Emotional Luke Littler has revealed that the agony of losing the final to Luke Humphries on his Alexandra Palace debut last year helped inspire his eye-catching 2025 World Darts Championship triumph over Michael van Gerwen.
Littler went from a surprise 16-year-old prodigy at the 2024 edition to taking the entire darting world by storm during the year that's passed since, helping the sport gain widespread public attention in the process.
The Warrington-born sensation showed his emotions after he secured the winning dart at a jubilant Ally Pally, with the 7-3 victory marking the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career.
Over the past year, he has demonstrated that his previous success on the biggest stage in darts was no fluke, clinching 10 titles in 2024, including the Premier League, World Series, and Grand Slam of Darts.
He achieved an average of 102.73, hit 12 180s, and converted 56 per cent of his doubles, proving he is indeed a force to be reckoned with... and may already be beginning to target the record of 16-titles set by the legendary Phil Taylor.
"I learned a lot [in last year’s tournament]," the 17-year-old champion told Sky Sports.
"Last year in the semis against Rob Cross, that was the first time I was 1-0 down, and then obviously against Luke [Humphries].
“No-one will know this, but earlier today, I watched all of the game back against Luke and I just had the visions.”
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"I sometimes say that every 17 years a star gets born and he is one of them," the 35-year-old Dutchman admitted.
"I fell 4-0 behind and I felt as though I wasn’t doing myself any justice. That’s just the way it is.
“I tried to fight and battle back, but fair play to Luke, every chance he got, every chance to hurt me, he did it.
"Don’t get me wrong, I had a lovely tournament and enjoyed every moment of the ride.
“We all know I have come from a far distance, I’m doing better, but I was letting myself down too much at the beginning of the game and, when you do that against a player of his ability, you are going to be in trouble.
“You have to take it on the chin, move on and also walk off the stage as a champion. If you beat me in a good game, you have to be fair and that’s how sport works. He deserved it and played well. Of course, it hurts, but that’s how it should be. If it doesn’t, you are not going to be a sportsman. I have to move on.”
