17-year-old Luke Littler defeated three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 to become the youngest PDC World Championship winner in history.
Littler’s dazzling display at Alexandra Palace not only stunned the darting world but also cemented his place as a phenomenon in the sport.
‘The Nuke’ shattered the record previously held by Van Gerwen, who won his first world title in 2014 at the age of 24.
Facing one of the greatest players in the history of darts, Littler showed no signs of nerves.
He stormed into a commanding 4-0 lead, leaving Van Gerwen struggling to keep pace.
While the Dutchman eventually managed to get three sets on the board, he was unable to mount a serious comeback, always trailing Littler, who maintained a relentless pace throughout.
Littler’s performance was defined by his clinical finishing and poise under pressure.
After narrowly missing out on the title last year when he was beaten by world No.1 Luke Humphries, the young star returned to the grandest stage with renewed focus and determination.
HISTORY. MADE. 🏆
LUKE LITTLER HAS DONE IT!!!
He is crowned the youngest ever champion as he wins the 2024/25 @paddypower World Darts Championship!
A special talent. pic.twitter.com/HVI8KtWrhh
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 3, 2025
This time, there was no stopping him.
Van Gerwen seemed unsettled in the early stages of the match. Despite his typically strong three-dart scoring, he faltered when it came to hitting doubles, allowing Littler to capitalise and extend his lead.
The defeat marked a rare stumble on the biggest stage. A three-time world champion and one of the most decorated players in darts history, the Dutchman was gracious in defeat, acknowledging his opponent’s exceptional performance.
Littler’s historic win at the age of 17 is a moment that will be remembered in darting history. As the youngest-ever world champion, he has not only etched his name into the record books but also inspired a new generation of players to dream big.
Speaking after the victory, he said: “I can’t believe it. We both played so well.
“I’ve said in interviews that I needed to get off to a quick start tonight and that’s what I did. But he was behind me the whole game, those cover shots – he’d hit two trebles and I’d have to come back with two or three.
“Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. You’ve got to get through a tough field. I can’t believe it.
“I keep saying it but that first game against Ryan Meikle [in round two] was the one that really mattered, and throughout I’ve just settled.
“At 2-0 up [in the final set] I started getting nervous but I said to myself to just relax. I was throwing for the match and to get it over and done with then was special.”
The question now is: how far can Littler go? With this breakthrough victory, the sky seems to be the limit for the young sensation. If his performance at Alexandra Palace is any indication, the darting world may well be witnessing the rise of its next dominant force.
