Luke Littler, 17, becomes darts’ youngest ever world champion

Luke Littler made history on Friday by becoming the youngest-ever darts world champion, defeating three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in a stunning final at the PDC World Darts Championship.

Despite his age, Littler entered the tournament as the favorite and the talk of the sport, following his unexpected journey to the final last year. His meteoric rise to prominence has captivated the darts world, and by the time he stepped onto the stage at London’s Alexandra Palace, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation. The packed arena serenaded him with chants like “Walking in a Littler Wonderland,” adding to the electric atmosphere. However, Littler showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the pressure, handling the occasion with remarkable composure.

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From the outset, Littler played with confidence, quickly building a commanding 4-0 lead over van Gerwen. Although the Dutchman, a veteran of the sport who previously held the record as the youngest-ever world champion at age 24, managed to win three sets in the middle of the match, he could never truly close the gap. Littler maintained control, finishing the match with an impressive average score of 102.73 compared to van Gerwen’s 100.69. He also hit 12 maximum 180s, just one shy of van Gerwen’s 13, further showcasing his exceptional skill.

“I can’t believe it, honestly, I can’t believe it,” Littler exclaimed in an interview with Sky Sports after his victory, his voice barely audible over the roaring crowd. “We both played so well. I said in interviews I needed to get off to a quick start tonight and that’s what I did. … Everyone dreams of winning this trophy, but you’ve got to get through a tough field even before qualifying, I can’t believe it.”

Littler’s victory has taken the UK by storm, with the young darting sensation becoming a household name. His honest, down-to-earth nature, coupled with his outstanding performances, has endeared him to the British public. Even Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered his congratulations, praising Littler for his “inspirational performance under such pressure” in clinching the trophy. Littler’s triumph has undoubtedly sparked a surge in popularity for the sport, which is gaining wider attention in the UK.

Although the spotlight is now firmly on him, Littler remained humble after the victory, refusing to claim the title of the best player in the world. “I won’t say I’m the best, maybe stats-wise I might be the best, but I’ll never say it,” he told reporters. His modesty has only added to his appeal, further enhancing his image as a rising star with a grounded perspective.

For his opponent, Michael van Gerwen, Littler’s victory was a clear indication of his immense talent. Van Gerwen, who has dominated the darts world for years, acknowledged Littler’s quality, calling him a “generational talent.” The 35-year-old Dutchman praised Littler’s ability to seize every opportunity during the match. “Every chance he got to hurt me, he did. I sometimes say, ‘Every 17 years a star is born,’ and he’s one of them,” van Gerwen remarked. His recognition of Littler’s ability further solidified the teenager’s status as one of the most promising figures in darts.

The final match showcased not only Littler’s exceptional skills but also the maturity he has developed at such a young age. His calm demeanor under intense pressure, coupled with his clinical finishing, allowed him to claim the title in front of a passionate crowd. Littler’s achievement is not just a personal triumph, but a sign of the changing landscape of professional darts, with young players like him now breaking through and making their mark at the highest level.As for the future, there are no limits to what Littler can achieve. At just 17, he has already achieved what many players only dream of in their careers. With his talent, work ethic, and the backing of a growing fan base, it’s clear that Littler’s journey is only just beginning. His victory will be remembered as a defining moment in darts history, marking the arrival of a new generation of champions.

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