Seventeen-year-old Luke Littler etched his name into darts history on Friday night, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final of the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Littler, nicknamed “The Nuke,” became the youngest-ever winner of the championship, surpassing Van Gerwen’s previous record set in 2014 at the age of 24.
A Fast Start and a Dominant Performance
The highly anticipated clash between two generational talents turned into a one-sided affair early, with Littler racing to a commanding 4-0 lead. Although Van Gerwen rallied to win three sets, Littler’s relentless scoring and clinical finishing proved insurmountable.
| Key Stats | Luke Littler | Michael van Gerwen |
|---|---|---|
| Average | 102.73 | 100.69 |
| Maximums | 13 | 10 |
| Best Finish | 170 | 150 |
Littler’s favored double 10 was once again pivotal, as he consistently closed out legs under pressure.
Emotional Victory for Littler
Lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy just 18 days before his 18th birthday, Littler was elated:
“I can’t believe it. Honestly, I can’t believe it. Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy, but you have to get through a tough field,” he told Sky Sports.
Reflecting on his tournament, Littler credited his first-round victory over Ryan Meikle as his most important:
“That first game against Ryan Meikle was the one that really mattered, and throughout, I’ve just settled.”
Van Gerwen Acknowledges Littler’s Brilliance
Van Gerwen, seeking his fourth world title and first since 2019, praised Littler’s composure and talent despite his own frustration:
“Every moment he got to hurt me, he did. I sometimes say every 17 years a star gets born, and he’s one of them.”
Van Gerwen’s path to the final included victories over James Hurrell, Brendan Dolan, Jeffrey de Graaf, and Callan Rydz, as well as a dominant 6-1 semi-final win over Chris Dobey. Yet, he couldn’t sustain the form that had made him a three-time champion.
A Changing of the Guard
Littler’s historic victory marks a potential new era in darts. The teenager has captivated fans with his fearless play and charisma, building on last year’s runner-up finish to Luke Humphries. With a £500,000 winner’s cheque and a growing fan base, Littler is poised to dominate the sport for years to come.
Van Gerwen summed it up best:
“It hurts, but that’s how it should be. It is what it is.”
As the youngest champion in history, Littler has set a new benchmark, signaling a generational shift in darts while cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
