Luke Littler delivered a stunning performance to defeat Michael van Gerwen 7-3 and capture the 2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship title at London’s Alexandra Palace on Friday 3-1-2025.

The teenage sensation fulfilled his darting destiny in a generational showdown, averaging 102 and hitting 56% of his doubles to etch his name into the history books.

Having been narrowly beaten by Luke Humphries in a record-breaking final exactly a year ago, Littler vowed to bounce back—and he delivered in style with a masterful display. 

The 17-year-old capitalized on early errors from Van Gerwen to race into a 4-0 lead. Despite a spirited comeback attempt by the Dutch superstar, he could not mount a serious challenge to Littler's dominance.

Littler now surpasses Van Gerwen as the youngest-ever World Darts Champion. Van Gerwen had previously set the record at 24 when he first claimed the Sid Waddell Trophy. 

“Since hitting the winning double, I still can’t believe it, ” said Littler, the 13th player to win the World Darts Championship. “I keep telling myself it’s real and that the trophy is mine, but it hasn’t sunk in yet.

“After the Ryan Meikle game, I felt at home on that stage. Tonight, I didn’t feel nervous at all—except for the last leg when my hands started shaking. I just told myself, ‘You’ve been steady all game, don’t start now!’”

Entering Friday’s final, Littler and Van Gerwen were evenly matched in their head-to-head record. After his breakthrough win, Littler paid tribute to his opponent. 

“Michael has done so much for this sport, ” Littler said. “He was hungry for his fourth World Championship, but to win my first and become the youngest champion ever is an incredible feeling. It’s been a long few weeks, and I can’t wait to go home, celebrate with my family, and sleep in my own bed!”

Van Gerwen, a three-time World Champion, was unable to reclaim the sport’s biggest prize, six years after his last triumph at Alexandra Palace. Despite falling short, he praised Littler for his exceptional achievement. 

“Every 17 years, a star is born, and Luke is one of them, ” Van Gerwen said graciously. “Of course, it hurts, but that’s how it should be. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not a true sportsman. 

“I had a great tournament and enjoyed every moment. But at the start of the game, I let myself down too much. Against a player like Luke, that spells trouble. I’ll take this on the chin and move forward.”

Littler opened the match with a steady performance to take the first set before averaging 115 in the second to double his lead. Van Gerwen’s struggles on doubles persisted in the third set, allowing Littler to extend his advantage. A dominant fourth set put the teenager firmly in control.

Van Gerwen rallied in the fifth set with impressive finishes of 80 and 132 to narrow the gap, raising hopes of a comeback. However, Littler responded emphatically in the sixth set with three high-quality legs to restore his four-set lead. 

Despite Van Gerwen finding his rhythm to claim the seventh set, Littler surged ahead with a 112 average in the eighth, moving within one set of victory. Although Van Gerwen claimed set nine to delay the inevitable, the unflappable 17-year-old sealed the title with a clean sweep in the tenth set.

2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Friday January 3 - Final
Luke Littler 7-3 Michael van Gerwen (3-1, 3-0, 3-1, 1-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-0)