Luke Littler says historic World Darts Championship win 'incredible' for his family
4 January 2025, 11:04 | Updated: 4 January 2025, 12:03
Luke Littler has opened up on what his record-breaking World Darts Championship win means to him and his family, saying it has been an "incredible journey".
The 17-year-old swept aside darting legend Michael van Gerwen in the final at Alexandra Palace last night, winning 7-3 to become the youngest world champion ever.
The teenager surged to a 4-0 lead and never looked in danger despite his Dutch rival staging a mini revival.
He suggested it was a tense and emotional night for himself and his family, who watched on in the crowd.
"Yeah, they've been on incredible journey, not only for this, but my younger days as well," he told Sky Sports News this morning.
He added he had seen some people on social media criticise his parents for "not celebrating enough" or as much as they might have been expected to.
"But they're like me," he added. "They don't show a lot of emotions. But once we got a picture on stage with my family, it meant a lot."
Asked about whether his parents were nervous, Littler said: "I think my mum was. My dad said he wasn't. I think at 4-0, he said he just felt it... he felt it a little bit.
"And then obviously when I won, that's when we all let our emotions out."
Littler looked calm and collected throughout the final, but he revealed his nerves were a challenging hurdle to overcome at times.
"I was okay [before the match] but as soon as I got on stage... I didn't want to be there."
He said that his previous difficult tests in the competition against Ian White and Ryan Joyce had shown him that he would soon be able to settle into the match.
The teenage sensation, a Manchester United fan, revealed he received a congratulatory from David Beckham after his victory, adding that knowing celebrities such as the former England footballer were watching him perform "feels crazy".
"It just goes to show how well I've done for the sport. Not only for myself, but the other hundreds of professionals out there."
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Asked what he wanted to achieve next, Littler backed himself to eventually break Phil Taylor's record of 16 Darts World Championships.
"Deep down, if I want to try and break the record of Phil Taylor's then I'm sure I've got the ability to," Littler said.
"If I want it, I'm sure I'll do it."
Matt Porter, chief executive of the Professional Darts Corporation, sang Littler's praises after his historic win.
Speaking to sports presenter Jacque Beltrao on Sky News, he said: "He's a very mature young man. He doesn't let things faze him. He doesn't let his emotions run away with him."
He played down the teen's chances of surpassing Taylor's 16s world titles, though, saying: "The game's so competitive these days. But for Luke, I don't see why he can't become a multiple world title winner. But to get to 16 would be a remarkable achievement."
(c) Sky News 2025: Luke Littler says historic World Darts Championship win 'incredible' for his family