An emotional admitted all his dreams had come true after in the World Darts Championship final, while recognising his nearly moment in 2024 spurred him to victory.

The teenager raced into an early 4-0 lead against , threatening to blow out of the water. His opponent attempted to fight back, but the damage was done.

Van Gerwen made Littler work for the title, reducing the deficit to 5-2. However, the 17-year-old went straight back out with three straight legs to make it 6-2 and ultimately wrapped up a momentous 7-3 victory.

It marked a rapid redemption for Littler, who threw away a 4-2 lead to . Speaking after his win, he outlined how that loss to Humphries helped give him the tools to go one better in 2025.

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"I learned a lot," Littler told Sky Sports. "Last year in the semis against Rob Cross, that was the first time I was 1-0 down, and then obviously against Luke [Humphries].

"But tonight and throughout the tournament, I just needed to get off to a quick start. Earlier today, I watched all of the game back against Luke and I had the visions."

"Anything," he said when asked what else might lie ahead in 2025. "I could end 2025 winning absolutely nothing, but I've picked up the best [prize]. I want to get more than 10 titles this year, but if I end 2025 with nothing, I've picked the big one up."

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Littler was reduced to tears when his achievement began to sink in, and he began by giving credit to his opponent. Both men produced some great darts, but Littler's finishing proved the difference in the early sets before he held off Van Gerwen's attempted comeback.

"I can't believe it. We both played so well," he said. "I've said in interviews that I needed to get off to a quick start tonight and that's what I did. But he was behind me the whole game, those cover shots - he'd hit two trebles and I'd have to come back with two or three.

"Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. You've got to get through a tough field. I can't believe it. I keep saying it but that first game against Ryan Meikle [in round two] was the one that really mattered, and throughout I've just settled.

"At 2-0 up [in the final set] I started getting nervous but I said to myself to just relax. I was throwing for the match and to get it over and done with then was special."

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