Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has etched his name into sporting history by claiming the World Matchplay title at just 18 years old.
The prodigy secured a £200,000 windfall after defeating James Wade 18-13 in Sunday evening's final at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.
His triumph makes him the youngest player ever to capture the prestigious championship, surpassing the previous record held by his opponent Wade.
Littler joins an exclusive group of five alongside Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries to land the Triple Crown - consisting of the World Matchplay, the Premier League and World Championship.
Luke Littler beamed with pride after securing the Triple Crown, becoming the youngest person to ever do so at 18
|Sky Sports
Following his victory, Littler shared an emotional moment with his loved ones who had travelled to support him.
When informed that his parents and girlfriend had appeared on the venue's big screen, the champion expressed his gratitude.
JUST IN: Government make decision on bank holiday after England win Euro 2025 with dramatic win over Spain
"I am just so happy, I think they had been a bit nervous this past week and I have definitely put them through it in training and in games," Littler said.
"But I am very happy to spend a long 10 days in Blackpool and I have come through victorious."
His girlfriend, 19-year-old beautician Faith Millar, later joined him on stage for photographs with the Phil Taylor Trophy, creating a touching scene after his historic achievement.
The final proved to be a dramatic affair as Littler found himself trailing 5-0 in the early stages.
Rather than panic, the teenager drew upon his experience from previous comebacks during the week.
"At 5-0 down once again I said to myself, 'You've been here before, what are you doing?'" Littler revealed. "I think James started to drop off a bit and I started to find my best darts."
READ MORE: Spain captain blasts 'lucky' England after Euro 2025 defeat: 'We deserved to win!'
At just 18 years old, Luke Littler has etched his name into darts history by claiming the World Matchplay title and joining an elite group of only five players to secure the sport's Triple Crown | PAHis ability to recover from significant deficits had become a hallmark of his tournament run.
The champion acknowledged that his performances throughout the week had demonstrated his capacity to overcome adversity, whether trailing 5-0 or facing a 7-3 deficit in earlier matches.
Littler's path to glory included victories over Ryan Searle, Jermaine Wattimena, Andrew Gilding and Josh Rock in the earlier rounds.
After dominating Searle 10-2, he faced tougher challenges in subsequent matches but maintained his composure throughout.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
"It means absolutely everything."
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) July 27, 2025
Luke Littler reacts to becoming the World Matchplay champion! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/m7WiyuNTiJ
The tournament's defining moment came during his semi-final encounter with Rock, where Littler achieved perfection with a nine-dart finish.
His mother later joked about nearly suffering a heart attack during his match against Wattimena, highlighting the tension his performances created.
"I came here last year and lost in the first round," Littler reflected. "Some people might have thought I might lose again, but I pulled myself out and got these opportunities."