In a night that will be etched into darts history, 17-year-old Luke Littler claimed the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship title with a commanding 7-3 victory over three-time champion Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace. The electrifying final, played before a raucous London crowd, saw the teenage prodigy from Warrington storm to a 4-0 lead, showcasing the relentless scoring and pinpoint finishing that have made him a global sensation. As Littler lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy, tears streaming down his face, his defeated rival offered words that captured both the moment’s gravity and the sport’s competitive spirit.
Littler, who turned 18 just weeks after the triumph, became the youngest-ever PDC world champion, shattering the record previously set by Van Gerwen, who was 24 when he won his first title in 2014. The victory capped a remarkable year for “The Nuke,” who won 10 titles in his debut professional season and surged to the world number two ranking. His performance in the final was a masterclass: averaging 102.73, landing 12 180s, and hitting 56% of his doubles, with his beloved double 10 proving nearly untouchable. “I needed to get off to a quick start and that’s what I did,” Littler said, reflecting on his strategy. “Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy, but you have to get through a tough field.” His composure under pressure belied his age, as he fended off a late rally from Van Gerwen to secure the £500,000 prize.
The Dutchman, a titan of the sport with 157 PDC titles, struggled to match Littler’s early pace, hampered by a 37% checkout rate and a sluggish start. Despite clawing back to 6-3 with a 132 bullseye finish, Van Gerwen admitted his early lapses were costly. “I went 4-0 behind and after that I wasn’t doing myself any justice,” he said, acknowledging Littler’s clinical precision. “Every chance he got to hurt me, he did.” Yet, in defeat, Van Gerwen displayed remarkable sportsmanship, embracing Littler on stage and offering a mix of encouragement and playful banter. “He said ‘enjoy it,’” Littler revealed, recounting their exchange. “And then when we went over to the side, he was like ‘keep crying boy, keep crying.’” The lighthearted jab, delivered as Littler fought back tears, underscored the mutual respect between the two, even amid the sting of competition.
Van Gerwen’s words carried deeper meaning, reflecting on Littler’s meteoric rise. “I sometimes say that every 17 years, a star gets born, and he is one of them,” he told reporters, graciously conceding the torch to the young champion. “He deserves it, he played well.” At 35, Van Gerwen, who last won the world title in 2019, admitted the loss hurt but saw it as fuel for future battles. “I’m an old b****** compared to him,” he joked, vowing to sharpen his game. “It is what it is. I need to take it on the chin.”
Littler’s emotional response to the victory revealed the weight of the moment. “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.” His journey to the title was inspired by reflection, as he rewatched his 2024 final loss to Luke Humphries to pinpoint past mistakes. The preparation paid off, as he navigated a grueling field, including a semi-final win over Stephen Bunting, to reach the final. Littler’s triumph also sparked national pride, with the prime minister praising his “inspirational performance” for elevating darts’ global profile.
As Littler prepares to defend his Premier League title and take his trophy to Old Trafford, home of his beloved Manchester United, the darts world braces for his next chapter. Van Gerwen’s words—both congratulatory and cheeky—signal the dawn of a new era, with Littler at its forefront.
Leave a Reply