LUKE LITTLER revealed the five-word message Michael van Gerwen told him immediately after their PDC World Darts Championship final.
The Nuke, 17, became the youngest world champion in history with his thrilling 7-3 victory over MVG.
ReutersLuke Littler became darts’ world champion aged just 17[/caption]
Sky SportsMichael van Gerwen whispered a message into his ear at the end[/caption]
Follow all the action from the World Darts Championship as it happens with SunSport’s LIVE blog
Littler surged into a commanding 4-0 lead before getting over the line, sealing the win with D16.
He then let the waterworks run as he broke down in tears in celebration on the Ally Pally stage.
After taking a moment to try and wrap his head around his achievement, Littler walked back across to shake hands with Van Gerwen.
The pair embraced and Mighty Mike was spotted talking into Littler’s ear as the youngster wiped his face before shaking hands with the officials and collecting his darts.
There were more words exchanged between the pair before they both spoke publicly – Sky having to apologise for Van Gerwen’s language again – and Littler got his hands on the iconic Sid Waddell Trophy.
And now the new champion exposed the classy, magnanimous message from his defeated rival telling him to soak it up and not suppress his emotions.
Littler told talkSPORT: “Yeah, he said just enjoy it.
“But then he went over slightly to the side, and he said, ‘Keep crying boy, keep crying.’
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
“He’s like 30-odd years old and I’m 17, but to break his record is crazy.
“If I didn’t do it tonight I could have still done it, but to do it how I did was unbelievable.”
Littler also collected £500,000 in prize money – plus the Ballon d’Art trophy for hitting the most 180s in the tournament.
The new world No2 – still miles behind Luke Humphries – appeared to suffer an injury while hoisting up the massive PDC silverware.
Eagle-eyed fans spotted Littler go down and clutch his knee in pain.
Speaking of pain, the teenager also revealed he rewatched the entirety of last year’s final defeat to Humphries before the clash with Van Gerwen.
Littler had the chance to go 5-2 up in that match before Cool Hand came roaring back to win 7-4.
And Littler was determined to ensure there was no repeat collapse.
World Darts Championship – top stories
READ MORE on all the fall-out from Luke Littler’s incredible world title win…
All the reaction as it happens in our LIVE BLOG
Littler blows away Van Gerwen to win world title aged 17
Littler is more than a darts player – he’s a multi-million pound commodity
Incredible rise in darts viewing figures revealed
Littler miles off being world No 1 despite £500k win
Littler breaks incredible record with stunning win
Fans praise Sky Sports for ‘lovely’ Donna Mardle touch
Fans in tears as Chris Hoy presents Ballon d’Art trophy
Van Gerwen makes another X-rated comment on live TV
Littler reveals unusual preparation for final
He said: “I can’t believe it. We both played so well.
“Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy, but you have got to get through a tough field.
“I learned a lot. Nobody knows this but earlier today, I watched the whole game back against Luke. I just had the visions.
“I said in interviews that I needed to get to a quick start and that’s what I did.
“Michael was behind me, he was right behind me the whole way through.
“At 2-0 up, I started getting nervous, but I told myself to relax. To get it over and done with, that was special.
“I want to get more than ten titles this year. But if I end 2025 with nothing, I have picked the big one up.”
APLittler sealed victory with D16 to win 7-3[/caption]
PAHe broke down in tears as the magnitude started to sink in[/caption]
PAThere was plenty of respect between the pair at the end[/caption]
Luke Littler prize money breakdown
Here is all the prize money Luke Littler has won so far after his Grand Slam of Darts victory:
World Championship 2025 – £500,000
World Championship 2024 – £200,000
Grand Slam of Darts 2024 – £150,000
European Tour – £91,000
Player Championships events – £71,500
Players Championship final runner-up – £60,000
UK Open 2023 + 2024 – £17,500
World Matchplay – £10,000
World Grand Prix – £7,500
European Championship – £7,500
(Unranked) Premier League Darts – £315,000
Total: £1.43 million
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
