Luke Littler gives verdict on potential Saudi Arabia World Championship as World Series travels to Middle East

New World Grand Prix champion Luke Littler will undoubtedly top the bill when the PDC's finest travel to Saudi Arabia in January after a first-ever World Series event in the Gulf State was announced last week.

The Middle Eastern country has developed a flourishing relationship with Matchroom Sport over the last few years that has seen both boxing and snooker hold lucrative marquee events there as part of Riyadh Season.

In the recent Netflix documentary, Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen, Chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority Turki Al-Sheikh expressed an interest in bringing darts over to the country, vowing to introduce a ‘crazy’ concept.

Last week, the PDC confirmed Saudi Arabia will holds its first-ever PDC event and the sport's biggest names – including Littler – have offered up their verdicts.

Luke Littler insists World Championship should remain at Alexandra Palace

Speaking after his thrilling comeback win over Gerwyn Price in the World Grand Prix quarter-finals, Littler said: “It’s very good what Turki Al-Sheikh is doing for boxing.

"Now he wants darts, and we are going in January. I’m sure he’ll put the money on the table.

“I'd say definitely don’t go over there for the Worlds, keep it at the Ally Pally.

“But if it goes well, I’m sure we’ll be out there very often.

Asked his opinion on the new gimmick that may be added into the mix, the youngster added: "Maybe he comes up with a golden nine-darter. I think a golden nine-darter would be perfect.”

Littler went on to seal a maiden World Grand Prix title on Sunday evening, thumping world No1 Luke Humphries 6-1 in sets to take the crown and a £120,000 prize.

Saudi Arabia announcement backed by Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price

Humphries, who enjoyed an excellent week in Leicester despite coming up short in the final, was also quizzed about the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters earlier in the week.

And though the world number one backed the move, he acknowledged the announcement may not be popular with everyone.

Speaking to Darts Now, Humphries said: "I know a lot of people think that it’s not the greatest thing, but I think it’s good, I’m happy to play in it.

"We’re trying to grow the sport around the world and Saudi Arabia seems to be this new hotspot [for sports]."

Gerwyn Price, who has previously showed an interest in the World Championship moving to the Gulf State, also embraced the PDC’s announcement.

The Welshman told Darts Now: “I’m sure Barry [Hearn] and everybody else involved with the PDC know what they’re doing and wherever we go in the world, I’m going to turn up and play, so I’m happy with that."

The Saudi Arabia Darts Masters takes place across two days commencing on January 19th 2026, forming a part of Riyadh Season that will see boxing, tennis and WWE amongst other sports take place in the country.