Luke Littler sets sights on Phil Taylor’s 16 world titles historic victory

Luke Littler sets his sights on Phil Taylor’s 16 world titles and 'a lot more'

Luke Littler sets his sights on Phil Taylor’s 16 world titles and 'a lot more'

Luke Littler believes he can hunt down Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles after becoming the youngest ever champion.

Littler became the youngest player ever to claim the World Darts Championship title after a sensational win against Michael van Gerwen in Friday's final.

The 17-year-old's incredible performance saw him beat the three-time PDC World Champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3.

He will now take home the Sid Waddell trophy and a cash prize of £500,000.

His success comes a year on from his devastating defeat against current world number one Luke Humphries.

Speaking on Saturday, Littler said: “I said previously I would like to win one of every major and then add on to them. But I could be chasing Michael’s three titles – and potentially Phil’s 16.

“I want to become one of the best of all time. It will take however many times. Phil Taylor won many. I know Michael has won 100-plus titles. But for myself, I want to win as much as I can.”

Following his victory on Friday night, Littler said: “Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. But you’ve got to get through a tough field, even before qualifying.

Littler breezed through to the finals, beating experienced darts players Stephen Bunting, Ryan Joyce and his good friend Nathan Aspinall. Credit: PA

“I can’t believe it."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Littler on his "mesmerising performance".

In a post on X, Starmer said: "Congratulations Luke on being the youngest ever PDC World Darts Champion. An inspirational performance under such pressure to lift the trophy."You should be really proud of what you've achieved tonight, not just for yourself but for the sport of darts as a whole."

Not only did 'The Nuke' claim the prestigious title, but he also broke van Gerwen's 10-year record as the youngest player to win the tournament.

Littler breezed through to the finals, beating experienced darts players including Stephen Bunting, Ryan Joyce and his good friend Nathan Aspinall.

Fans react to Luke Littler's win

Hundreds of fans packed into Alexandra Palace in north London to watch the highly anticipated final.

Last year's winner Luke Humphries was knocked out by Peter Wright in the last 16.

Luke 'The Nuke' Littler rose to stardom between December 2023 and January 2024 as he reached the final of the World Darts Championship.

Littler was only 16-years-old at the time and even beat his childhood hero Raymond van Barneveld.

However, he lost the final game to current world number one Luke Humphries.

Luke Littler faced three time PDC World Champion Michael van Gerwen in the final. Credit: PA

The Warrington-born athlete previously said he felt "no pressure" heading into this year's World Championships

Little has won 10 titles in his first year on the PDC tour, including the Premier League, Grand Slam and World Series of Darts.

To top off an incredible year, he won the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.

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