Luke Littler, a 17-year-old from Britain, has recently made headlines by winning the world darts championship after defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final. This victory has crowned him as the youngest ever world champion in the sport. Littler’s journey in darts began at a very young age, as he threw his first dart at 18 months old onto a magnetic board. By the age of 4 or 5, he transitioned to throwing steel tip darts and started competing from a young age. His talent and dedication led him to win his first senior title at the Irish Open when he was just 14 years old in 2021.
Littler gained international recognition when he reached the final of last year’s world championship at the age of 16, attracting a new wave of followers to the sport. Despite chants from the crowd reminding him of his school obligations, Littler persevered and defeated two former world champions to reach the title match, where he ultimately lost to Luke Humphries. He celebrated his victories with kebabs and enjoyed his downtime playing video games. This breakthrough performance paved the way for Littler’s rise in the darts world.
As a result of his success, Littler’s earnings have soared, with his runner-up finish at the world championship securing him 200,000 pounds ($255,000) and his total prize money for 2024 exceeding 1 million pounds ($1.28 million) after winning various tournaments globally. Additionally, he climbed to No. 4 in the world rankings, establishing himself as a formidable opponent in the darts community. Littler’s achievements have solidified his status as a rising star in the sport.
Luke Littler’s popularity extends beyond the world of darts, as he was announced as Britain’s most-searched athlete in 2024 by Google. Surpassing well-known figures such as Kate Middleton, Donald Trump, and King Charles, Littler’s online presence has skyrocketed, with 1.5 million followers on Instagram compared to 4,000 before last year’s world championship. His influence has sparked a surge in interest in darts among young players, leading to a doubling in the number of academies for children under 16 in the past year, with locations ranging from Bulgaria to Mongolia.
The “Littler effect,” as coined by Steve Brown, chairman of the Junior Darts Corporation, has significantly impacted the growth of darts among youth, with membership numbers increasing from 1,600 to over 3,000 in the past year. The rise of academies and interest in the sport among children under 16 reflects Littler’s ability to inspire the next generation of darts players. Despite his newfound fame and success, Littler remains grounded and continues to reside with his parents in Warrington, northwest England. As a Manchester United fan, he received a message of support from football legend David Beckham during the 2024 world championship, further solidifying his status as a sporting sensation on and off the darts board.
