Darts champion Luke Littler loses to Luke Woodhouse in first round of World Grand Prix in Leicester, England

In Leicester, England, the 2026 World Grand Prix darts tournament began with a major upset. Defending champion Luke Littler, the 19-year-old world champion, lost 2-1 to Luke Woodhouse in the first round. Littler took the first set but was below par, averaging just 82.41. Woodhouse, 37, won the deciding set 3-1 to claim the biggest win of his career. Six-time winner Michael van Gerwen also lost, falling 2-1 to Ryan Joyce. Gerwyn Price advanced with a 2-0 win over Sebastian Bialecki.