Luke Littler is aiming to write another historic chapter in his remarkable darting story when he takes on Michael van Gerwen in the Paddy Power World Darts Championship final tonight.
The teenage sensation has created more global headlines on his Alexandra Palace return, becoming only the seventh player in PDC history to make back-to-back World Championship finals.
Littler is also bidding to become the youngest ever World Darts Champion, a record which is currently held by his opponent in Friday’s showpiece.
“I think everybody is looking forward to it as much as I am,” admitted Littler, who is a 4/11 favourite to triumph with title sponsor Paddy Power.
“It feels very different after what I accomplished last year, but what a way it would be to start 2025 by lifting this title.
“I’ve got no pressure. I’m just going to enjoy it, and I cannot wait to get back on the stage.”
Littler boasts a tournament average of 102 across his five matches, and he’s now registered ton-plus averages in nine of his 12 games on the biggest stage in world darts.
The Warrington trailblazer edged out Ryan Joyce in a dramatic seventh-set decider in the last 16, but since then he’s been imperious in wins over Nathan Aspinall and Stephen Bunting.
Littler averaged 103 in overcoming his stablemate Aspinall in the quarter-finals, before dispatching Bunting in merciless fashion to celebrate a 6-1 success in the last four.
There’s nothing to separate Littler and Van Gerwen in terms of their head-to-head record, with the pair claiming six wins apiece when they locked horns in 2024.
“Me and Michael played 12 times last year, so we both know how each other can play,” added Littler, who is relishing his latest showdown against the Dutch superstar.
“I think everyone doubted Michael a lot – the limelight was on me and Luke Humphries coming into the tournament.
“Some people might say he’s come through an easier draw, but nothing is easy at the World Championship.
“He’s been tested, I’ve been tested, and I am sure we will test each other tonight.”
Van Gerwen will be featuring in his seventh World Championship final on Friday evening, as he sets his sights on reclaiming the iconic Sid Waddell Trophy for the first time in six years.
The three-time World Champion has enjoyed a timely return to form in north London, defeating James Hurrell, Brendan Dolan, Jeffrey de Graaf, Callan Rydz and Chris Dobey along the way.
However, having scooped ten PDC titles over the last year, including the Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts, Littler is desperate to cap off his fairy-tale rise by lifting the sport’s most coveted prize.
“Winning the World Championship would be the stuff of dreams, but you’ve got to be at the top of your game to do it,” declared the 17-year-old.
“Michael is hunting for his fourth [world] title and I’m hunting for my first.
“I know it’s been a while since Michael last picked up that trophy, so he’s going to be up for it, and I certainly am.
“I have gained loads of experience over the last year. Michael has been in numerous finals; this is only my second.
“I know where I went wrong last year, and I’m sure I will fix it. I’ve just got to focus on the game against Michael and get everything right.”
The tournament is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Friday January 3
Final (1930 GMT)
Luke Littler v Michael van Gerwen
Best of 13 sets