Luke Littler clinched his second PDC World Championship title with a resounding 7-1 victory over Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace. Despite losing the first set, the 18-year-old surged past his 23-year-old opponent to claim the prestigious Sid Worrell Trophy.
During the final match, Littler faced an unexpected interruption when a wasp momentarily halted play. Additionally, organizers had to replace the dartboard due to bloodstains left by Van Veen during the intense competition.
This triumph will see the young champion secure a remarkable £1 million in prize money, a significant increase from last year’s £500,000 grand prize. Van Veen will take home £400,000 for his commendable performance leading up to the final.
Renowned cyclist and seven-time Olympic medalist Sir Chris Hoy presented Littler and Van Veen with their trophies on stage. Notably, Hoy, a father of two, is currently battling prostate cancer.
By achieving this feat, Littler becomes only the fourth player in history to secure consecutive world darts titles, joining the ranks of legendary players such as Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis, and Gary Anderson.
Expressing his elation, Littler extended gratitude to key figures in the tournament and acknowledged the support received. He also paid tribute to Anthony Joshua and his team, emphasizing the significance of his back-to-back victory.
Reflecting on his performance, Littler recognized the life-changing impact of his win, especially considering the heightened prize money distribution. Former world champion John Part commended Littler’s exceptional skills, labeling him as an extraordinary dart player.
Despite a valiant effort, Van Veen admitted his disappointment with his performance in the final, attributing his defeat to missed opportunities and Littler’s exceptional gameplay. Van Veen acknowledged Littler’s dominance and his deserving status as the world number one and consecutive world champion.