An emotional Luke Littler couldn’t contain his joy after triumphing over Michael van Gerwen in the climactic World Darts Championship final, acknowledging that his near miss in 2024 was a significant catalyst for this year’s success.
A teenage sensation, Littler stunned spectators by surging to an imposing 4-0 lead against the seasoned three-time world champ Michael van Gerwen, dazzling with a performance that seemed set to eclipse his opponent early on.
Although Van Gerwen mounted a robust comeback effort, reducing Littler’s advantage to 5-2, the youthful talent reasserted his dominance with a trio of consecutive legs, propelling the score to 6-2. He then clinched an unforgettable 7-3 win.
The victory represented a swift vindication for Littler, following his heartbreaking tumble in the previous year’s final when he squandered a convincing 4-2 lead to Luke Humphries. Post-match, speaking with Sky Sports, he reflected on his past defeat to Humphries, explaining how he used the match as a winning tactic given it sharpened his resolve and strategy.
“I learned a lot,” Littler shared. “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.”
When probed about his aspirations for the rest of 2025, the champion remained pragmatic yet ambitious, determined to expand his trophy collection. “Anything,” he declared confidently.
“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.”
Littler was visibly emotional as he reflected on his remarkable victory, praising his rival’s performance before attributing his own success to superior finishing and a strong start. “I can’t believe it. We both played so well,” he admitted.
He acknowledged the need for an assertive beginning, stating, “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.”
The young star didn’t hide his ambition of winning the coveted trophy, noting, “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.”
Furthermore, Littler described his battle with nerves during the conclusive moments of the match: “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.”