In a dazzling display of skill and composure, 17-year-old Luke Littler etched his name into darts history by defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 to claim the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship title at Alexandra Palace. The teenage sensation from Warrington, England, became the youngest world champion ever, shattering the record previously set by his opponent, Van Gerwen, who was 24 when he won his first title in 2014. Littler’s victory, which earned him the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy and a £500,000 prize, marked the culmination of a meteoric rise in a sport he has already transformed in just his second professional year.
The final on January 3, 2025, was a masterclass from Littler, who stormed to a commanding 4-0 lead with a blistering average of 102.73 and a remarkable 56 percent checkout rate. His precision on the doubles, particularly his favored double 10 and double 16, left Van Gerwen struggling to keep pace. The Dutchman, a three-time world champion, battled back, winning three sets to narrow the gap, but Littler’s relentless scoring and clinical finishing proved insurmountable. As he pinned double 16 to seal the victory, Littler let out a roar, only for tears to follow as the weight of his achievement sank in. “As soon as that winning double went in, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I was fine, and then I looked into the crowd. Everyone was on their feet, that’s when the tears came.”
The emotional moment was shared with Van Gerwen, who displayed remarkable sportsmanship despite the sting of defeat. Embracing Littler on stage, the 35-year-old offered words of encouragement that captured both humor and respect. “He said ‘enjoy it,’” Littler revealed, “and then when we went over to the side, he was like, ‘keep crying boy, keep crying.’” The lighthearted quip reflected Van Gerwen’s gracious acknowledgment of Littler’s talent. “Every 17 years, a star gets born, and he is one of them,” Van Gerwen later told reporters, conceding that Littler capitalized on every opportunity to “hurt” him. “Fair play to him. He did well and he deserves it. Of course, it hurts, but that’s how it should be. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not going to be a sportsman.”
Littler’s path to the final was no easy feat. Entering as the fourth seed, he faced tough competition, including Ryan Meikle, Ian White, Ryan Joyce, Nathan Aspinall, and Stephen Bunting. His standout performance came in the fourth set against Meikle, where he averaged an astonishing 140.91, narrowly missing a nine-darter. Reflecting on his journey, Littler credited his early-round focus for his success. “I keep saying it, but that first game against Ryan Meikle was the one that really mattered, and throughout I’ve just settled,” he said. His preparation was meticulous; before the final, he rewatched his 2024 championship loss to Luke Humphries, learning from past mistakes. “I watched all of the game back against Luke, and I had the visions,” he admitted, a strategy that fueled his confidence.
Van Gerwen, meanwhile, lamented his slow start, which saw him trail 4-0. “I wasn’t doing myself any justice,” he said, acknowledging that his 18 percent doubling in the early sets was costly. Despite averaging 100.69, he couldn’t match Littler’s precision. Yet, he remained optimistic, vowing to return stronger. “I have to take this on the chin and make sure I keep playing better,” he said.
Littler’s victory wasn’t just about the title. He also claimed the Ballon d’Art trophy for hitting 76 maximum 180s, 20 more than Van Gerwen, contributing to over £1 million raised for Prostate Cancer UK through sponsor donations. Off the oche, Littler’s plans are simple yet heartfelt: he hopes to take his trophy to Old Trafford, home of his beloved Manchester United. “If they allow me to, then I am sure I will go,” he said, grinning.
At 17 years and 347 days, Littler has already surpassed milestones that took others decades. His 2024 season included 10 titles, a Premier League crown, and a rise from world No. 164 to No. 2. With endorsements from figures like David Beckham and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who called his performance “mesmerising,” Littler is no longer just a prodigy—he’s a global star. “I know I’m in this for a long, long time,” he said, hinting at a future that could challenge Phil Taylor’s record 16 world titles. For now, though, Littler is savoring the moment, a boy from Warrington who became king in a sport he’s only just begun to conquer.
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