Youngest PDC World Championship winners: Luke Littler obliterates Michael van Gerwen’s Ally Pally record in final
Luke Littler broke a PDC World Championship record when he beat Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 final.
'The Nuke' burst onto the darts scene by reaching the showpiece at Ally Pally at the age of just 16 last year.
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At 347 days past his birthday, it made him the youngest finalist in PDC World Darts Championship history.
However, Littler missed out on his crowning glory after losing 7-4 to Luke Humphries.
But now a year later, the Manchester United fan has gone one further on the biggest stage of all.
He's become a world champion at the age of 17, completely dominating Michael van Gerwen and making history.
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Van Gerwen lost in the final, but he also lost a record...
Who is the youngest PDC World Championship winner?
Van Gerwen was the youngest player to win the World Darts Championship following his triumph in 2014.
The Dutchman was 24 years old when he beat Peter Wright 7-4 to claim the first of his three titles - winning again in 2017 and 2019.
But Littler has now broken that at Ally Pally, dethroning him in the record books at the age 17 and 11 months.
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The Nuke is now the youngest ever player to win be world champion.
Speaking after getting hands on the world title, Littler said: "I can't believe it. We both played so well.
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"I've said in interviews that I needed to get off to a quick start tonight and that's what I did.
"But he was behind me the whole game, those cover shots - he'd hit two trebles and I'd have to come back with two or three.
"Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. You've got to get through a tough field. I can't believe it.
"I keep saying it but that first game against Ryan Meikle [in round two] was the one that really mattered, and throughout I've just settled.
"At 2-0 up [in the final set] I started getting nervous but I said to myself to just relax.
"I was throwing for the match and to get it over and done with then was special."
Luke Littler thumps Michael van Gerwen in World Championship final to smash incredible record and scoop £500,000 prize
"I’d obviously like to win it before Michael won it, it would mean everything to be the youngest, that’s definitely what I’m looking for."
Van Gerwen then spoke about him losing his record, admitting that he it was inevitable with so many young stars being born.
“I wasn’t doing myself any justice, but that’s how it is… after 4-0 down I don’t think I was the worst player.
“Every 17 years a star gets born, and he is one of them. I had a lovely tournament and enjoyed every moment of this ride.
"I’ve been battling my own game and I let myself down in the beginning and when you do that against Luke Littler.
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“I’m 35, he’s 17. Every 17 years a star gets born, do you know what I mean?
“I’m an old b****** compared to him!”
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