Something that has stood out since Littler's rise to fame is his confidence even in the most stressful moments, and that was more evident than ever in his second world final.
While Ally Pally was at a fever pitch in the moments before kick-off, Littler was a symbol of calm.
There was neither frenetic energy nor desire to get on stage and continue as he stopped and shook hands with a number of fans wearing his shirt, before finally walking up the stairs towards the Uchi.
But remarkably, the new world number two seemed more relaxed once the competition began.
A breakaway layup in the first leg – which sent the crowd roaring – no doubt helped, but the manner in which he proceeded to outmaneuver Van Gerwen in the first four sets was nothing short of astonishing.
“Tonight and throughout the tournament, I just needed a fast start,” Littler told Sky Sports.
“Earlier today, I watched the whole match against Luke (Humphries, in last year’s final) and I had visions.”
Whatever those visions were, even in his wildest dreams, he never expected to get off to such a hot start and find himself up 4-0 after losing just three games.
It's often said that younger athletes don't have the same fear that can hold their older counterparts back, but the trade-off is supposed to be recklessness that leads to mistakes, or at least a degree of inconsistency.
But there was none of that. His scoring was as relentless as ever and for a while it seemed like he simply couldn't miss his favorite 10.
Instead of the cocky young man, the 35-year-old former champion and sporting legend was under pressure to make costly mistakes.
Van Gerwen's disbelief at what was happening was matched only by the audience, who quickly realized that they might not get to see an exciting film but that a masterclass could be just as entertaining.
Three-time world champion John Bart said: “It's like a cat playing with a mouse by Luke Littler, making (Michael van Gerwen) think he's okay and then doing a 180 and getting to the end first.” Sky Sports.
“This is cruel stuff.”