Luke Littler will face Michael van Gerwen in a blockbuster final of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace tonight, with the 17-year-old gunning for glory at the second time of asking in this tournament.
Littler lost last year’s final to Luke Humphries but he heads into the 2025 edition as firm favourite, having beaten Stephen Bunting 6-1 in a dominant semi-final display.
But he still has to get past the more experienced Van Gerwen, who himself eased to a 6-1 semi-final victory over Chris Dobey last night, though the three-time champion has lost in his last two final appearances in 2020 and 2023.
Whatever happens, Ally Pally is set for a blockbuster final between two players who represent the present and future of the sport – so will Littler become the tournament’s youngest-ever winner, or will the Dutchman reclaim his crown and a top prize of £500,000?
Follow all of the action from Ally Pally in our live blog below:
World Darts Championship final LIVE
Warm-ups are out of the way, and we’re getting started at Ally Pally!
‘One Luke Littler’ chants are a lot more audible now.
Chris Wilson3 January 2025 20:22
Van Gerwen wins the walk-ons
Greenlight by Pitbull rings round Ally Pally as Luke Littler takes to the stage first. A decent walk-on that the crowd are relatively into and Littler certainly looks relaxed as he shakes hands with the officials and claps the crowd. Then it’s game-face time for the teenager.
As ever, Michael van Gerwen’s walk-on is an absolute riot. Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes blares out and the “oh, Michael van Gerwen chants” are as loud as ever. MvG looks focused and fist bumps the officials before embracing Littler.
Luke Baker at Alexandra Palace3 January 2025 20:20
World Darts Championship final LIVE
Former champion John Part is the only panellist not to predict a Littler win. The 17-year-old is the first to walk out.
Chris Wilson3 January 2025 20:18
Littler the man in form against underdog Van Gerwen
Luke Littler has been in better form than Michael van Gerwen over the past fortnight at Ally Pally. He has the higher tournament average at 102.13 to 99.75, while he’s hit 64 180s to MvG’s 43.
This will be the first world final that Van Gerwen has been the underdog for since his first against Phil Taylor back in 2013, when Taylor won 7-4.
Will Mighty Mike relish that or be perturbed by it? We’re about to find out
Luke Baker at Alexandra Palace3 January 2025 20:16
Littler vs Van Gerwen head to head
The players are in the building now, and the main event is approaching.
A reminder that these two players are 6-6 in their own head-to-head record so far. So will van Gerwen win his fourth title, or will it be Littler becoming the youngest winner ever?
Chris Wilson3 January 2025 20:10
WATCH: Luke Littler’s route to the final
Something to get you in the mood – highlights of Littler’s route to the final.
Chris Wilson3 January 2025 20:07
Final odds
The Sky Sports countdown has 15 minutes left on it, for reference.
Littler is the 2/5 favourite coming into the final, with van Gerwen the outside bet at 2/1.
Chris Wilson3 January 2025 20:05
Game-time is approaching
The live coverage is will underway on Sky Sports, so we aren’t far away from everything kicking off at Alexandra Palace.
Chris Wilson3 January 2025 20:00
Atmosphere crackling ahead of eagerly-anticipated final
Good evening from among the tables on the floor of Alexandra Palace, where people are beginning to take their seats. I am surrounded by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marios and Luigis, Ali G, lots of fruit (mostly bananas), several Popes and an outstanding effort recreating the characters from The Hangover.
There are also lots of ‘The Nuke’ shirts and plenty of Dutch orange on show too. Amid the boozy excitement there is the very palpable sense here that this is going to be a momentous night – so much so that might it actually be worth remaining sober to remember it.
Though judging by the pitchers of beer being lugged to the tables, not everyone sees it that way…
Lawrence Ostlere at Alexandra Palace3 January 2025 19:55
The World Darts Championship final is finally here, and it’s set to be an epic showdown between two of the game’s biggest stars: Dave Littler and Michael van Gerwen. Both players have been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, and now they will go head-to-head in the ultimate battle for darts supremacy.
I’ll be providing live updates from the PDC blockbuster tonight, so make sure to keep checking back for all the latest action and drama as it unfolds. Who will come out on top and be crowned the 2021 World Darts Champion? Stay tuned to find out! #WorldDartsChampionship #LittlerVsVanGerwen #PDC #DartsFinal
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