The 17-year-old, who is attempting to surpass his incredible runner-up result from his tournament debut last year, never fell behind but was constantly pulled back by his unseeded opponent.
Littler struggled to finish in the sixth set, missing a chance to win the match, but he eventually overcame Joyce’s tenacity to take the decisive 3-1.
Littler is the top-seeded player remaining in the event following the unexpected elimination of defending champion Luke Humphries.
Whatever the outcome, it has been an incredible few weeks for Littler, who has brought record-breaking viewing figures to the sport.
Luke Littler has stormed to the World Darts Championship final
PA
Littler was born in Runcorn, Cheshire, and was first introduced to the world of darts when he was just 18-months-old, throwing at a magnetic board. By the age of four he was using a proper board and his first 180 followed just a couple of years later.
Two years ago, Littler hit a nine-darter during the Junior Darts Corporation Masters Tournament and the teenager grew up regularly playing in leagues above his age group.
While his arrival on the world stage has been a dramatic one, Littler’s talent has been no secret in the world of darts.
He earned a PDC Tour Card for 2024-25, and qualification into the World Championship, with his performances on the Winmau Development Tour, winning five titles.
Littler arrived at Alexandra Palace full of confidence, having won the World Youth Championship in November, and he has continued to break records in recent weeks. He has even been revealed as the UK’s most searched athlete on Google for 2024.
Littler was the youngest player ever to reach the third round of the World Championship and has not slowed down since. Michael van Gerwen, at 24, is the youngest player to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy – that record is there to be smashed.
The dart player previously dated Eloise Milburn, who was spotted supporting Littler at the tournament last year.
According to reports, the two met while playing the video game Fifa. The relationship was frequently criticised by fans as Littler was only 16 at the time while Milburn was 21.
Littler is thought to have moved on after he appeared to reveal his new relationship during a livestream.
The darts champion was engaged in a video game boxing battle with Angry Ginge, a well-known YouTuber, when viewers heard a girl’s voice coming from his microphone, according to Evoke.
The voice said to Littler: “I’m gonna try and get some sleep because I’m so tired.”
How much has Luke Littler earned?
The 17-year-old is already guaranteed £200,000 in prize money after reaching the final.
Asked about his plans for the money, Littler said: “I always treat myself to some Under Armour tracksuits.
“And just get myself a new coat and get myself some FIFA points for my Xbox. That’s pretty much it.”
After he defeated Joyce in the latest round, he took home £500,000.
According to WalesOnline, his estimated net worth is £1m. He and his family recently moved from their humble two-bedroom home in Warrington, which was valued £180,000, to a luxurious five-bedroom rental home on Millionaire’s Row.
What is Luke Littler’s ranking?
Littler is currently ranked 4th in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Order of Merit
An unseeded player has never won the tournament, with Kirk Shepherd in 2008 the only one to have ever reached the final.
Littler has already matched that – should he go one better it will complete the biggest shock in the sport’s history.
Luke Littler will move inside the top ten of the rankings if he beats Luke Humphries
Getty Images
Who is Luke Littler playing in the final?
While Littler has been hugely impressive in his seven wins so far.
He goes up against Aspinall on New Year’s Day.
