Luke Littler clinched his second PDC World Championship title with a dominant 7-1 victory over Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace. Despite losing the first set, the 18-year-old rallied to secure the Sid Worrell Trophy.
During the final match, Littler faced an unexpected pause when a wasp interrupted his game. Additionally, organizers had to replace the dartboard due to bloodstains caused by Van Veen.
As the champion, Littler will receive a substantial prize of £1 million, double the amount from the previous year. Van Veen’s impressive performance earned him a £400,000 prize for his journey to the final.
The presentation ceremony saw cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, who is battling prostate cancer, awarding Littler and Van Veen their trophies. Littler now joins the esteemed ranks of darts history by becoming the fourth player to win consecutive world darts titles, following the footsteps of Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis, and Gary Anderson.
Expressing his joy, Littler thanked the event’s hosts and referees for their contributions to the sport. He also paid tribute to Anthony Joshua and reflected on the significance of his back-to-back victories in the championship.
The substantial prize money has been a game-changer for Littler, solidifying his position as the top-ranked player in the world. Former champion John Part praised Littler’s exceptional performance during the tournament, highlighting his remarkable skills in the game.
While Van Veen acknowledged his disappointment in his performance, he commended Littler for his outstanding gameplay and acknowledged his opponent’s deserving victory. Littler’s remarkable feat has sparked discussions about his legacy in the world of darts, prompting fans to speculate on his potential as the greatest player of all time.