massively when pushing Humphries and Littler all the way in recent encounters and will be a nightmare draw for anyone should she opt to play at Ally Pally this Christmas.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
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LITTLER IS THE 2025 BLAKLADER FLANDERS DARTS TROPHY CHAMPION! 🏆 Luke Littler is brilliant once again as he beats Josh Rock in a last-leg decider to pick up his second title in Belgium this year, crowning himself the champion in Antwerp! 📺 bit.ly/PDCTVLive #ET10
