Luke Littler receives new world ranking after beating Michael van Gerwen to win World Darts Championship

Littler entered that tournament ranked 164th in the world but, in the time since, has become a household name to millions all over the country.

He has now risen to No 2 in the Order of Merit, however, which means he's just one place behind Humphries in the PDC's standings.

Littler has previously admitted that, at one stage of his career, he'd like to sit at the summit.

And that's a goal he's closer than ever before to achieving, while he'll also take home a huge £500,000.

Littler, speaking after his victory, revealed that he'd 'learned a lot' from his defeat to Humphries in 2024.

And though he'd like to win 10 titles this year, he's elated at having secured the biggest victory of them all.

"I learned a lot. Last year in the semis against Rob Cross, that was the first time I was 1-0 down, and then obviously against Luke," he said.

"But tonight and throughout the tournament, I just needed to get off to a quick start.

"Earlier today, I watched all of the game back against Luke and I had the visions."

On what the rest of the year has in store, he added: "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."

As for Van Gerwen, the Dutchman will be frustrated by his failure to become a four-time world champion.

Yet the 35-year-old is more than happy with his run to the final, while he also showed class by congratulating Littler on his sensational triumph.

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"I went 4-0 behind and after that I thought I wasn't doing myself any justice, but that's the way it is," he said/

"You need to try to fight and battle back and I think after going 4-0 down, I was definitely not the worst player out of us. But fair play to him, every chance he got and every moment he had to hurt me, he did.

"I had a lovely tournament and I enjoyed every moment of it.

"We all know I've come from a far distance and I've been battling my own game, but at the beginning of the game I was letting myself down too much and when you do that against a player with his ability, you're going to be in trouble.

"You have to take it on the chin, move on and walk off the stage as a champion.

"I always take my hat off to the people that beat me and if they beat me in a good game, fair play to them. That's how sport works."