By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
At the age of 17, Luke Littler from Warrington in the Northwest of England has become the youngest ever World Darts Champion.
On 3 January 2025, he beat Dutchman Michael van Gerwen, who was the previous youngest Champion in 2014 at the age of 24.
Littler won the Sid Waddell Trophy and a cash prize of £500,000.
Commenting on his win, Littler stated:
“I can’t believe it.”
And added:
“We both played so well.”
Darts has come a long way since its early days in British Pubs and it is reported that Littler started playing darts whilst in nappies!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘