Luke Littler broke down in tears and shared an emotional moment with Michael van Gerwen after his sensational win at the World Darts Championship.
Littler, just 17 years old, was crowned champion of the sport by defeating three-time champion Van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at Alexandra Palace.
The Warrington-born prodigy became the youngest ever winner of the competition in the process and had no intention of relinquishing his lead after taking a 4-0 lead.
Van Gerwen was the previous youngest champion when he won his first world title at the age of 24 in 2014, but Littler, the sport’s newest phenomenon, easily beat that record, beating Sid Waddell. He won a trophy and a cash prize of £500,000.
Littler averaged just over .102 and threw 12 in the .180 range in his commanding performance in London.
In doubles, he had a clinical score of 56 percent, devastating the outside ring and trailing his Dutch opponents.
Luke Littler breaks down in tears after winning the World Darts Championship
17-year-old Littler beat Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace to win his first world title.
After pinning D16, his fate was fulfilled and Littler let out a roar. And as he made his way to the side of the stage in front of his family, tears began to flow.
Since reaching the final of last year’s World Championship, Littler’s career has taken a leap forward, winning 10 titles in his first year on the circuit.
“It’s unbelievable. We both played very well,” he told Sky Sports.
“I said in the interview that I needed to start right away tonight and I did that. But he was behind me the whole game, those cover shots – he won the treble. I would have hit two, and I had to come back with two or three.
“Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy and we have to overcome a tough field.
“It’s unbelievable. I’ve said it many times, but the first match against Ryan Meikle was really important and that’s where I was calm throughout.
When I was up 2-0 (in the final set), I started to get nervous, but I told myself to relax. I was pitching for the game, so it was special to be able to close out the game. ”
As for what the rest of this year holds for him, Littler added: 2025 could have ended without winning anything, but we won the biggest prize.
Teenage sensation lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy after an intimidating display
After scoring double 16, he roared on stage before tears started flowing.
Van Gerwen was generous in defeat and congratulated Littler on his achievements.
“I want to win more than 10 titles this year, but even if I finish 2025 without doing anything, I still feel like I’ve won a big title.”
Van Gerwen said of his opponent: “I’m 35, he’s 17. Every 17 years a star is born. He deserved it, he played well.
“It hurts, but that’s the way it should be. If it doesn’t hurt, you can’t be an athlete. I have to move on and try to keep playing better.”
Van Gerwen finished the game with a batting average of 100, one more than Littler’s 180, but his hopes of winning the title ended as he hit only 14 of 38 doubles.
Michael van Gerwen Luke Littler
