Luke Littler has made history as the youngest darts world champion at the age of 17, after defeating three-time champion Michael van Gerwen in the final at London’s Alexandra Palace. Littler, a rising star from Warrington, showcased his exceptional talent by securing a 7-3 victory, earning a prize of 500,000 pounds.
Reflecting on his win, Littler expressed disbelief and joy at achieving a dream come true. From picking up a dart at just 18 months old, to becoming the junior world champion in 2023, Littler has consistently demonstrated his prowess and fortitude in the sport. Last year, he reached the final but was defeated by top-ranked Luke Humphries.
Showing remarkable composure under pressure, Littler took an early lead against van Gerwen, achieving a 4-0 set advantage. Though van Gerwen, who previously held the record as the youngest champion at 24, fought back to 6-3, Littler sealed the win amidst tears of triumph.
Van Gerwen praised Littler’s exceptional talent, acknowledging the emergence of a new star in the sport. Experts are now speculating whether Littler could challenge Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles, with his early success suggesting a promising future.
Littler’s ascent to world champion marks him as not just an extraordinary talent, but also highlights his mental strength and ability to handle high-stakes competition, further elevating darts’ profile to the mainstream audience.
