Luke Littler reacts to winning the World Darts Championship with emotional Instagram post after beating Michael van Gerwen

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Luke Littler has reacted to his incredible World Darts Championship success by posting on social media.

The 17-year-old beat Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy. 

Littler posted a series of pictures of his success and wrote on Instagram: 'A dream come true WORLD CHAMPION'. His post also included mind-blown and heart emojis.

Littler made history by becoming the youngest ever player to lift the trophy; a feat that was previously held by van Gerwen.

After being beaten by Luke Humphries in the final last year, Littler was determined to go all the way on this occasion and he managed to achieve that objective.

Following his win against van Gerwen, Littler broke down in tears. 

Luke Littler posted on Instagram following his World Darts Championship success

Littler outlined his aims for further glory in 2025 but stated that he has already achieved his main objective.

On what the rest of the year could hold for him, Littler told Sky Sports: 'Anything. 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.'

'I can't believe it,' Littler said post-match. 'Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy, and to actually do it is incredible. I said I needed a quick start, and I got it, but Michael was always there behind me. To get it done when I did was special.'

Littler beat Michael van Gerwen as he became the youngest ever winner of the trophy

Van Gerwen acknowledged that Littler was the superior player on the night.

'Fair play to him, every chance he got, he took it,' the Dutchman said. 'Of course it hurts, but that's part of being a sportsman. He's a star, and he deserved it.'

Littler received £500,000 in prize money after beating van Gerwen and has been tipped for further significant earnings over the next decade.

Having already established himself as one of England's most popular sports stars, it seems Littler's popularity will only continue to rise.