‘Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy’

Luke Littler etched his name into the history books by becoming the youngest winner of the PDC World Darts Championship on Friday night.

The 17-year-old defeated Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace, breaking his record as the previous youngest winner in the process.

The Dutchman was 24 when he won his first title in 2014, but succumbed to the new sporting sensation on the biggest stage.

Littler was visibly emotional after winning the match 7-3 to complete a magnificent campaign that saw him win 10 titles in 2024.

But this is the biggest prize in darts and the Englishman admits that he dreamed of lifting the famous trophy.

Speaking after the win, he said: “Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. You have to go through a difficult 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 reacts to 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 to start fast.

“Earlier today, I watched the whole game against Luke and I had visions.

“I could finish 2025 winning absolutely nothing, but I picked up the best (prize).

“I want to win more than 10 titles this year, but if I end up with nothing in 2025, I’ve picked up the big one.”

Van Gerwen humble in defeat

Van Gerwen didn’t play badly that night, but he couldn’t live with Littler’s average and high completion percentage.

His victory would mark an incredible recovery after a difficult year for the Dutchman, but he was still proud of his effort.

“Every 17 years a star is born” ⭐️

Big congratulations from Michael van Gerwen for the new champion 🙌 pic.twitter.com/uy0ExXyCGJ

— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 3, 2025

He said: “I was 4-0 down and after that I thought I didn’t justify myself, but that’s the way it is.

“You have to try to fight and fight back and I think after going 4-0 down I was definitely not the worst player from us.

“But fair play to him, every chance he got and every moment he had to hurt me, he did.

“I had a nice tournament and enjoyed every moment. We all know I’ve come a long way and I’ve struggled with my game, but early in the game I let myself down too much and when you do that against a player of his ability, you’re going to be in trouble.

“You have to accept it, move on and get off the stage as a champion. I always take my hat off to people who beat me and if they beat me in a good game, fair play to them. That’s how sports work.

“I’m 35, he’s 17. Every 17 years, a star is born.

“He deserves it, he played well. It hurts, but that’s the way it should be. If it doesn’t hurt, you won’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.