Luke Littler has made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Darts Champion at the age of 17. The teenager, known as "The Nuke," topped the formidable Michael van Gerwen with a decisive score of 7-3 at the final held at Alexandra Palace on January 12, 2025.
Littler's remarkable victory solidified his status as one of the sport's brightest talents. He initially surged to a 4-0 lead, exhibiting confidence as Van Gerwen struggled to find his rhythm after previously being the youngest champion at just 24 years old back in 2014.
Despite Van Gerwen's efforts to stage a comeback, including winning the fifth set and narrowing the score to 5-2, Littler quickly regained dominance, whitewashing Van Gerwen in the next set to extend his lead. He sealed the match convincingly, claiming the Sid Waddell Trophy and retrieving his emotions as he embraced his mother on stage.
Reflecting on his achievements, Littler said: "It’s good to have made history at such a young age." His performance not only earned him the prestigious title but also handed him a substantial prize of £500,000, which experts note could pave the way for future earnings possibly surpassing £100 million due to endorsements and marketing opportunities.
Shining throughout the tournament, Littler amassed the most 180s scored, totaling 76 over the championship, which secured him the Ballon d’Art award as well.
After the championship win, Littler expressed gratitude to his father, who played a pivotal role throughout the tournament. "When I looked over to him, he didn’t look nervous, so I knew I just had to play with freedom," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Michael van Gerwen acknowledged Littler's skill, stating, "Every chance he got, every moment he had to hurt me, he did it," praising the teen's poise under pressure.
Littler's meteoric rise has not just captured titles; it has captivated fans. With plans to celebrate his win with Manchester United fans at Old Trafford, Littler is set to parade the Sid Waddell Trophy during the Brighton match on January 19, mere days after returning from the Bahrain Darts Masters.
Reflecting on his passion for darts, Littler's impressive performances over the past year have sparked discussions about his potential to become one of the all-time greats. Phil Taylor remarked, "I see great promise in him; he could beat my record of 16 world titles. But he must stay focused and avoid complacency."
With his recent achievements, Littler has already earned about £1.43 million through various competitions, underlining his stature as one of the youngest millionaires in the sport.
Looking forward, fans and experts alike are eagerly anticipating Littler's next engagements and his performance as he takes time to recharge before resuming competitions later this month.
For Littler, the story does not end here; it is merely the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling darting career. With eyes set on winning more titles and solidifying his legacy, Littler’s determination and momentum signal brighter days and countless accolades to come.