Luke Littler wrote his name into the history books when he became the youngest ever winner of the PDC World Darts Championship on Friday night.
The 17-year-old beat Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace, breaking his own record as the youngest previous winner in the process.
The Dutchman was 24 when he captured his first title in 2014, but has succumbed to the new sporting sensation on the biggest stage.
Littler was visibly emotional after winning the match 7-3, capping off an impressive season that has seen him win another 10 titles in 2024.
But this is darts' ultimate prize, and the Englishman admits he had dreamed of lifting the famous trophy.
“Everyone dreams of lifting this cup,” he said after the win. “You have to go through a tough field. I can’t believe it.”
“I learned a lot. Last year in the semi-final against Rob Cross, that was the first time I was 1-0 down, and then obviously against Luke.
“I can't believe it” 😳
Luke Littler's reaction after winning the World Darts Championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/awETtwP3cD
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 3, 2025
“But tonight and throughout the tournament, I just needed a fast start.
“Earlier today, I watched the whole match against Luke and had visions.
“I could end 2025 winning nothing at all, but I got the best (award).
“I want to get more than 10 titles this year, but if I finish 2025 with nothing, I have chosen the biggest one.”
Van Gerwen is humble in defeat
Van Gerwen didn't play badly that night, but he couldn't live with Littler's average and high finishing percentage.
For him, the win was an amazing recovery after a difficult year for the Dutchman, but he was still proud of his efforts.
“Every 17 years a star is born” ⭐️
Big praise from Michael van Gerwen for the new champion 🙌 pic.twitter.com/uy0ExXyCGJ
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 3, 2025
“I was 4-0 down and after that I thought I didn't do myself justice, but that's how it is,” he said.
“You need to try to fight back and fight back, and I think after going 4-0 down, I was definitely not the worst player among us.
“But fair play to him, every chance he got and every moment he had to hurt me, he did.
“I had a beautiful tournament and enjoyed every moment of it. We all know that I came from a distance and I was fighting my own way, but at the beginning of the game I was letting myself down a lot and when you do that against a player of his ability, you are going to be in trouble.
“You have to take it seriously, step up and walk off the stage a champion. I always take my hat off to the people who beat me, and if they beat me in a good game, fair play to them. That's how sport works.”
“I'm 35, he's 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 didn't hurt, you wouldn't be an athlete. I have to move on and make sure I keep playing better.”
Van Gerwen's consolation prize is a cool £200,000, while Littler takes home a whopping £500,000.
