Luke Littler breaks down in tears after winning the World Darts Championship before teen sensation, 17, shares touching moment with Michael van Gerwen

Luke Littler broke down in tears after sensationally winning the World Darts Championship and shared a touching moment with Michael van Gerwen.

Littler, aged just 17, was crowned king of the sport after beating three-time winner Van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at Alexandra Palace.

The Warrington-born prodigy became the competition’s youngest ever winner in the process and never looked like he would have to give up his lead after taking the lead 4-0.

Van Gerwen was the youngest champion when he won his first world title in 2014 at the age of 24, but Littler, the sport’s newest phenomenon, shattered the record with ease by winning the Sid Waddell Trophy and the £500,000 cash prize.

Littler averaged just over 102 and threw 12 180s in an imperious display in London.

A clinical 56 percent of doubles players saw him cross the outer ring with devastating effect, leaving his Dutch opponent in his wake.

Littler (17) defeated Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace to win his first world title

His fate was realized after pinning D16, causing Littler to let out a roar. The tears then began to flow as he walked to the side of the stage in front of his family.

Littler’s career has risen rapidly since his appearance in last year’s World Championship finals, winning ten titles in his first year on the circuit.

‘I can’t believe it. We both played so well,” he told Sky Sports.

‘I said in interviews that I had to start quickly tonight and I did that. But he was behind me the whole game, those cover shots – he hit two trebles and I had to come back with two or three.

‘Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. You have to get through a tough field.

‘I can’t believe it. I keep saying it, but that first match against Ryan Meikle was the match that really mattered, and the whole time I just settled.

‘With a 2-0 lead [in the final set] I started to get nervous, but I told myself to just relax. I pitched before the game and it was special to finish it off then.”

As for what the rest of the year could hold for him, Littler added: “Everything. I might not win anything in 2025, but I picked up the best [prize].

The teen sensation won the Sid Waddell Trophy after an imperious display

He roared after pinning double 16 before tears started streaming down the stage

Van Gerwen was gracious in defeat as he congratulated Littler on his achievement

“I want to win more than ten titles this year, but if I end 2025 with nothing, I have chosen the big one.”

Van Gerwen spoke highly of his opponent, saying: ‘I’m 35, he’s 17. Every 17 years a star is born. He deserves it, he played well.

‘It hurts, but that’s how it has to be. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not a sportsman. I have to move on and make sure I keep playing better.”

Van Gerwen finished the match with an average of 100 and one more than 180 than Littler, but his title hopes were derailed after he hit just 14 of his 38 attempts at a double.