LONDON – Luke Littler has achieved the unimaginable by becoming the youngest World Darts Champion at just 17 years old, clinching the title at the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 with a decisive 7:3 victory over the seasoned champion Michael van Gerwen. This momentous event took place on January 3, 2025, at the illustrious Alexandra Palace, marking Littler's ascent to the top echelons of the sport just after his debut appearance at last year’s championship.
The final, touted as one of the most anticipated matchups, lived up to expectations as both players showcased their talents on the big stage. Littler entered the match as the underdog, yet many believed he had the potential to make history. "This is now already an amazing tournament for me," Littler said before the match, clearly channeling the confidence he had built throughout the tournament.
Michael van Gerwen, attempting to secure his fourth world title, had been highly confident, stating, "I expect it to be a massive final," but he acknowledged Littler's talent, saying, "A talent like ‘The Nuke’ is born only every few years." The atmosphere was electric as the crowd gathered, many rallying behind the young Englishman.
From the outset, the match was challenging for van Gerwen, who struggled significantly with his double throws, which would prove to be pivotal. Littler swiftly capitalized on the elder competitor’s missteps. He showcased precision and poise, securing the first three sets and establishing dominance early. Van Gerwen, known for his tenacity, could do little to respond to Littler’s impressive scoring and assured finishes, often succumbing to pressure.
After winning the first set, Littler recalled the moment fondly, proclaiming, "I felt it was pivotal and almost decisive," highlighting how gaining early momentum lent him the confidence to navigate the rest of the match effectively.
Despite van Gerwen's stellar history—having achieved multiple records as world champion—he could not find his rhythm against Littler. The first leg of the final saw van Gerwen miss opportunities to break Littler, and his frustration was evident. “It’s important to keep the feet on the ground; it’s still a long way to go!” remarked van Gerwen, grounding himself even as the stakes rose.
The narrative of the match shifted drastically as Littler continued to display calm under pressure, undeterred by the heavyweight reputation of his opponent. With each set, he proved more assertive, blunting van Gerwen's sharpness and using his momentum to his advantage. By the sixth set, Littler had taken command of the match, placing him just one set away from securing the championship.
With mounting anticipation, Littler closed the gap to victory. “I don’t know!” he humorously replied when asked about his father's calm demeanor watching from the audience. The unshakeable confidence from his family was mirrored in his performance on stage, where he faced off against the odds with remarkable composure.
On the night, it was the deft accuracy of Littler with his bear-like resolution at the double-10, which propelled him to victory, sealing the final set with poise. Reacting to his momentous win, he remarked, “It was his star hour” referring to how van Gerwen acknowledged the rise of the next generation of dart players.
The final moments of the match saw van Gerwen graciously surrender the title, recognizing Littler’s superior performance: “Every 17 years, new stars are born,” he acknowledged, signifying Littler's entry to darting stardom.
With this historic win, Littler not only enshrined himself as the youngest champion but also underscored the enduring evolution of darts, promising a future filled with thrilling matches and fierce rivalries. The sport can expect more memorable moments from Littler, who only just weeks before his 18th birthday, has comfortably secured his place among darting greats.
This championship will go down as one of the most memorable, encapsulating the essence of sportsmanship and rising talent, with fans eagerly anticipating what’s next from Luke Littler as he barrels toward adulthood and the promise of more championships on the horizon.