Luke Littler battles Michael van Gerwen in high-stakes World Darts Championship final

On January 3, 2025, in the UK, two of the biggest names in darts, Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen, are set to clash in a highly anticipated final of the World Darts Championship. Luke Littler, only 17 years old, is seeking his first World Championship title, while Michael van Gerwen aims for his fourth. Their rivalry has been captivating, with a record of 12 matches resulted in six wins each, showcasing competitive spirit and skill. Littler has made a remarkable entrance into the darts scene over the past year, earning recognition for his achievements, including a second-place finish in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and becoming the most Googled sportsman in the UK in 2024. His performance in this year's championship has been outstanding, highlighted by a record-breaking opening round against Ryan Meikle and impressive victories against other formidable opponents like Nathan Aspinall and Stephen Bunting. On the other hand, Michael van Gerwen has shown consistency throughout the tournament, although he faced some challenges. His best match was a convincing semi-final win against Chris Dobey, reinforcing his status as one of the sport's elite players. Despite his strong track record, he faces a tough challenge against the rising star Littler, who has outperformed expectations and built a significant following. This upcoming match is not just about the title; it also represents the culmination of a burgeoning rivalry that has captured the attention of darts fans worldwide. The stakes are high, as both players aspire to cement their legacies in the sport. Van Gerwen seeks to reclaim his dominance, while Littler aims to disrupt the established order and carve out his place in history.