Luke Littler has skyrocketed to the top of the darts world, delivering a jaw-dropping performance to claim his first-ever World Darts Championship title at just 17 years old. In an electrifying match at Alexandra Palace, London, Littler defeated three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen in a 7-3 rout that will go down in darts history.
With the roaring crowd behind him, Littler reflected on his victory, visibly awestruck: “I can’t believe it,” he told Sky Sports. “This is every darts player’s dream, but you have to survive such a tough field just to get here. I’m still pinching myself.”
From the very first leg, it was clear Littler was out to make a statement. Van Gerwen, known for his ice-cool precision, missed critical shots early, leaving the door open for the teenage sensation. Littler didn’t just walk through it, he stormed in. Winning 12 of the first 15 legs to establish a commanding 4-0 lead.
Decisive Moment in the Ninth Set
Although van Gerwen rallied to take two of the next three sets, the momentum stayed firmly in Littler’s corner. The decisive moment came in the ninth set when Littler broke van Gerwen’s throw, taking a two-leg lead and sealing the match with a clinical double 16.
“I won’t lie; at 2-0 up in the last set, I started getting really nervous,” Littler admitted. “I told myself to relax, but throwing for the match was something special. To finish it then and there, it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
Littler’s consistency, especially on the double 10, proved unstoppable. He closed out 12 of his 21 winning legs on that target, hitting 56% of his checkouts compared to van Gerwen’s 37%. Add to that his ability to keep pace with van Gerwen’s high-scoring legs, and it’s no surprise Littler was able to dominate the match.
Van Gerwen Gracious in Defeat
For van Gerwen, the night was a rare stumble. “I let myself down in the beginning,” he said, gracious in defeat. “You can’t make mistakes against someone playing like that. But credit to him, he earned this win.”
This victory marks a meteoric rise for Littler, who had finished runner-up in the 2024 championship after losing to Luke Humphries. Determined not to repeat history, Littler revealed he had rewatched last year’s final earlier that day. “I needed to see it, to remind myself of what I wanted to avoid. I kept visualizing success, and tonight, it all clicked.”
At just 17 years old, Littler is now the youngest player ever to win the PDC World Championship, smashing van Gerwen’s record set at 24. His stunning achievement is sure to inspire a new generation of players.
A New Era in Darts and Bitcoin Betting on Darts Matches!
Littler’s historic victory also increases the popularity of darts as a global sport and as a betting opportunity, especially in the world of cryptocurrency. Bitcoin betting on darts matches is becoming a massive trend. With platforms offering live betting markets, you can now wager on every thrilling 180, clinched set, and even the final outcome, all in real time using Bitcoin.
Why is Bitcoin betting on darts such a hit? It’s fast, and secure, and adds an extra layer of excitement to watching the game. Whether you’re a lifelong darts enthusiast or a newcomer inspired by Littler’s heroics, placing a bet in Bitcoin lets you get involved in the action like never before.
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