Luke Littler, a 17-year-old darts prodigy nicknamed “The Nuke,” etched his name into the annals of sporting history by becoming the youngest-ever PDC World Darts Championship winner. His dominant 7-3 victory over the seasoned veteran Michael van Gerwen at the iconic Alexandra Palace sent shockwaves through the darts world and cemented Littler’s status as a rising star. Beyond the thrill of victory and the hefty £500,000 prize, the young champion found himself celebrating with some unexpected fans: the family of his football hero, Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United supporter, who had previously enjoyed a friendly darts match with some Red Devils players, took a moment to meet the Rooney family, signing replica jerseys for Klay, Kit, and Cass, Coleen Rooney’s three sons, all clad in Littler’s signature blue-and-yellow. The heartwarming encounter underscored the magnitude of Littler’s achievement, resonating even with those outside the immediate darts community.
Coleen Rooney, along with her sons, was present at the Ally Pally to witness Littler’s historic win. While Wayne Rooney was not spotted, Coleen actively documented the momentous occasion, capturing the boys’ ecstatic reactions on her Instagram story. A particularly humorous clip showed Coleen’s scream of delight coinciding with the winning moment, inadvertently startling her youngest son, Cass, while simultaneously drenching herself in beer. The lighthearted incident added a touch of personal connection to the celebration, further highlighting the widespread enthusiasm surrounding Littler’s triumph. Rooney, who had recently been released from his managerial position at Plymouth Argyle, also shared a photo of Klay meeting Littler on his Instagram story, expressing his congratulations and awe at the young champion’s performance.
The outpouring of congratulations extended far beyond the Rooney family. Littler’s social media was flooded with messages of support and admiration, from fellow athletes like Jesse Lingard, Michael van Gerwen himself, and footballers John Terry and Harry Maguire, to celebrities such as Sir Keir Starmer, Matt Lucas, and Justin Rose. The sheer volume and diversity of well-wishers demonstrated the widespread impact of Littler’s achievement, capturing the imagination of both the sporting world and the wider public. The young champion’s victory resonated not only as a remarkable individual accomplishment but also as an inspiring story of youthful talent and dedication.
In addition to the prestigious Sid Waddell Trophy and the substantial prize money, Littler also claimed the Ballon d’Art trophy for scoring the most 180s in the tournament, further underscoring his exceptional skill and composure under pressure. Despite the sudden influx of wealth, Littler remained grounded, sharing a portion of his winnings with his brother Leon in a gesture of familial generosity. While acknowledging the significance of the financial reward, the young champion emphasized his focus on the sporting achievement itself, expressing a desire to emulate darts legend Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world championship titles.
Littler’s ambition extends beyond the immediate future. He envisions a long and successful career in darts, aiming to accumulate as many titles as possible. He set a personal goal of winning at least ten titles in the upcoming year, building upon the momentum of his world championship victory. However, he also expressed a sense of contentment with his achievement, acknowledging that even if he were to win no further titles in 2025, he had already secured the most coveted prize in the sport. This combination of ambition and humility speaks volumes about Littler’s character and suggests a long and prosperous career ahead.
Luke Littler’s victory in the PDC World Darts Championship was more than just a sporting triumph; it was a cultural moment. His youthful exuberance, combined with exceptional talent and a down-to-earth demeanor, captured the hearts of fans around the world. From sharing his winnings with his brother to meeting the family of his footballing idol, Littler’s actions resonated with a genuine authenticity that transcended the sport itself. His story served as a testament to the power of dedication and the pursuit of excellence, inspiring aspiring athletes and captivating audiences worldwide. As Littler embarks on the next chapter of his career, the darts world eagerly anticipates the unfolding of his remarkable journey and the potential for even greater achievements in the years to come.
