Luke Littler made history as the youngest world darts champion at just 17, dominating three-time winner Michael van Gerwen in a thrilling final at London’s Alexandra Palace. Littler, affectionately nicknamed “Luke the Nuke,” triumphed 7-3 to claim the prestigious title and the £500,000 top prize, cementing his place as a national sensation.
The English teenager had already captured the nation’s attention last year with a surprising run to the final, where he fell to Luke Humphries. This time, Littler left nothing to chance, storming to a 4-0 lead and maintaining composure to secure his victory. Speaking to Sky Sports, Luke Littler expressed disbelief and joy: “Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy, but it’s an incredibly tough competition.”
With a remarkable three-dart average of 102.7, Littler showcased both skill and nerve. “At 2-0, I felt the nerves creeping in, but I told myself to relax,” he said. “Finishing the match was an unforgettable moment.” His victory has sparked a surge in darts’ popularity, with the sport gaining unprecedented attention over the past year.
Littler’s loss to Humphries in the previous final was Sky Sports’ most-watched non-football event, drawing 4.8 million viewers. His meteoric rise even saw him rank above King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer as one of the UK’s most searched names in 2024.
Van Gerwen, who won his first world title at 24, graciously praised the teenager’s performance: “Every chance he had to hurt me, he did. He’s truly a star.” Littler’s win marks a new era in darts, inspiring young players and redefining the sport’s future.
