Britain’s Luke Littler made darting history with a jaw-dropping 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen to become the youngest-ever PDC World Champion at just 17 years old.
The Warrington teen, nicknamed The Nuke, was unstoppable as he stormed to a 4-0 lead against the three-time world champion at Alexandra Palace.
Despite Van Gerwen rallying to win three sets, he was never more than a blip in Littler’s rear-view mirror.
Littler smashed Van Gerwen’s record as the youngest PDC champ—previously set in 2014 when the Dutchman won his first title at 24—with an average of 102 and a stunning 12 180s in the final.
The teenager’s triumph not only earned him the £500,000 first prize but also secured the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy. Littler’s clinical precision and nerves of steel marked him out as a darting superstar for the ages.
“I can’t believe it,” Littler told Sky Sports. “We both played so well. Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. I can’t believe I’ve done it.”
The Next Big Thing
Littler’s victory was the culmination of a phenomenal year. After losing to Luke Humphries in last year’s final, the youngster bounced back with a vengeance in 2024, racking up 10 titles, four nine-darters, and averaging over 100 in five of his six matches at this year’s World Championship.
Van Gerwen, 35, brought experience and firepower to his seventh final, throwing 13 180s and averaging 100, but missed doubles cost him dearly, hitting just 14 out of 38 attempts. Littler seized the moment, punishing every error with pinpoint accuracy.
A Star Is Born
Nicknamed The Nuke, Littler combines relentless scoring with ice-cold finishing, particularly his near-flawless double 10. He also scooped the Ballon D’Art trophy for top 180 hitter with 76 maximums in the tournament, cementing his reputation as a scoring machine.
Experts are already drawing comparisons to darting legend Phil Taylor, who won his first BDO world title 35 years ago. At just 17, Littler looks set to challenge Taylor’s seemingly untouchable record of 16 world titles.
What’s Next for Littler?
With a first world title under his belt and a style of play reminiscent of the greats, Littler’s journey to darting superstardom has only just begun. The teenager’s remarkable composure, lethal scoring, and hunger for victory suggest this is just the start of an extraordinary career.
Van Gerwen, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Littler’s talent, saying: “He’s an incredible player. I gave it my all, but sometimes you face someone who’s just operating on another level.”
The Future of Darts
Luke Littler has rewritten the record books, and at just 17, the possibilities are endless. With his fearless approach and unmatched precision, The Nuke has the darting world at his feet—and the Sid Waddell Trophy firmly in his hands.
The future of darts is here, and his name is Luke Littler.
