Luke Littler enjoyed a breakout tournament at his first PDC World Championship and this year, a record-breaking run beckons.
‘The Nuke’ burst onto the darts scene by reaching the final at Ally Pally at the age of just 16 in his debut professional tournament.
At 347 days past his birthday, it made him the youngest finalist in PDC World Darts Championship history.
However, Littler missed out on his crowning glory after losing 7-4 to Luke Humphries.
A year later, the Manchester United fan returns as one of the favourites after racking up more than £600,000 in total earnings.
Littler has two major title wins in the Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts and boasts a frightening list of accolades and records.
The most coveted of which still remains up for grabs with his second appearance at Alexandra Palace – here’s how long he has to break it…
Who is the youngest PDC World Championship winner?
Michael van Gerwen remains the youngest player to win the World Darts Championship following his triumph in 2014.
The Dutchman was 24 years old when he beat Peter Wright 7-4 to claim the first of his three titles – winning again in 2017 and 2019.
Littler will be aged 17 and 11 months should he reach the 2025 final next month and has plenty of time on his side.
“I know Michael van Gerwen holds the youngest at 24,” Littler told Sky Sports. “So I’ve got seven years, I could just slouch about for six years and just win it when I’m 24.
“I’d obviously like to win it before Michael won it, it would mean everything to be the youngest, that’s definitely what I’m looking for.”
Littler has been in scintillating form in the back quarter of the year and was only beaten by Humphries in a close final at the most recent Players Championship Finals event.
He has now won a total of ten titles averaging an incredible 98.9 in 2024, winning 139 of his 181 matches.
Littler comes into the upcoming hallmark World Championships as the bookies’ favourite to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy.
His biggest rival to the crown, ‘Cool Hand’ Humphries named him as the best in the world despite being the man defending the prize.
The latter told talkSPORT: “This [trophy] was in my living room a couple of months ago and now I have it back!
“I didn’t feel myself this weekend. I was a dart behind.
“Luke drives me on, he makes me want to be a better player. I enjoy playing him.
“I am proud that I didn’t take my foot off the gas. It was a fantastic game again with Luke, he’s a special talent.
“Luke is probably the best player in the world right now.
“I told him I have to win these trophies before he starts to do so.
“These big games are what I live for, dream of, and to be a champion is why I do this, why I travel the world.
“I never give up. I know I can beat Luke. This is the best way to go into the worlds.”
