Luke Littler has made history by winning the PDC World Darts Championship at the remarkable age of 17. In a thrilling final held at Alexandra Palace, the young Englishman defeated three-time champion Michael van Gerwen with a decisive score of 7-3. This victory not only secures Littler's place as the youngest champion but also adds £500,000 ($620,000) to his growing prize fund, showcasing his exceptional talent and promise in the sport.

Littler, hailed as 'The Nuke', established an early dominance by racing to a 4-0 lead in sets. While Van Gerwen made a concerted effort to claw back into the match, Littler remained unfazed and took control with impressive scoring—averaging over 102 and hitting a remarkable number of 180s. The atmosphere was electric, with 3,200 fans, including many dressed in fancy costumes, cheering him on as he played with both skill and composure.

After his victory, Littler expressed awe at accomplishing what many only dream of: "I can’t believe it... Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy," he told AP News. The achievement caps a meteoric rise for the Warrington prodigy, who has been involved in darts since he was just 18 months old.

The previous youngest champion, Van Gerwen, recognized Littler's extraordinary emergence in the sport, stating, "Every 17 years a star gets born," as he lauded the teenager's performance throughout the championship. Littler’s remarkable poise under pressure, compared by commentators to a cat toying with a mouse, highlights not just his talent but an enviable mental strength that belies his age.

This win is a culmination of a stellar year for Littler, who hiked his world ranking while showcasing his skills by winning significant titles, including ten PDC tournaments in the previous season. As he continues to break records—such as average scores and maximum 180s—Littler has taken the darts world by storm, drawing interest from a new generation of fans and reviving the sport's visibility in the mainstream.

Notably, Littler's easygoing demeanor in life off the oche, where he enjoys video games and other typical teenager pastimes, contributes to his ability to relax under pressure during competitions. His youthful spirit does not overshadow the countless hours of practice that have led him to this pinnacle of success, a journey marked by both triumph and learning.

The incoming fervor around Littler has been dubbed the 'Littler effect'—a surge in interest for darts among younger players, with youth leagues rapidly expanding in numbers since his ascension. With his feet firmly planted on the ground despite his newfound fame and fortune, there are high hopes that Littler will continue to ascend the ranks of the sport, and perhaps one day challenge the likes of Phil Taylor's legendary championship record.

As we enter the new year, expectations are high for what this remarkable young talent will achieve next. For now, the darts world celebrates its newest champion. For further details, visit Reuters for highlights of the final match, or check BBC for in-depth analysis of Littler's journey and future prospects.