Luke Littler WINS World Darts Championship LIVE: Full reaction as teenage star dominates Michael van Gerwen
marvelbet369.com is here to keep you updated with all the latest from the 2024/25 PDC World Darts Championship final.
Luke Littler is the new darts world champion after beating Michael van Gerwen in an incredible showpiece at Ally Pally.
17-year-old Littler is now the youngest player ever to win the tournament as he came away a 7-3 winner.
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An unbelievable year
You won't get better than Luke Littler's incredible rise.
And what better way to end our coverage than to look back over his journey to becoming world champion?
Last year was Littler's first as a professional darts player and he reached the final of the World Championship.
Of course, he unfortunately lost that to Luke Humphries.
But after the loss, he won 10 titles in his debut year, lifting the Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts among others.
Littler also became a millionaire, winning all over the world while also signing many partnerships with brands too.
He's now earned another £500,000 for winning tonight.
The 17-year-old is also the new youngest-ever winner of the World Championship, taking Michael van Gerwen's record.
On top of his success, he was also named the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year last month.
Is this one of the best sporting stories ever? It has to be up there, there's no doubt about that.
More reaction
Here's some more Luke Littler reaction from his on-stage interview a few moments after winning the World Championship.
"I learned a lot," he said. "Last year in the semis against Rob Cross, that was the first time I was 1-0 down, and then obviously against Luke [Humphries].
"But tonight and throughout the tournament, I just needed to get off to a quick start.
"Earlier today, I watched all of the game back against Luke and I had the visions."
On what 2025 holds for him, Littler continued: "Anything.
"I could end 2025 winning absolutely nothing, but I've picked up the best [prize].
"I want to get more than 10 titles this year, but if I end 2025 with nothing, I've picked the big one up."
Ballon d'Art winner
It's two trophies tonight for Luke Littler.
On top of his world title, he's won the Ballon d'Art.
The award is handed out by Paddy Power to the player who hit the most 180s in the whole tournament.
Littler won with ease, hitting a total of 76.
That as 20 more than Michael van Gerwen in second.
Chris Hoy was part of the presentation party because he has teamed up with Paddy Power's Bigger 180 campaign.
The iconic Olympian came up onto the stage to present the Ballon d'Art to the winning 17-year-old.
The Bigger 180 campaign raised over £1,000,000 for charity with their donations for each maximum hit.
What dreams are made of
Luke Littler has only just left the stage.
He's been taking pictures with family and the Sid Waddell Trophy.
The teenager will never, ever forget this day.
Littler is the 14th player to become darts world champion, taking Luke Humphries' crown.
After defeat in last year's final, this will feel incredibly special.
MVG reaction
Runner-up Michael van Gerwen has given his thoughts on his defeat in the World Championship final.
He told Sky Sports: “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.”
Van Gerwen added: “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.”
When asked about his youngest winner record being beaten, he continued: “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!”
'I can't believe it'
Luke Littler has reacted to becoming World Champion.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 17-year-old superstar said: "I can't believe it. We both played so well.
"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."
Youngest ever winner
Luke Littler is now the youngest-ever winner of the World Darts Championship, overtaking Michael van Gerwen.
Van Gerwen held the record for his victory at 24.
But now Littler has obliterated that at the age of 17.
His name will forever be in the history books and he may be on track to become one of the best ever.
If the rest of his career is anything like his first year, then there isn't going to be many better than him!
Walking in a Littler wonderland
It's a party inside Alexandra Palace!
The fans are chanting: 'There's only one Luke Littler!'
Their all singing his walk-on music too.
He was just too good for Michael van Gerwen tonight.
The three-time champion was no match for the 17-year-old.
This is going to be the first of many for Littler!
Incredible scenes
Luke Littler. That was just superb.
He has his hands on the Sid Waddell Trophy, lifting it above his head and celebrating with the crowd.
The teenager is living out his wildest dreams right now.
The emotion is clear to see on his face.
Littler is about to speak and we'll have his quotes next.
LITTLER BECOMES WORLD CHAMPION
HE'S DONE IT!
LUKE LITTLER IS THE NEW WORLD CHAMPION!
AT 17 YEARS OLD, HE'S THE YOUNGEST EVER TO DO IT!
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE MOMENT! ALLY PALLY ERUPTS!
THE TEARS ARE FLOWING ALREADY!
One leg away!
Littler (6) 2-0 Van Gerwen (3)
Luke Littler is not crumbling here!
He's still playing some of his best darts despite the pressure of the darts world on his shoulders!
The 17-year-old is ONE LEG away from becoming world champion.
Can he close this out? What a moment this could be.
Still in it
Littler (6) 1-3* Van Gerwen (3)
The three-time champion is still in it!
He makes it 6-3 as he breaks throw and wins the ninth set.
Michael van Gerwen has to win this next one now, otherwise Luke Littler is the new world champion.
Littler is throwing first in the next set, which means if he holds all of his throws, he'll get his hands on the trophy.
MVG leads
Littler (6) 1-2 Van Gerwen (2)
Michael van Gerwen is one leg away from this set.
He HAS to win this to stay in it.
Can he break Luke Littler's throw to make it 6-3?
It would put a little bit more pressure on the teenager.
Back level
Littler (6) 1-1 Van Gerwen (2)
Luke Littler does what is required.
He checks out a 40 with his first darts at double tops.
If Michael van Gerwen loses this next leg, it may be over.
Littler is closing in on a monumental achievement...
Final set
Littler (6) 0-1 Van Gerwen (2)
Here we go then, can Luke Littler do it?
The final set is underway and if he wins this, he's champion.
Michael van Gerwen takes the first leg and holds his throw.
Littler will now look to respond and level it.
ONE AWAY!
Littler (6) *3-0 Van Gerwen (2)
LUKE LITTLER IS ONE AWAY!
HE'S WHITEWASHED MICHAEL VAN GERWEN!
It means he's one set away from glory at Ally Pally.
This is a world-class performance from the teenager!
Van Gerwen looks beaten and it's going to take a miracle for him to turn this around and win now.
On the brink
Littler (5) 2-0 Van Gerwen (2)
That could be that in this final!
Luke Littler takes out 50 and breaks Michael van Gerwen's throw.
After all Van Gerwen's fight last set, he's now well behind in this one.
Littler's now throwing for the set and will get another go at it even if he's broken back.
The 17-year-old is about to move to within one set of becoming the champion of the world.
Another one back!
Littler (5) 1-3* Van Gerwen (2)
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN ISN'T GOING AWAY!
He's fighting and he's doubled his set tally!
That was the best set of the game for the Dutchman who stepped up when he really had to.
This final may be out of reach, but he's not going to give up.
Another set win and this becomes very interesting.
12-darter
Littler (5) 1-2 Van Gerwen (1)
Much better from Michael van Gerwen!
He takes the lead in the set with a brilliant 12-darter.
It was smooth and confident, he just needs to keep it up.
One more leg win and he's back to within three...
Losing darts
Littler (5) 1-1 Van Gerwen (1)
Michael van Gerwen is losing the final and his darts...
In the last two legs, he's had two darts fall out the board.
That sums up his game so far at Ally Pally and he needs to somehow overcome his struggles.
He took the first leg of this set but then falls to a loss in the second.
Luke Litter checks out on the bullseye!
Five-star performance
Littler (5) *3-2 Van Gerwen (1)
LUKE LITTLER MAKES IT 5-1!
He checks out a 35, finishing on double 10 (of course!)
That was a crucial moment in this game as that may have just done it for him, stumping Michael van Gerwen's momentum.
He's two sets away from a world title!
Deciding leg
Littler (4) 2-2 Van Gerwen (1)
We're going into a deciding leg.
Michael van Gerwen makes it 2-2 and the tension rises.
One of his darts falls out the board in his first step up to the oche though, and he's on the back foot.
Can he recover to win this set? Or will he go four down again?
Holding throw
Littler (4) 2-1 Van Gerwen (1)
Michael van Gerwen gets himself back level.
He holds his throw and finishes on a double one after missing his first attempt at a double nine.
However, Luke Littler bounces back to hold his throw too.
Littler takes out 20 to make it 2-1 and now he's one leg away from moving to within two sets of glory.
Coming close
Littler (4) 1-0 Van Gerwen (1)
Luke Littler comes close to a nine-darter!
It's two perfect 180s and the crowd stand...
But he misses the treble 20, landing his dart in treble one instead.
He'd have loved the nine, however, it's the leg win that matters.
And he takes the lead in the sixth set!
Bullseye
Littler (4) 1-3* Van Gerwen (1)
IN THE GAME!
Michael van Gerwen finishes brilliantly on the bullseye!
He checks out a 132 with confidence, and that wraps up the set!
There's a muted celebration from him and then the pair step off the stage for another break.
The next set could shape how the rest of this final goes...
