Luke Littler is handed the Sid Waddell Trophy by prostate cancer ambassador Sir Chris Hoy after beating Michael van Gerwen to win World Darts Championship

Luke Littler made history when he was presented with the Sid Waddell Trophy by former track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy and personally congratulated by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer after becoming the youngest ever PDC Darts World Champion.

The 17-year-old star from Warrington produced a dominant performance to beat three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at Alexandra Palace on Friday evening.

Littler was overcome with emotion after landing a D16 and winning the final in front of a packed arena. The youngster burst into tears before turning to the crowd and throwing his fists in the air in celebration.

Hoy – who was an ambassador for Paddy Power’s BIGGER 180 campaign, asking all men to check their risk of prostate cancer using the Prostate Cancer online risk checker – awarded Littler the trophy.

While Starmer praised Littler’s performance as ‘enchanting’ and ‘inspiring’, he said in a statement: ‘Congratulations Luke on becoming the youngest ever PDC Darts World Champion.

‘An inspiring performance under such pressure to lift the trophy. You can really be proud of what you have achieved tonight, not only for yourself, but for darts as a whole.’

Littler was also personally congratulated by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (pictured above)

The 17-year-old star from Warrington produced a dominant performance to beat three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at Alexandra Palace on Friday evening

Littler’s victory marked a meteoric rise over the past 12 months, during which he has won ten titles, including the Premier League and the Grand Slam of Darts.

This win was particularly important as he avenged his defeat in last year’s final to Luke Humphries and cemented his status as a dominant force in the sport.

The final, billed as a clash between the sport’s biggest stars, was one-sided from the start. Littler took a 4-0 lead, taking 12 of the first 15 legs with an average of 102.73, 12 180s and a clinical doubles success rate of 56 percent.

Despite a tough battle with moments such as a 132 checkout, Van Gerwen struggled with missed doubles early on and could not match Littler’s scoring ability.

The match was effectively decided in the opening 30 minutes, with Littler remaining calm under pressure. He sealed the victory on double 16, sinking to his knees in tears as the crowd erupted.

“I can’t believe it,” Littler said after the game. “Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy and to actually do it is incredible. I said I needed a fast start, and I got it, but Michael always had my back. It was special to get it done when I did.”

Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, graciously acknowledged Littler’s superiority that evening.

“It was fair to him, he took every chance he got,” said the Dutchman. ‘Of course it hurts, but that’s part of being a sportsman. He’s a star, and he deserved it.’