Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has made headlines once again by clinching the prestigious Ballon d'Art at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship. His impressive scoring abilities, marked by landing 76 maximum 180s, secured his win. Even before the final showdown against three-time champion Michael van Gerwen, Littler was already all but guaranteed the accolade.
Highlighting his extraordinary talent, the 17-year-old from Runcorn had dazzled fans at the Alexandra Palace, leaving observers captivated by his rock-solid performance. Littler’s count of 76 180s was not only sufficient to lead his competitors but also set him on the hunt for Michael Smith's all-time tournament record of 83. With only 7 maximums needed to surpass this benchmark, there was palpable excitement surrounding his potential achievement.
The Ballon d'Art, introduced at last year's tournament, is awarded to the player who scores the most 180s during the event. This initiative, supported by betting company Paddy Power, is part of the BIGGER 180 campaign, which donates £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK for each maximum thrown. Given the fierce competition, this year's tournament saw over 900 180s scored overall, showcasing the high-level play on display.
"Football has the Ballon d'Or, so it’s only right dass darts has the Ballon d'Art," stated a Paddy Power spokesperson, emphasizing the charm and importance of the initiative, which not only celebrates individual excellence but also supports charity. With well over £1 million raised for Prostate Cancer UK from this tournament alone, the Ballon d'Art has become symbolic of both entertainment and philanthropy.
Even as Littler prepared for his final contest against Van Gerwen, he reflected on his extraordinary run throughout the championship. "It’s been an amazing tournament so far!" Littler shared, expressing gratitude and excitement for the competition. His rise to prominence has undeniably influenced the sport’s growth, garnering attention and admiration for its thrilling nature.
Facing off against Van Gerwen, who has not won the PDC world title since 2019, added another layer of intrigue. Despite Van Gerwen's extensive experience, Littler has emerged as the odds-on favorite, demonstrating his flair and commitment to the game. "Luke's had a sniff [of the title]. I'm going to make sure he keeps by a sniff as well,” warned Van Gerwen, acknowledging Littler's potential.
Throughout the tournament, Littler outperformed many by exhibiting brilliant skill, highlighted by his 180s during matches. After defeating Stephen Bunting decisively with a score of 6-1 to secure his place in the finals, he conveyed, “After the first game against Ryan Meikle, I have just beat what was in front of me,” signifying his focused approach to each challenge. This determination has positioned him as not just the future, but perhaps the present of the sport.
Reflecting on the competition, fans eagerly awaited Littler's performance against Van Gerwen, viewing it not only as the final match but also as the culmination of the 2025 championship. Many were excited about the combined thrill of the grand finale and the award presentation, ensuring it would be one for the history books.
With all eyes on the match, it remains to be seen just how many more 180s Littler could score and whether he will adequately challenge Smith's long-standing record. His accomplishments have already solidified his place among darting greats.
With his performance leading to the awarding of the Ballon d'Art, regardless of the outcome against Van Gerwen, Littler's future looks bright. The resonance of his achievements extends far beyond individual accolades— they signify the continued evolution of darts as not just entertainment but also as a major sporting event.
After the gripping contest concluded, there was no doubt about Littler's meteoric rise, the awards, the excitement generated for darts, and how his success has defined his early career. Whether holding the trophy aloft after the final match or celebrating the fundraising achieved through his talents, Littler's legacy as one of the sport's youthful icons is quickly cementing.