Young tug-of-war star Luke Littler was overcome with emotion as he became the youngest world darts champion, winning a £500,000 prize in the process.
The prodigy, nicknamed “Nuke”, revealed that he watched the 2024 world final on repeat, which he lost to Luke Humphries, and had a premonition that he would lift the Sid Waddell Trophy this time.
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The 17-year-old from Warrington dominated Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in less than an hour in his second appearance at the PDC World Championship.
Moved to tears after reaching double 16, he said: “I can’t believe it. We both played well. »
“Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy, but you have to go through a difficult journey. »
“I learned a lot. No one knows, but earlier today I rewatched the entire match against Luke. I had visions. »
“I said in interviews that I had to start quickly and that’s exactly what I did. »
“Michael was right behind me throughout the match. »
“My first match against Ryan Meikle was crucial. I managed to settle in little by little. »
“At 2-0 I started to get nervous, but I told myself to relax. Ending the match like this was special. »
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Littler, who has already pocketed more than £1.5million in winnings since starting his professional career in January 2024, received the trophy from six-time Olympic cycling champion Chris Hoy, who is battling cancer stage four prostate.
He added: “I could finish 2025 without any titles. But I won the most important one. »
Watch the moment Luke Littler makes history by winning the 2024 World Darts Championship
-“I want to win more than 10 titles this year. But if my 2025 season ends with nothing, I would still have won the big title. »
Van Gerwen, 35, has lost three times in world finals since winning his third title in 2019.
The Dutchman, who receives £200,000 as runner-up, paid tribute to his young opponent but an expletive uttered on television required a live apology from Sky Sports.
Mighty Mike said: “Every 17 years, a star is born – and he’s one of them. »
“I’m an old man compared to him!” I am 35 years old. He only has 17. He deserves this victory. Of course it hurts. This is how it should be. »
“If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not a sport.” I have to move on and continue to play better. »
“I have to accept it. I wasn’t precise enough at the start of the match. »
“I was down 4-0. Subsequently, I did not do myself justice. Then you have to try to come back. »
“Well done to him. Every chance he got, he hurt me. Well done to him. »
“I had a very good tournament and I enjoyed this experience. I let myself be dragged down too much. When that happens against a player with his talent and performance, you’re in trouble. »
“We have to accept it and move forward. I will never hesitate to pay tribute to the people who beat me. »
World Darts Championship – main reactions
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Littler’s victory highlights not only his incredible early talent, but also how the sport of darts is evolving, attracting a new generation of players. It is fascinating to consider how such a young athlete can transform a traditional sport and perhaps inspire other young people to pursue their sporting dreams. What challenges and opportunities could the new wave of players like Littler bring to this field?
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