Kaya Baysal Beats Luke Littler’s Record to Become Youngest WDF Event Winner

Kaya Baysal‘s Budapest Breakthrough

It was only a matter of time before someone stepped up to challenge the legend of Luke Littler—but few expected it to be this soon, or from a player this young. Meet Kaya Baysal, the 14-year-old darts sensation from Burnley who has just etched his name into the sport’s history books by becoming the youngest-ever winner of a World Darts Federation (WDF) event, beating Littler’s record in the process.

Kaya’s triumph at the 2025 Budapest Classic Men’s tournament wasn’t just a stroke of luck or a surprise run of form. It was a statement—a bold one—that the next generation of darts is already here. Less than 18 months into taking the game seriously, the teenager stood on the oche in Hungary and defeated the reigning champion with a calmness that belied his years.

This wasn’t just about one win, though. Kaya’s weekend in Budapest was a clean sweep of silverware and broken records. In one unforgettable campaign, he captured the men’s title, two youth titles, and nearly added a pairs title to his collection. And in doing so, he eclipsed the record held by none other than Littler, who had won the Irish Open in 2021 at a marginally older age.

A star is born: Kaya Baysal beats Littler’s record with style

To understand the significance of Kaya’s feat, you have to appreciate the standard of the players he beat. This wasn’t a juniors-only event where youthful exuberance makes the difference. Kaya took down seasoned professionals and experienced tour players on his path to glory.

In the semi-finals, he dispatched Polish darts veteran Krzysztof Kciuk—a name well known on the professional tour—by a commanding 4-1 margin. In the final, he faced defending champion Sybren Gijbels, a 27-year-old Belgian with pedigree and presence. Yet, Kaya kept his cool, composed himself on the biggest stage of his career so far, and delivered a 5-2 victory that sent shockwaves through the darts community.

It’s not just the age that’s staggering—it’s the maturity in his game. His throw is steady, his mind unshaken, and his finishing clinical. He plays with the assurance of someone who has been in the sport for a decade, not someone who picked up a dart for the first time in earnest less than two years ago.

From Blackburn Youth Academy to Budapest glory

Kaya’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. He’s part of the Blackburn Youth Darts Academy, managed by his coach and mentor, Keith Brunt. Brunt, who started the academy back in 2017 and now manages 14 players, has seen talent come and go—but says Kaya is something truly special.

“He’s calm and never fazed by who he’s playing,” said Brunt. “He’s got his head screwed on and very supportive parents behind him. That’s a combination for success. I think this is just the beginning for him.”

It’s hard to argue with that. Alongside his men’s victory, Kaya also claimed the Youth Open and Youth Masters titles in Budapest, underlining his dominance across the age brackets. He even reached the semi-finals in the pairs competition alongside his academy teammate and good friend, 15-year-old Joseph Westby.

Kaya isn’t just turning heads at youth level—he’s beating adults at their own game, and with real style.

A grounded teen with a champion’s mindset

Blackburn Youth Darts Academy Kaya Baysal with brown hair wearing a green and black darts top smiling as he signs a deal

What stands out most about Kaya, though, is his attitude. Despite all the accolades, the trophies, and the headlines comparing him to Littler and Michael van Gerwen (two of WDF’s previous youngest champions), he remains grounded.

After returning home from Hungary, his focus was simple: get back on the practice board. “It was a great experience,” he said. “I played some good darts against some good players. But I’ve got lots more hard work to do.”

That mindset—of always improving, never settling—is what sets the greats apart. Littler had it. So did van Gerwen. And now, Kaya Baysal is walking the same path.

Behind every prodigy: support, passion, and a family legacy

Kaya’s journey into darts started in a familiar way—family influence. His late uncle introduced him to the sport and inspired him to pick up the arrows. The bond lives on not just in memories but in music too. Kaya’s walk-on song, Foo Fighters’ “Times Like These,” was his uncle’s favourite tune and a Turf Moor anthem—fitting for a proud Burnley fan.

His parents, Engin and Samantha Baysal, have been by his side through it all. “We’re so proud of him,” said Samantha. “He’s very chilled about it all, and just keen to push on.”

And with a sponsor like Target Darts already in his corner—home to some of the world’s best, including Littler—he’s got the backing to take his game to the highest levels.

The WDF reaction: “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough”

Kaya’s performance hasn’t just impressed fans and coaches—it’s caught the eye of the WDF too. Secretary-general Nick Rolls summed up the sentiment across the sport in the aftermath of Budapest.

“Everyone was blown away by what Kaya did,” he said. “He’s making rapid progress, and this weekend proved that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”

That last phrase may become a tagline for the next generation of darts, a nod to the youth revolution that’s taken hold in the sport. And with Kaya joining a list of WDF record-breakers that includes van Gerwen and Littler, it’s clear the torch is being passed once again.

What’s next for Kaya ?

It’s early days, but the future looks incredibly bright. He’ll continue training at the Blackburn Youth Academy, honing his skills and gaining experience. More WDF events will surely follow, and a move into the professional ranks could be on the cards within a few years—if not sooner.

The comparisons with Littler are inevitable, but Kaya seems unbothered. He’s forging his own path, his own legacy, and doing it with the kind of humility and focus that champions are built from.

Whether it’s at youth tournaments, on senior stages, or eventually under the bright lights of PDC majors, you can expect to see Kaya Baysal’s name again and again in the coming years.

And if the Budapest Classic is any indication, this is only the beginning.