Burnley-born Kaya Baysal has taken the sport by storm, becoming the youngest ever winner of a World Darts Federation (WDF) men’s title after a stunning run at the 2025 Budapest Classic. At just 14 years old, the rising star has officially beaten Luke Littler’s age-related record, set back in 2021.
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Who is Kaya Baysal?
Kaya, who only picked up the game seriously 18 months ago, has quickly turned heads with his fearless approach and rapid rise. According to the WDF, he was 13 days younger than Littler when the latter won the Irish Open in 2021.
Managed by coach Keith Brunt, there’s serious belief behind the scenes that Kaya could go all the way — just like Littler, who became the youngest-ever World Darts Champion earlier this year at 18.
“He has a lot of work to do, but who knows,” said Brunt, clearly impressed by the youngster’s natural talent.
Giant Slayer
Kaya didn’t just scrape to victory — he steamrolled through the competition. He took down reigning Budapest Classic champion Sybren Gijbels 5-2 in the final, having already dispatched former PDC tour pro Krzysztof Kciuk 4-1 in the semis.
And if that wasn’t enough, he also scooped up two youth titles — the Youth Open and the Youth Masters — while reaching the semi-finals in the pairs alongside fellow Blackburn Youth Darts Academy talent Joseph Westby, 15.
Humble Hero
Despite making history, Kaya’s keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
“It was a great experience. I played some good darts against some good players,” said the Burnley FC supporter, who counts Joe Cullen as his darting idol.
“I’ve got lots more hard work to do.”
Future Star?
WDF Secretary-General Nick Rolls summed it up perfectly:
“Everyone was blown away. His performances proved that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”
With his eyes back on the practice board, Kaya Baysal is already shaping up to be darts’ next teenage trailblazer.