In the electrifying atmosphere of London’s Alexandra Palace, 18-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler etched his name deeper into the annals of sporting history by clinching his second consecutive PDC World Darts Championship title. Facing off against fellow young gun Gian van Veen in a highly anticipated final, Littler delivered a masterclass in precision and poise, storming to a commanding 7-1 victory that left the crowd roaring and his opponent gracious in defeat. This triumph not only netted him a staggering £1 million prize but also the prestigious Ballon d’Art award for smashing a tournament-high 73 maximum 180s, underscoring his dominance throughout the event.
Littler’s journey to this pinnacle has been nothing short of meteoric. Bursting onto the professional scene as a wide-eyed 16-year-old, he quickly captivated the darts world with his fearless style and uncanny accuracy. Over the past two years, he’s amassed an impressive haul of 10 major titles, including the UK Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, and Players Championship Finals from the previous season. His back-to-back world championships place him in elite company, joining legends like Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis, and Gary Anderson as one of only four players to achieve the feat. Maintaining a blistering tournament average of 104, Littler has redefined what’s possible at such a young age. Even in moments when he wasn’t at his absolute peak, his “off” games still hovered around a 97 average—a testament to his consistency that has commentators buzzing. One expert hailed him as a magnificent talent, right up there with Taylor and Van Gerwen, praising the ridiculous standard he’s set.
The final itself was a showcase of Littler’s unyielding focus. From the outset, he piled on the pressure, hitting checkout after checkout while Van Veen struggled to find his rhythm. The Dutchman, ranked world number three, admitted post-match that he had been outclassed. “He definitely wasn’t in the mood to give me any more chances. He played phenomenal. He put me under pressure every leg, every set, and I missed too many chances today to make it a game,” Van Veen reflected. “He’s a fantastic player which is why he’s world number one by a margin now. That’s why he’s back-to-back world champion.” Despite the lopsided scoreline, Van Veen expressed pride in his own run to the final, noting, “I lost too many legs and I missed too many chances. Looking back at this tournament, I’m very proud to have got to the final.”
As the final dart sealed the win, the arena erupted, but the most touching moments unfolded in the aftermath. Littler’s girlfriend, Faith Millar, who has been by his side since they started dating in March of the previous year, was a pillar of support throughout the grueling tournament. Seated in the audience with his family, she cheered him on with unwavering enthusiasm. When the victory was confirmed, tears streamed down her face as emotions overflowed. Joining him on stage, she shared in the glory, posing proudly with the gleaming Sid Waddell Trophy. Their bond, forged amid the whirlwind of Littler’s rising fame, has been a grounding force for the young star. In a heartfelt gesture that captured the hearts of fans worldwide, Faith took to Instagram shortly after, sharing a tender photo of the couple together. Her caption was simple yet profound: “forever proud of you, i love you so much.” Littler, ever the devoted partner, responded swiftly with “i love you so much,” adding a flurry of heart emojis that amplified the sweetness of the exchange.
The celebrations didn’t stop at the Palace. Littler whisked the trophy away to an exclusive afterparty, where he was surrounded by close friends and family. Among the guests was popular YouTuber and I’m a Celebrity star Angry Ginge, adding a dash of star power to the festivities. A video shared by Littler on social media captured the joyous night, with him captioning it, “What a night. Thank you for all being in my corner.” Fans flooded the comments with congratulations, lauding not just his skill but the strong support system that has propelled him forward.
Reflecting on the milestone in his post-match press conference, Littler couldn’t hide his elation. “It’s what dreams are made of. Nothing will ever beat a first world title—for anyone, in any sport, because that’s the first time you’ve done it. But this was all about retaining it. To go back-to-back feels amazing,” he said, his words resonating with aspiring athletes everywhere. At just 18, Littler isn’t just a champion; he’s a phenomenon reshaping darts. With his blend of raw talent, humility, and the unwavering love from those closest to him, the future promises even greater heights. As he balances the demands of stardom with personal life, one thing is clear: Luke Littler is here to stay, dartboard by dartboard, inspiring a new generation to aim high.
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