Luke Littler’s unconventional pre-match ritual of playing FIFA and eating sweets reportedly caused a stir among his fellow darts players prior to his win over Michael van Gerwen in the final of the World Championship on Friday night.
According to commentator Dan Dawson, the 17-year-old’s backstage routine has ‘upset’ some competitors who prefer traditional warm-up methods like practice throws.
However, Littler’s approach appears to be working wonders for the young prodigy, who has enjoyed remarkable success throughout the past 12 months.
His achievements include claiming both the World Series of Darts and Premier League titles, with the teenager even managing a nine-darter in the Premier League final back in May.
Luke Littler’s unconventional pre-match ritual of playing FIFA and eating sweets reportedly caused a stir among his fellow darts players prior to his win over Michael van Gerwen in the final of the World Championship on Friday night
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On Friday night, Littler’s unorthodox preparation proved successful as he dismantled Van Gerwen 7-3 to become the youngest PDC World Darts Championship winner in history.
The historic victory marked a dream start to 2025 for the Warrington sensation.
His triumph came after falling short in the 2024 final against Luke Humphries, who remains the current world No 1.
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Luke Littler became the youngest world champion in darts history with his World Championship victory over Michael van Gerwen
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The teenager’s meteoric rise has seen him consistently challenge and defeat some of the sport’s most established names.
His commanding performance against van Gerwen, one of darts’ most decorated players, further cemented his status as a prodigious talent in the sport.
Littler’s casual pre-match approach was evident during the Dutch Masters in 2024, where he displayed his gaming passion moments before competing.
Prior to his match against Dirk van Duijvenbode, the teenage star was spotted checking his Ultimate Team on the EAFC 24 Web App.
Even with his crucial match looming, Littler remained focused on keeping up with the Team of the Year release on the gaming platform.
This laid-back preparation style, though unconventional in professional darts, has become a trademark of the young champion’s routine.
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Following his victory over Van Gerwen, Littler revealed he had visualised this moment earlier in the day.
“No one knows this, but I watched the whole of the 2024 final against Luke Humphries back earlier, and I had visions of this,” he said.
“If I end 2025 with nothing else, I’ve picked up the big one. I can’t believe it,” Littler added.
Luke Littler has pocketed a huge £500,000 after beating Michael van Gerwen in the final of the World Darts Championship
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“Since the winning double I’ve been walking around the stage telling myself I’ve won it and it’s mine.”
The triumph earned Littler £500,000 and propelled him to second in the world rankings.
He now sits behind only Humphries, who exited this year’s tournament in the fourth round to Peter Wright.
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