At just 18, Luke Littler has transformed from a teenage prodigy into the reigning PDC World Darts Champion, and his trajectory suggests he’s on pace to eclipse the legendary 2017 season of Michael van Gerwen, one of darts’ all-time greats. The Warrington wonderkid’s meteoric rise culminated in a 7-3 thrashing of Van Gerwen in the 2025 PDC World Championship final at Alexandra Palace, where he claimed the Sid Waddell Trophy and became the youngest world champion in history at 17 years and 347 days. With a tournament-leading 64 maximum 180s and a blistering 102.13 average, Littler’s performance has drawn comparisons to Van Gerwen’s dominant 2017 campaign, when the Dutchman won 29 titles. Yet, Littler’s 2024-25 season statistics and unrelenting ambition hint that he could surpass even that benchmark.
Littler’s journey to the top has been nothing short of cinematic. A year ago, as a 16-year-old ranked 164th in the world, he stunned the darts community by reaching the 2024 World Championship final, only to fall to Luke Humphries. Undeterred, Littler returned in 2025 with unmatched focus, defeating a gauntlet of former champions, including Raymond van Barneveld, Rob Cross, and Van Gerwen. His semi-final demolition of Stephen Bunting, a 6-1 rout with a 105.48 average, showcased his ability to dominate under pressure. “It’s been an amazing tournament so far,” Littler said after the match, emphasizing his game-by-game approach. “People will say I was looking at the title throughout, but I was looking at the first game against Ryan Meikle, and ever since I’ve just got to beat what’s in front of me.”
Statistically, Littler’s 2025 World Championship run outshines Van Gerwen’s 2017 heroics in key areas. Van Gerwen, then 28, averaged 100.04 across the tournament, while Littler’s 102.13 average and 56% checkout rate (compared to Van Gerwen’s 44% in 2025) highlight his precision. Littler’s 64 maximums dwarfed Van Gerwen’s 43, earning him the Ballon d’Art trophy for the most 180s. In 2017, Van Gerwen’s relentless scoring and 157 PDC titles cemented his legacy, but Littler’s 10 senior titles in 2024—including the Premier League, World Series Finals, Grand Slam, and UK Open—signal a new era. “I can’t believe it!” Littler exclaimed after his World Championship win, tears streaming as he realized he’d shattered Van Gerwen’s record as the youngest champion, set at 24 in 2014.
The rivalry between Littler and Van Gerwen has become the sport’s most electrifying narrative. Their head-to-head record stands at six wins apiece, with Littler’s 6-1 thrashing in October 2024 and 6-4 Premier League final win in Cardiff, where he hit a nine-darter, showcasing his edge. Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, has praised Littler’s talent while stoking their rivalry. “Every 17 years a star is born, and Luke is one of them,” he said graciously after the 2025 final, though he admitted, “When you do that against a player of Luke’s ability, you’re going to be in trouble.” Van Gerwen’s 2017 season saw him dominate finals, but Littler’s ability to win clutch matches—evidenced by his 170 checkout against Bunting and 124 bullseye finish in the final—suggests he could outpace that legacy.
Littler’s impact extends beyond the oche. His rapid rise has sparked a darts renaissance, with 3.7 million viewers tuning into the 2024 final and a surge in young players taking up the sport. Posts on X reflect fans’ awe, with one calling him “a generational talent who’s changing darts forever.” Littler’s style—long 45mm darts, a rapid pace, and a knack for double 10—has become iconic. “Darts has gone crazy,” said 16-time champion Phil Taylor. “You wouldn’t believe the difference since young Luke came along.” His £500,000 World Championship prize, pushing his earnings past £1 million, underscores his marketability, with endorsements and a £6,000-a-month rental home in Warrington’s Millionaire’s Row.
Van Gerwen, now 35, remains a formidable force, with a 100 average and 13 180s in the 2025 final. His 132 bullseye finish briefly halted Littler’s charge, but his 14/38 double attempts couldn’t match Littler’s clinical finishing. “I have to take this on the chin,” Van Gerwen said, vowing to return stronger. For Littler, the future is limitless. With a world ranking of second and three televised nine-darters, he’s already eyeing Taylor’s 16 world titles. “I’d like to win it before Michael did,” Littler said before the tournament, referencing Van Gerwen’s 2014 record. At this pace, the Warrington wonderkid isn’t just chasing history—he’s rewriting it.
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