Cruz Hewitt, Luke Littler, Sam Konstas, Chloe Covell: Who are the top 20 teenage sport stars in the world?

Teenage phenomenon Luke Littler has made history as the youngest ever World darts champion at the age of just 17. So who does he join in the list of the 20 world sports stars under 20? See the list.

best teenagers in world sport

British teen Luke Littler has created history, becoming the youngest man to win the World Darts Championship in a stunning final at London’s Alexandra Palace.

The 17-year-old claimed the final 7 sets to 3 over Dutch legend Michael van Gerwen, snatching both his world title and his record as the youngest man in history.

Van Gerwen had held the record as the youngest winner ever aged 24, but a decade later he was destroyed in the final by the teen from Warrington who was first handed magnetic darts as an 18-month-old baby and enrolled in a darts academy from the age of 10.

In his maiden season as a professional darts player in 2024, Littler claimed 10 titles and capped it all with the big one worth a staggering $1 million.

Luke Littler of England celebrates winning the Final of the 2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship. Picture: James Fearn/Getty Images

“I can’t believe it. Honestly I cannot believe it,” Littler said.

“We both played so well.

“Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy but you’ve got to get through a tough field.”

A year ago Littler became a national phenomenon in England with his shock run to the final before being defeated by Luke Humphries.

This time there was no stopping “Luke the Nuke” as he stormed past Dutch triple world champion Van Gerwen.

Littler, who pockets the £500,000 ($1m) first prize, has inspired a boom for darts over the past 12 months.

His defeat to Humphries 12 months ago was the most-watched sports event, outside football, in broadcaster Sky Sports’ 34-year history with 4.8 million

Van Gerwen, now 34, said Littler was a generational talent.

“Every 17 years a star gets born and he is one of them,” van Gerwen said.

“I’m 34, he is 17. So as I said every 17 years a star is born.

“He deserved it, he played well.

“Of course it hurts but that is how it should be. If it doesn’t hurt you're not a sportsman.

“I have to move on and make sure I keep playing better.”