Luke Littler, 17, beat three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 to become the youngest PDC World Championship winner in history.
Littler’s dazzling display at Alexandra Palace not only stunned the darts world, but also cemented his place as a phenomenon in the sport.
“The Nuke” broke the record previously held by Van Gerwen, who won his first world title in 2014 at the age of 24.
Facing one of the greatest darts players in history, Littler showed no signs of nervousness.
He took a 4-0 lead, leaving Van Gerwen struggling to keep pace.
Although the Dutchman eventually made it three sets, he failed to mount a serious comeback, still trailing Littler, who maintained a relentless pace throughout.
Littler’s performance was defined by his clinical finishing and balance under pressure.
After narrowly missing out on the title last year when he was beaten by world number 1 Luke Humphries, the young star returned to the biggest stage with renewed focus and determination.
HISTORY. DO. 🏆
LUKE LITTLER DID IT!!!
He is crowned the youngest champion in history by winning the 2024/25 season. @paddypower World Darts Championship!
A special talent. pic.twitter.com/HVI8KtWrhh
– PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 3, 2025
This time, nothing could stop him.
Van Gerwen looked unstable at the start of the match. Despite his generally strong three-dart score, he faltered when it came to hitting doubles, allowing Littler to capitalize and extend his lead.
The defeat marked a rare stumble on the biggest stage. A three-time world champion and one of the most decorated darts players in darts history, the Dutchman was gracious in defeat, acknowledging his opponent’s outstanding performance.
Littler’s historic victory at the age of 17 is a moment that will go down in the history of the game of darts. As the youngest world champion in history, he not only etched his name in the record books but also inspired a new generation of players to dream big.
Speaking after the win, he said: “I can’t believe it. We both played so well.
“I said in interviews that I had to get off to a quick start tonight and that’s what I did. But he was behind me the whole game, those coverage shots – he was hitting two triples and I had to come back with two or three.
“Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. You have to cross difficult terrain. I can’t believe it.
“I keep saying it but that first match against Ryan Meikle [in round two] was the one that really mattered, and all along, I just settled.
“At 2-0 [in the final set] I started to get nervous but told myself to relax. I was pitching for the game and to get it over with was special.
The question now is: how far can Littler go? With this breakthrough victory, it seems anything is possible for the young sensation. If his performance at Alexandra Palace is any indication, the darts world could well witness the rise of its next dominant force.
