Luke Littler broke down in tears after sensationally winning the World Darts Championship and shared a touching moment with Michael van Gerwen.
Littler, only 17 years old, was crowned king of the sport after beating Van Gerwen, a three-time winner, 7-3 in the final at the Alexandra Palace.
The Warrington-born wonderkid became the competition’s youngest winner in the process and never looked like losing his lead after advancing 4-0.
Van Gerwen was the youngest previous champion when he won his first world title in 2014 at the age of 24, but Littler, the sport’s newest phenom, easily broke the record to take the Sid Waddell Trophy and the cash prize of £500,000.
Littler averaged just over 102 and threw 12 180s in an imperious display in London.
A clinical 56 per cent in doubles saw him splash the outside ring to devastating effect, leaving his Dutch opponent behind him.
Luke Littler burst into tears after winning the World Darts Championship
Littler, 17, beat Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace to claim his first world title.
His fate became reality after he pinned D16, prompting Littler to let out a roar. Tears began to flow as she made her way to the side of the stage, in front of her family.
Littler’s career has been a meteoric rise since reaching the World Championship final last year, winning 10 titles in his first year on the circuit.
‘I can’t believe it. “We both played very well,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’ve said in interviews that I needed to start fast tonight and that’s what I did. But he was behind me the whole game, those coverage shots – he had hit two threes and I had to come back with two or three.
“Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. You have to go through a difficult field.
‘I can’t believe it. I keep saying it, but that first game against Ryan Meikle was the one that really mattered, and I’ve been content every time.
‘With 2-0 up (in the last set) I started to get nervous, but I told myself to relax. “I was pitching for the game and to finish it in one go was special.”
As for what the rest of the year has in store for him, Littler added: “Anything.” I could end 2025 without winning absolutely anything, but I have won the best (prize).
The teenage sensation lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy after an imperious display
He roared after covering double 16 before tears began to flow on stage.
Van Gerwen was gracious in defeat and congratulated Littler on his achievement.
“I want to win more than 10 titles this year, but if I finish 2025 with nothing, I will have won the big one.”
Van Gerwen spoke glowingly of his opponent: “I am 35 years old and he is 17. Every 17 years a star is born.” He deserves it, he played well.
‘It hurts, but that’s how it should be. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not going to be an athlete. “I have to move forward and make sure I continue to play better.”
Van Gerwen finished the match averaging 100 and one more 180 than Littler, but his title hopes were derailed after he hit just 14 of his 38 double attempts.