Luke Littler smashed Michael van Gerwen’s record to become the youngest ever World Darts Championship winner, demolishing the three-time winner in the Ally Pally final
Luke Littler smashed Michael van Gerwen’s record to become the youngest ever World Darts Championship winner, demolishing the three-time winner in the Ally Pally final Luke Littler smashed Michael van Gerwen’s record to become the youngest ever World Darts Championship winner, demolishing the three-time winner in the Ally Pally final
An emotional Luke Littler admitted all his dreams had come true after beating Michael van Gerwen in the World Darts Championship final, while recognising his nearly moment in 2024 spurred him to victory.
The teenager raced into an early 4-0 lead against Van Gerwen, threatening to blow the three-time world champion out of the water. His opponent attempted to fight back, but the damage was done.
Van Gerwen made Littler work for the title, reducing the deficit to 5-2. However, the 17-year-old went straight back out with three straight legs to make it 6-2 and ultimately wrapped up a momentous 7-3 victory.
It marked a rapid redemption for Littler, who threw away a 4-2 lead to lose to Luke Humphries in last year’s final. Speaking after his win, he outlined how that loss to Humphries helped give him the tools to go one better in 2025.
“I learned a lot,” Littler told Sky Sports. “Last year in the semis against Rob Cross, that was the first time I was 1-0 down, and then obviously against Luke [Humphries].
“But tonight and throughout the tournament, I just needed to get off to a quick start. Earlier today, I watched all of the game back against Luke and I had the visions.”
“Anything,” he said when asked what else might lie ahead in 2025. “I could end 2025 winning absolutely nothing, but I’ve picked up the best [prize]. I want to get more than 10 titles this year, but if I end 2025 with nothing, I’ve picked the big one up.”
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Littler was reduced to tears when his achievement began to sink in, and he began by giving credit to his opponent. Both men produced some great darts, but Littler’s finishing proved the difference in the early sets before he held off Van Gerwen’s attempted comeback.
“I can’t believe it. We both played so well,” he said. “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.
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Luke Littler is heading to the final of the WDC, and you can emulate the 17-year-old with a set of his Target G1 Swiss Point darts for £99.95. You can also upgrade to the gold Prodigy darts for £129.95.
There is also a more affordable Loadout 90% Tungsten darts for £45.90. If you need something to throw them at, Amazon has reduced the Luke Littler Cabinet & Dartboard Set to £59.99.
“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.”
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Mirror – Sport