Luke Littler made history at Alexandra Palace, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the PDC World Championship final. At just 17 years old, Littler became the youngest champion, breaking Van Gerwen’s record set in 2014 when he was 24.
Littler started strong, taking a commanding 4-0 lead. Despite Van Gerwen rallying to win three sets, he never threatened a comeback. Littler’s average of over 102 and 12 180s demonstrated his dominance. He claimed the Sid Waddell Trophy and a £500,000 prize, cementing his place in darts history.
A New Era for Darts
The teenager from Warrington displayed remarkable composure, even under pressure. His win three weeks before his 18th birthday hints at a bright future. Littler’s rise began after losing to Luke Humphries in last year’s final. With world number one Humphries exiting early this year, Littler seized the opportunity.
Facing a three-time champion like Van Gerwen was still a significant challenge. However, Littler showed no nerves, racing to an early lead. Van Gerwen’s struggles with finishing, hitting only 14 of 38 doubles, contributed to his defeat.
Van Gerwen, though scoring well, couldn’t match Littler’s relentless precision. Littler’s timing, hitting big checkouts and 180s at key moments, mentally drained his opponents. Many compare his dominance to Phil Taylor, whose record of 16 world titles now seems within Littler’s reach.
Van Gerwen Faces Setbacks
Van Gerwen, once the dominant force in darts, has not won a world title since 2019. Despite his incredible career, including 157 PDC titles, recent years have been challenging. Losing three finals since his last championship highlights the shift in the sport’s landscape.
Though he fought hard against Littler, Van Gerwen admitted the teenager capitalized on every opportunity. “Every chance he got, he hurt me,” Van Gerwen acknowledged. Despite the loss, the Dutchman remains determined to compete at the highest level.
Littler’s Meteoric Rise
Littler’s rise has been meteoric, from breaking into the scene last year to dominating in 2024. His consistency, averaging over 100 in most matches and leading the tournament with 76 maximums, was unmatched. Although he fell short of Michael Smith’s 180 record, Littler’s overall performance was on another level.
Beyond his talent, Littler has elevated darts’ profile. His success has inspired young players and drawn attention to the sport. Winning the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year and receiving praise from public figures, Littler is a transformative figure.
Now a world champion, Littler’s journey has only begun. With his skill, composure, and relentless drive, he has the potential to redefine darts for years to come.
For aspiring darts players looking to improve their game, the Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core Dartboard is the perfect choice. Designed for precision and durability, it offers a high-quality surface for consistent scoring, helping players like Littler sharpen their skills. Whether practicing for a world championship or casual play, this dartboard ensures every throw counts.
