Luke Littler marked his name in the history books by becoming the youngest-ever PDC World Darts Championship winner on Friday night.
The 17-year-old beat Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace, smashing his record as the previous youngest winner in the process.
The Dutchman was 24 when he picked up his maiden title in 2014, but he bowed out to the sports’ new sensation on the biggest stage.
Littler was visibly emotional after winning the match 7-3 and he capped off a magnificent campaign that had seen him win 10 other titles in 2024.
But this is darts’ biggest prize and the Englishman admits he has dreamt of lifting the famous trophy.
Speaking after the win, he said: “Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. You’ve got to get through a tough field. I can’t believe it.
“I learned a lot. Last year in the semis against Rob Cross, that was the first time I was 1-0 down, and then obviously against Luke.
“I can’t believe it” 😳
Luke Littler reacts to winning the World Darts Championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/awETtwP3cD
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 3, 2025
“But tonight and throughout the tournament, I just needed to get off to a quick start.
“Earlier today, I watched all of the game back against Luke and I had the visions.
“I could end 2025 winning absolutely nothing, but I’ve picked up the best [prize].
“I want to get more than 10 titles this year, but if I end 2025 with nothing, I’ve picked the big one up.”
Van Gerwen humble in defeat
Van Gerwen did not play badly on the night, but he could not live with Littler’s average and high percentage finishing.
A win for him would have marked an incredible recovery after a difficult year for the Dutchman, but he was still proud of his efforts.
“Every 17 years a star is born” ⭐️
High praise from Michael van Gerwen for the new champion 🙌 pic.twitter.com/uy0ExXyCGJ
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 3, 2025
He said: “I went 4-0 behind and after that I thought I wasn’t doing myself any justice, but that’s the way it is.
“You need to try to fight and battle back and I think after going 4-0 down, I was definitely not the worst player out of us.
“But fair play to him, every chance he got and every moment he had to hurt me, he did.
“I had a lovely tournament and I enjoyed every moment of it. We all know I’ve come from a far distance and I’ve been battling my own game, but at the beginning of the game I was letting myself down too much and when you do that against a player with his ability, you’re going to be in trouble.
“You have to take it on the chin, move on and walk off the stage as a champion. I always take my hat off to the people that beat me and if they beat me in a good game, fair play to them. That’s how sport works.
“I’m 35, he’s 17. Every 17 years, a star gets born.
“He deserves it, he played well. It hurts, but that’s how it should be. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not going to be a sportsman. I have to move on and make sure I keep playing better.”
Van Gerwen’s consolation prize is a cool £200,000, while Littler takes home a whopping £500,000 prize.
