"If I want it, I'm sure I'll do it": Luke Littler aims at Phil Taylor's World title haul after maiden win
PDC
Luke Littler made history Friday night at Alexandra Palace. The 17-year-old won the PDC World Darts Championship by defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final. He thus broke Van Gerwen's record as the youngest ever world champion. And another unbreakable record may be waiting for him.
Until the end of the final, Van Gerwen was still the youngest world champion ever, 'Mighty Mike' was 24 when he first became world champion in 2014. So that honor has now fallen to Littler. In addition, the question is being asked aloud whether Phil Taylor's record of 16 world titles (2x BDO, 14x PDC) is achievable for Littler. For a long time it was assumed that this record would not be broken by anyone anymore, but because Littler already grabbed his first world title at a very young age, that record might one day come into sight after all.
"Deep down, if I want to try and break the record of Phil Taylor's then I'm sure I've got the ability to," Littler said to Sky Sports.]
"If I want it, I'm sure I'll do it. I just need to keep going. The calendar is stacked all year round. I've said in previous interviews, if I win every major title in my career I'll be happy, but obviously I'd like to add to the world titles."
Popularity
Littler's popularity is now reaching unprecedented heights. For example, he was loudly sung to at Alexandra Palace, his social media is bulging with followers and more and more people are also wearing his merchandise. "In the family section when we come off for the break, just to see so many mums, dads, kids with my tops on throughout the tournament was really good to see."
Littler has had particularly hectic weeks, but now 'The Nuke' is especially yearning for some rest. he aptly summed it up.
"It's been a long three weeks here in London, I can't wait to go home, chill out, obviously not block myself away from everyone, but just be with the family and message my friends. And obviously I love my Xbox so I'll see who's online.
"Just get back to normal and don't make anyone change what I do."
Beckham
Right after his World Championship title, Littler even received congratulations from David Beckham, former top footballer for his favorite club Manchester United.
"To see the likes of David Beckham watching it feels crazy," the 17-year-old said. "He said: 'Wow, well done,' and I said: 'Thank you'.
"It just goes to show how well I've done for the sport. Not only for myself but the other hundreds of professionals out there.
"Picking up the first title, if I end 2025 with nothing, at least I've picked up the big one right at the beginning."
Asked about taking the trophy to Old Trafford (Manchester United's stadium), Littler said, "Maybe. I'm just glad I did beat Stephen [Bunting] because I'm sure he would have been at Anfield [on Sunday for Liverpool vs Manchester United, live on Sky Sports], without a doubt.
"If they [Manchester United] get in contact, I'll take the opportunity to take the trophy to Old Trafford."
Home sweet home😀 think nala loves it too❤️ pic.twitter.com/abrDK4Xy10
— Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) January 4, 2025
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- It's not tennis, snooker or golf, nobody mentioned Fallon,great as she is. Beau beats her week in,week out. But she isn't interested. If you want to include crowd pleasers,get Les Wallace back!!! He was a world champion,and wore a kilt!!!rick6707-01-2025
- I'm glad wright and van Ben bergh were overlooked. Too much dancing,not enough darting. Bunting is always quality,as for price,he's a crowd pleaser(!!?) too. Aspinall has had his problems,but it's nice to see him back,he's a decent chap. Dobey is a top player,big hitter,so I won't complain. Cross will finish bottom,much as I like him,he seems to be off lately. I'm glad they didn't pick a Belgian just for the audience. But I don't agree with the tournament or format,so I guess it's immaterial to me. They might as well turn up at a random pub and play for the beers!!!rick6707-01-2025
- I think the PDC's choice is too conservative. EIther or both of Damon Heta and Mike de Dekker should have been in, at the expense of Aspinall and possibly Price. I guess the PDC's reasoning is that they do not want too much turnover from year to year, and so having already rejected Smith and Wright, they have kept Price and Aspinall, but I guess those two are "on probation".
UndartedWaters06-01-2025 - Two from the three of Price, Aspinall and Dobey should have been excluded, De Decker and Edhouse should have been in. I would have offered a place to Beau Greaves though i doubt she would have accepted it and probably not really ready for it confidence wise.Mysstree06-01-2025
- Tennis has a protected ranking system for injuries and Golf has a system that as a Major winner you get invited back of a number of years regardless of your ranking. Barry Hearn gave Stephen Hendry a wildcard for some tournaments though he still had to enter at the qualification stage. Doubt the PDC would give Burnett an exemption as he has never won a PDC Major, same would apply to Steve Beaton. It’s a slippery slope to abandoning a meritocratic system, if the PDC did do so they could then (for example) award a place to Fallon Sherrock even though she has yet to qualify at any level for a tour card.Mysstree06-01-2025
- I'd have said the same about Ady Lewis,but the PDC is indeed a law unto itself,so sorry bud,get your leg kicking and do it for the good lads!!rick6705-01-2025
- COME ON RICHIE BURNETT Surely a World Champion and player with the calibra of Richie should be exempt from ever losing a tour card and having to qualify.richieburnettrocks04-01-2025
- That's true, Richie. Taylor used to call it, "Manley's millions."MrYnyslas197103-01-2025
- The semi finals are so one sided nowadays. Bunting and Dobey had their final in the quarters and simply had no interest once they got behind and gave up., yet both will be whining for premier league places. Earning enough to keep the rankings is more important to most players. Peter Manley got to a final with Phil Taylor but was more happy that he had earned enough to pay off his mortgage and promptly and expectedly whitewashed by Philrichieburnettrocks03-01-2025
- Wessel Nijman nickname should be Ni I Manmedinabello03-01-2025