Inside Luke Littler’s darts academy with tears and wild celebrations as hometown hero, 17, wins World Championship

HUNDREDS of fans cheered on Luke Littler from the darts academy where his journey began as the “local lad” became world champion.

The 17-year-old hammered Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in last night’s final to become the tournament’s youngest ever champion.

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Luke Littler made history and became the youngest ever darts world champion[/caption]

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Fans packed into Littler’s old darts academy to cheer him on[/caption]

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Secretary Karl Holden has overseen The Nuke’s rise to the top[/caption]

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Littler has inspired a new wave of youngsters to take to the oche[/caption]

It was heartbreak for Littler last year as he burst onto the scene at Alexandra Palace but lost the final to Luke Humprhies.

But after a remarkable year which has seen him win ten titles, pocket over £1million in prize money and become a household name, The Nuke made his dream come true by lifting the Sid Waddell trophy.

Pride was etched on the face of dad Anthony, mum Lisa and brother Leon while Luke was overcome with emotion as he was crowned the new king of darts.

And the feeling of joy went far beyond Alexandra Palace in London, as far as the St Helens Darts’ Academy where Littler learned his trade.

Around 200 people packed into the club’s bar to cheer him on together.

Chants of “darts is coming home” were heard as Littler edged closer to his win last night.

Meanwhile, kids as young as eight were taking to the oche, hoping to one day emulate their hero.

Secretary of St Helens Darts’ Academy, Karl Holden, has overseen the Warrington wonderkid’s sensational rise to stardom.

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Littler learned his trade at the St Helens Academy[/caption]

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Kids as young as eight have dreams of emulating their hero[/caption]

He said: “It’s been amazing to see Luke develop as a player over the years but even at the age of nine or ten he showed remarkable talent.

“There wasn’t much we could teach him, it was just a few minor elements of his game.”

“I’ve seen Luke quite a few times in the last year and he’s stayed remarkably grounded.

“Whilst many people would let the fame and fortune go to their heads, Luke is the complete opposite and is very down-to-Earth.”

Littler has inspired a new wave of youngsters to pick up an arrow and Holden will soon be opening a bigger darts shop in St Helens to meet demand.

Before becoming a pro, the teenager’s semi-final opponent Stephen Bunting used to work there.

Holden said: “We are past capacity and have loads more queries. The shop is struggling to meet demand and that’s not going to stop.

“Even the impact of Phil Taylor, who won 16 World Championships, never doubled our takings. I’ll comfortably say Luke has trebled our takings.

“Stephen Bunting worked for me about 16 years ago when he was first breaking onto the darts circuit.”

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Lorraine Callaghan, who watched Littler first come through the academy’s door, said: “It’s absolutely unbelievable. I’m just so proud of him. I’ve known Luke since he was ten-years-old.

“We thought he was going to do it last year, but this year is unbelievable and I’m so excited.

“I can’t wait to see him when he comes home.”

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Those who have watched Littler grow up were overcome with emotion[/caption]

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There were chants of ‘darts is coming home’ from the crowd[/caption]

Fighting back tears, Dawn Holden added: “He’s such a great lad and would do anything for anyone. It’s just amazing.”

Among the inspired youngsters is Keilan, 13, who said: “My dad bought me a dartboard last Christmas. I started watching the darts and became hooked immediately.

“Luke is my hero. I just want to be like him and just love playing darts.”

Wrapping up an unforgettable evening, Holden reflected: “You couldn’t get any better. Absolutely brilliant.

“I know he’s a Warrington lad and we’re St Helens, but we all absolutely love him to bits and are all just so proud of him.

“I’ll send him a message of congratulations in the morning, but then leave him for a while to come back down to Earth before I see him.

“MVG is a legend in his own right, and for Luke to beat him tonight is nothing more than a dream come true for us all.”