Luke Littler, at 17-years-old, created history as he strolled off stage at the final of the World Darts Championship. 3,000 fans plus millions more at home witnessed his spectacular play, not only executed with dispassionate ease and flamboyant style, but also with unrestrained relish. Darts finals have seen winners before but nothing like the flamboyance displayed by Littler. Despite being under the legal age for alcohol consumption, Littler’s larger-than-life persona and audacious skills are trailblazing for a sport that finds its roots in pubs.
Similar to revered sportspersons like Pele and Serena Williams, Littler achieved one of the grandest prizes in sports as a teenager. This remarkable feat has pushed the game of darts, considered a traditional pub game, towards mainstream sports in the UK. Sky Sports reported a substantial increase in viewership for darts tournaments in 2024. Decoding Littler’s magic at the game, it surely stems from playing darts since his childhood, coupled with relentless diligence and hard work.
Littler’s command over the game along with a mental resilience fostered from his defeat at the previous championship gave him an upper hand in the magnificent finale. He led 4-0 against Michael van Gerwen, a three-time champion, demonstrating superior skill and control over the game. With his nonchalant shrugs at missed shots and frequent attempts for the biggest outshot in darts, he was not just playing to win, but to leave a mark of excellence in the history of the sport.
In the World Darts Championship, Littler superseded Van Gerwen’s record as the youngest darts world champion. Van Gerwen, the holder of 157 PDC titles, was once the youngest world champion himself. The nerve-racking finale and a crowd mad with anticipation and excitement saw a symbolic passing of the championship baton to the younger generation of darts players. Littler did not waver under the mounting pressure from the spectacular competition, but kept his opponent at bay with a steady stream of trebles and tons.
Littler’s impeccable performance during the tournament echoed his previous outstanding shows that escalated him from 164th to 4th world ranking in a year. Despite the fast-paced increase in wealth, popularity, exposure, and fame, Littler maintained his focus on the game instead of getting distracted by his celebrity status. Whether it was winning 10 PDC titles or hitting four perfect nine-darters, his impressive track record spoke for his dedication towards darts. His casual approach to the game, just as a 17-year-old having fun on the stage, coupled with his exceptional skill of silencing the stress of competition, makes him a spectacle to watch on stage.
What is the future of this young millionaire world champion? For Littler, he just wants to add more victories to his portfolio. In his words, “If I want the 16 (Taylor’s record of world titles), then I’m sure I could possibly achieve it.” From throwing darts as an 18-month-old toddler to being an internationally acclaimed champion, his journey is a testament to the heights one can achieve with relentless dedication and passion for the game.
