Luke Littler produced a stunning performance to retain the PDC World Darts Championship, defeating Gian van Veen 7-1 at Alexandra Palace. The 18-year-old, who became the youngest world champion in history last year, averaged 106 across the tournament and sealed the win with a 147 checkout for the £1m prize.
Van Veen, the only player with a winning head-to-head record against Littler in 2025, won the opening set but missed darts for the second, after which Littler unleashed a relentless surge. The Dutchman finished with a 100 average but was unable to cope with the pressure, describing it as 'different pressure' to facing Luke Humphries or Gary Anderson.
Littler's averages in the tournament were 102, 97, 107, 107, 100, 105 and 106. He hit 16 180s in the final and almost a fifth of his visits ended with three trebles. 'On stage at times, I'm unstoppable,' he said after the match.
The world champion broke down in tears after the winning double, leaning on the drinks table and clasping his face in his hands. The first £1m cheque in darts is largely attributed to the 'Littler effect', drawing younger audiences to the sport.
Littler now targets the World Masters later this month and the European Championship in October, the two remaining major titles he has yet to win.
