Seventeen-year-old Luke Littler made history on Friday night as he emerged victorious at the PDC World Darts Championship held at Alexandra Palace, becoming the youngest world champion ever. Littler showcased his remarkable skill and resilience with a convincing 7-3 win over darting legend Michael van Gerwen, dazzling spectators with his talent during the tournament finale.
Littler's path to victory marks not only a milestone for himself but also places him on the radar of darting history as he aims for the illustrious record of 16 world titles set by Phil Taylor. "If I want the 16, then I am sure I could possibly achieve it," Littler stated, displaying confidence as he contemplates his future. With youth on his side and remarkable ability, the teenager feels he can secure multiple championships throughout his career.
This significant win at Alexandra Palace not only earned him the championship title but also came with a hefty prize of £500,000, which climbed him to second place on the PDC Order of Merit, just behind Luke Humphries. Despite his success, Littler remained humble and told BBC Radio 5 Live, "I didn’t know what to do with my prize money—I'm just content knowing it’s there for future use.”
Earlier, Littler reflected on his childhood memories via social media, sharing his excitement about his triumph through a nostalgic post. Alongside his photo holding the Sid Waddell trophy, he included a snap from when he was younger, standing proudly next to a dartboard. The caption read, "Journey’s been pretty good so far. Looking forward to what the rest of 2025 has in store," hinting at his aspirations for more accomplishments this year.
Now, as he basks in the glory of his first major title, he is set to face the upcoming challenge of the Premier League Darts, where he might be featured among the elite players of the sport. He is also gearing up for the World Masters tournament later this month, scheduled shortly after his 18th birthday on January 21.
The victory against van Gerwen demonstrated Littler's impressive capabilities as he raced to a 4-0 lead, portraying both aptitude and poise under pressure. Van Gerwen—who is himself no stranger to championship titles—fought back to narrow the deficit but found himself unable to reclaim the momentum against the young champion. After the match, van Gerwen offered praise to Littler, stating, "You need to try and fight and battle back... but fair play to him [Littler]. Every moment he got to hurt me, he did."
Littler's historic achievement captured the attention of many, including sporting legends like former England captain David Beckham, who sent him congratulations on social media. Even Wayne Rooney echoed sentiments of admiration for the young champion's remarkable feat, acknowledging the significant turning point it might mark for future generations of darts players.
With the championship win under his belt, Littler's aspirations are acknowledgable and optimistic. He has set his goals high, considering the possibility of not just breaking records, but etching his name alongside legends of the game. “I want to become one of the best of all time,” he remarked. With the confidence of youth and the fire of ambition, fans and fellow players alike are eager to see what the future holds for this extraordinary talent.
For now, Littler continues his celebration, posing with his trophy at home—a moment reminiscent of iconic champions across sports capturing their crowning achievements. His cheerful demeanor hints at the joyful recognition of what he has accomplished and the promise of great things to come. With each dart thrown, Littler takes another step closer to his dreams, paving the way for what could be one of the most storied careers in darts history.