Luke Littler marked his title within the historical past books by turning into the youngest-ever PDC World Darts Championship winner on Friday evening.
The 17-year-old beat Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace, smashing his file because the earlier youngest winner within the course of.
The Dutchman was 24 when he picked up his maiden title in 2014, however he bowed out to the sports activities’ new sensation on the most important stage.
Littler was visibly emotional after profitable the match 7-3 and he capped off an impressive marketing campaign that had seen him win 10 different titles in 2024.
However that is darts’ greatest prize and the Englishman admits he has dreamt of lifting the well-known trophy.
Talking after the win, he stated: “Everybody desires of lifting this trophy. You’ve obtained to get by way of a tricky discipline. I can’t imagine it.
“I realized loads. Final 12 months within the semis towards Rob Cross, that was the primary time I used to be 1-0 down, after which clearly towards Luke.
“I can’t imagine it” 😳
Luke Littler reacts to profitable the World Darts Championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/awETtwP3cD
— Sky Sports activities Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 3, 2025
“However tonight and all through the event, I simply wanted to get off to a fast begin.
“Earlier right this moment, I watched all the recreation again towards Luke and I had the visions.
“I may finish 2025 profitable completely nothing, however I’ve picked up the perfect [prize].
“I need to get greater than 10 titles this 12 months, but when I finish 2025 with nothing, I’ve picked the large one up.”
Van Gerwen humble in defeat
Van Gerwen didn’t play badly on the evening, however he couldn’t dwell with Littler’s common and excessive share ending.
A win for him would have marked an unbelievable restoration after a troublesome 12 months for the Dutchman, however he was nonetheless happy with his efforts.
“Each 17 years a star is born” ⭐️
Excessive reward from Michael van Gerwen for the brand new champion 🙌 pic.twitter.com/uy0ExXyCGJ
— Sky Sports activities Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 3, 2025
He stated: “I went 4-0 behind and after that I assumed I wasn’t doing myself any justice, however that’s the best way it’s.
“It’s essential to attempt to struggle and battle again and I believe after going 4-0 down, I used to be undoubtedly not the worst participant out of us.
“However truthful play to him, each likelihood he obtained and each second he needed to harm me, he did.
“I had a beautiful event and I loved each second of it. Everyone knows I’ve come from a far distance and I’ve been battling my very own recreation, however firstly of the sport I used to be letting myself down an excessive amount of and whenever you do this towards a participant along with his capability, you’re going to be in hassle.
“It’s important to take it on the chin, transfer on and stroll off the stage as a champion. I at all times take my hat off to the people who beat me and in the event that they beat me in a very good recreation, truthful play to them. That’s how sport works.
“I’m 35, he’s 17. Each 17 years, a star will get born.
“He deserves it, he performed properly. It hurts, however that’s the way it must be. If it doesn’t harm, you’re not going to be a sportsman. I’ve to maneuver on and ensure I preserve taking part in higher.”
Van Gerwen’s comfort prize is a cool £200,000, whereas Littler takes residence a whopping £500,000 prize.
