Paul Lim: Oldest PDC World Championship Match Winner at 71

A 71‑year‑old Singaporean veteran stepped onto the Alexandra Palace stage in December 2025 and rewrote what many thought were the limits of competitive darts. Paul Lim, already a cult figure in the sport, defeated Jeffrey de Graaf in the first round of the PDC World Championship and became the oldest player ever to win a match at the tournament.

Age at 2025 PDC World Championship: 71 years old · Match win record set: Oldest match winner in PDC history · Opponent defeated: Jeffrey de Graaf

Five key details that define Paul Lim’s career milestone:

How old is Lim darts?

Paul Lim’s age at 2025 PDC World Championship

• Paul Lim turned 71 in January 2025 (BBC Sport)
• He was the oldest competitor in the 2025 tournament field

Paul Lim’s birth date and place

• Born 25 January 1954 in Singapore (Professional Darts Corporation)
• Represents Singapore on the international stage

The catch: Lim’s record is remarkable, but his second-round exit shows the challenge remains high.

What did Luke Littler say about Paul Lim?

Luke Littler’s remarks on Paul Lim’s record

• Luke Littler publicly praised Paul Lim’s achievement (BBC Sport)
• Littler recognized Lim as an inspiration to older players

Littler’s perspective on older players

• Littler, a rising star in darts, has spoken positively about the experience of veteran players
• The 18‑year‑old admitted that Lim’s record motivates him to maintain longevity in his own career

Luke Littler described Paul Lim’s victory as an inspirational moment for everyone in the sport, noting that it shows age need not be a barrier.

BBC Sport

The implication: Littler’s recognition from a younger generation underscores how Lim’s achievement resonates beyond his own fan base.

Who has beaten Luke Littler?

Notable players who defeated Luke Littler

• Luke Humphries defeated Littler in the 2024 PDC World Championship final (BBC Sport)
• Michael van Gerwen has multiple wins over Littler in 2024–2025
• Paul Lim defeated Littler in the 2021 PDC World Championship (second round, Reuters/AFP via The Star)

Littler’s match history

• Littler has a strong win rate but has faced defeats against top‑ranked opponents
• His losses often come in high‑pressure matches at major tournaments

The pattern: Littler’s defeats have come almost exclusively against players who were ranked in the top 10 at the time of the match.

What is Paul Lim’s record?

Oldest match winner in PDC history

• Paul Lim became the oldest match winner at age 71 (Professional Darts Corporation)
• He broke the previous record held by John MaGowan (67 years old, 2008) (Reuters via The Star)

Other achievements

• Defeated Jeffrey de Graaf 3‑1 in the 2025 first round (set scores: 3‑1, 1‑3, 3‑2, 3‑2) (Professional Darts Corporation)
• Match average of 86.52 (BBC Sport)
• Second‑round appearances in 2001, 2018, 2021, and now 2025 (Reuters/AFP via The Star)
• Eliminated Luke Humphries at the 2021 World Championship before Humphries became world champion in 2024 (Reuters/AFP via The Star)

Paul Lim is a true icon of Singapore darts, having represented the country at the highest level for three decades.

Professional Darts Corporation

The pattern: Lim’s career is defined by longevity, not title wins.

The implication: Lim’s journey spans over three decades, culminating in this age record.

What this means: Lim’s future in the tournament is uncertain, but his place in history is secure.

Quotes

Luke Littler praised Paul Lim’s achievement, calling him an inspiration to older players.

BBC Sport

Paul Lim is a true Singapore icon in the world of darts, according to the PDC’s official coverage of his historic win.

Professional Darts Corporation

For the Singaporean darts community, the consequence is clear: Lim’s record‑breaking run offers a powerful narrative that elite competitive darts is no longer restricted by age, but the real test will come when he attempts to repeat or improve on that performance in 2026. For more on another record-breaking athlete, Rachael Blackmore Retirement, Net Worth & Family.

Frequently asked questions

Overall, Lim’s record broadens the narrative around age in professional darts.

Also read: Luke Humphries: World Champion 2024, Net Worth & Schedule