Luke Littler, the 18-year-old English darts prodigy nicknamed “The Nuke,” has etched his name further into history by clinching the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship title with a commanding 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen on January 3, 2025, at London’s Alexandra Palace. The win, which netted him the £500,000 first prize and elevated his career earnings past £2 million, marked Littler as the youngest world champion in darts history at 17 years and 347 days old. In the emotional aftermath of his triumph—complete with tears, a trophy lift, and a record-breaking 76 maximum 180s across the tournament—Littler made an immediate request that reflected his humility and focus: he asked for a modest family celebration and a quiet return to training, shrugging off the hype to prioritize his craft.
The Victory: A Record-Breaking Final
Littler’s path to the final was a masterclass in dominance. Seeded fourth, he dispatched Ryan Meikle (3-1), Ian White (4-1), Ryan Joyce (4-2), Nathan Aspinall (5-1), and Stephen Bunting (6-2), averaging over 100 in multiple sets and hitting a tournament-record 140.91 three-dart average in a fourth-set leg against Bunting. The final against van Gerwen, a three-time champion and Littler’s 2024 semifinal conqueror, was a rematch of their 2025 Premier League encounter. Littler started strongly, taking the first set 3-1 with a 110 average, and never looked back, finishing with a 102.02 overall average and 56% on doubles.
Van Gerwen, emotional in defeat, praised Littler’s maturity: “He’s the best player in the world right now.” The crowd at Ally Pally erupted as Littler sealed the win with a double 10, lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy amid tears—his second major final victory after the 2024 Premier League. The match peaked at over 3 million viewers, shattering records and raising £1 million for Prostate Cancer UK through Paddy Power’s 180s pledge.
Littler’s Humble Request: “Just Family and Back to Training”
In the immediate post-match press conference, Littler was asked about his plans after the life-changing win. True to form, he downplayed the glamour, requesting a simple celebration with his family before resuming practice. “I just want to go home, have a family dinner—maybe a kebab—and get back to training,” Littler said, laughing off suggestions of lavish parties. “It’s been an insane year, but I don’t want to change. Tomorrow, I’ll be at the board again.” His request echoed his grounded personality, despite the £500,000 windfall and sponsorship deals with Target Darts and boohooMAN.
Littler’s family—parents Anthony and Lisa, and brother Leon—were in the crowd, and he dedicated the win to them: “They’ve been there since I was throwing magnetic darts as a toddler.” The teenager, who turned 18 in January, plans to use the prize money wisely, eyeing a modest car like a Mercedes A-Class for his license. “I’m still the same kid,” he insisted, rejecting retirement talk at 18.
The Bigger Picture: Littler’s Legacy and Future
Littler’s 2025 Worlds triumph cements his status as darts’ generational talent. With 17 PDC titles, including five majors (World Championship, Premier League, World Matchplay, UK Open, Grand Slam), he’s joint eighth in PDC history. His net worth, estimated at £1.5-6 million, includes endorsements and merchandise from “The Nuke Shop.” PDC supremo Barry Hearn called him “the next Tiger Woods for darts,” crediting the “Littler effect” for record viewership and £25 million in prize money.
Looking ahead, Littler eyes the World Grand Prix (October 7-12) and Grand Slam of Darts (November 9-17). “I’ve got more to achieve,” he said, vowing to defend his title in 2026. His request for normalcy amid fame shows maturity, ensuring his meteoric rise stays grounded. As Ally Pally chants “There’s only one Luke Littler,” the teenager’s immediate wish—a family kebab and training—reminds us: even champions crave simplicity.
