Littler seals back-to-back PDC world titles in sensational final
Littler seals back-to-back PDC world titles in sensational final
18-year-old Luke Littler dominates Gian van Veen 7-1 to clinch his second PDC World Championship and a £1m prize.
Luke Littler produced a stunning display at Alexandra Palace, thrashing Gian van Veen 7-1 to clinch the PDC World Championship for the second year running. The 18-year-old Englishman becomes only the fourth player to win back-to-back titles, joining Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson in that elite group. Littler averaged in excess of 107 for much of the final, finishing on 106.02 as he sealed it with a dramatic 147 checkout, roaring to the crowd as the Sid Waddell Trophy was handed over by Sir Chris Hoy.
With the £1m prize money in the bag, Littler said it was “very special” and urged fans to stay on the ride: “We’ve got to keep going, we’ve got to keep adding more titles. We can’t stop here. We’re still on this rollercoaster.” Van Veen, 23, from the Netherlands, reached the final after a breakout tournament and will rise to number three in the world rankings and earn Premier League participation next season. Despite the defeat, his run highlighted the new wave sweeping through the sport.
Littler’s performance at the tape signals a potential era for darts, with experts already weighing how far he could push the all-time records. The crowd’s energy and his relentless rhythm suggested a future star redefining what’s possible on the oche.
