World Darts Championship final LIVE: Luke Littler demolishes Michael van Gerwen to win first world title
The 17-year-old Littler brilliantly beat Van Gerwen 7-3 with an average of almost 103 as he went one better than 12 months ago
Luke Littler became the youngest ever world champion of darts with a brilliant display in the final at Alexandra Palace, blowing away three-time winner Michael van Gerwen to win 7-3.
Littler, 17, was beaten by world No 1 Luke Humphries in last year’s final, but he returned to the same stage 12 months later and made no mistake this time, overwhelming his esteemed opponent with peerless finishing to race into a 4-0 lead.
Van Gerwen appeared nervous in the opening forays and struggled to settle, competing gamely with his three-dart scoring but missing an array of doubles to give up winning positions. The Dutchman battled back in the latter stages but it was too little, too late, as the teenage superstar from Warrington cemented his name among the greats of the sport – and began what many believe will be a new era of dominance.
Follow all the reaction from Luke Littler’s victory at the World Darts Championship below.
LITTLER WINS THE WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Van Gerwen: “Every 17 years a star is born"
On his loss, van Gerwen said: “Early doors, I’ve fallen behind, and after that I wasn’t going myself justice.
“ I think after going 4-0 down, I was definitely not the worst player out of us. Fair play to him, every chance he got, every moment he had to hurt me, he did it.
“I always say, every 17 years a star is born, and he’s one of them.
“I had a lovely tournament and I enjoyed every moment of this ride.
On the match, he adds: “At the beginning of the game I was letting myself down too much, and when you play a player with his ability, you’re going to be in trouble.
“It is what it is, you have to move on. He did well and he deserved it, what can I say. Of course it hurts, but that’s how it should be.
“I have to move on, I have to make sure I keep playing better,” he adds.
Littler: “I can’t believe it"
Littler is the first to speak to Sky Sports, and he says he “can’t believe” the result.
“We both played so well, and I said in my interviews I needed to get off to a good start and that’s what I’ve done.
“He was right behind me the whole way through.
“Everyone dreams of lifting the trophy, but you’ve got to get through a tough field. I cant believe it,” he adds.
“That first game [against Meikle], I keep saying it, but it’s the game that really mattered. I’ve just settled.
“I was practising backstage on the tops and 10s. 2-0 up I started getting nervous, I said to myself just relax. To get it over and done with then was special.”
On what he’s learned from last year’s loss, he said: “I learned a lot, last year in the semis against Rob Cross that was the first time I was 1-0 down.
“Tonight and throughout the tournament, I needed to go out and make a good start.
“Earlier today I watched all the game back against luke, and I had the visions.
“I could end 2025 winning nothing, but i picked up the best, but obviously I want to get more. If I end 2025 with nothing [else], I’ve picked the big one up.”
LITTLER WINS THE WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Littler lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy in front of a jubilant Ally Pally crowd, and we’ll have some quotes soon.
LITTLER WINS THE WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Littler 7-3 van Gerwen
Plenty of emotion from Littler as he realises the enormity of what he’s done. He’s embraced by van Gerwen, who’s gracious in defeat.
Littler has now won the 2024 Premier League, the 2024 World Series Finals, the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts and the 2025 World Darts Championship.
LITTLER WINS THE WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Littler 7-3 van Gerwen
Littler has the throw now, of course, and this leg is tighter than the last. he works it down to 132, needing two bulls and a double 16...
He hits two straight bulls, but misses double 16! What a finish that would’ve been.
It feels like just a matter of time now...and the 17-year-old lands the double 16 at the second time of asking to take the title!
Littler vs van Gerwen - 6-3 (2-0)
Littler with the throw to start this one – he gets down to 48, with MVG needing 137, but he misses tops. Littler moves it around for double 10, lands it, and he’s within two legs of the title.
In the next leg, Littler lands a brilliant 171 that draws plenty of shouts, and he needs 62 to take the leg – he takes it, landing tops to move within ONE LEG of the world title!
Littler 6-3 van Gerwen - Van Gerwen wins the ninth set!
Littler looks confused as his throws go wide of the mark and he’s broken, with van Gerwen taking the set 3-1!
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