With the World Darts Championship about to kick off at Alexandra Palace later this month, all eyes are on Luke Littler, the 17-year-old sensation who took the darting world by storm last year. His remarkable debut saw him not only reach the finals but become one of the most exciting young talents the sport has ever seen. This year, he’s back at the iconic venue, now as the bookmaker's favorite, hoping to carry his impressive run even farther.
Littler's whirlwind success story began just over twelve months ago with his stunning performance at the last World Darts Championship, where he captivated audiences by making it to the final, showcasing his immense skill and poise. This year, the spotlight is even brighter on him, following ten significant title wins, including the Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts. His victory lap this past year has been nothing short of incredible, marking him as not just another competitor, but potentially the future of darts.
There is no denying the mark Littler has left on the sport, as his 2024 performances have brought darts to the attention of younger audiences. This sudden surge reflects his ability to connect with fans, especially the youth, leading to skyrocketing viewership figures. He mentioned, “Ever since the final, everyone has seen a young lad doing well so they have gone and bought their kids everything to try and be me.” He takes pride not just in his win, but also as a role model for aspiring young dart players across the globe. With over 1.3 million followers on Instagram – more than some established players like Michael van Gerwen – his popularity is undeniably rising.
Admittedly, Littler understands the weight of his influence and the responsibility it carries. “It’s good because darts was big, but since I’ve come along, it’s got even bigger.” He hopes his success opens doors for even more young talents to enter the sport, igniting their passion the same way he fell for it. The 17-year-old has seen his life transformed, experiencing media engagements such as appearing on the rebooted Bullseye and participating in various entertainment shows. It's been overwhelming, as he remarked, “It’s been crazy, the ride I have been on.” Yet, he remains focused on the task at hand, stating, “I’m going to be here for many years, but my full focus is on the next tournament and trying to win the World Championship.”
Looking at this year's competition, Littler will have to navigate through some formidable opponents, including reigning champion Luke Humphries. Humphries, who is 29, might find himself overshadowed by Littler's rise but shouldn't be underestimated—he's the defending champion after all. The rivalry between Littler and Humphries has blossomed, setting the stage for captivating matches. With Humphries already having the experience of finishing at the top, it’s going to be interesting to see how Littler handles the pressure this time around.
Another seasoned contender worth mentioning is Michael van Gerwen, the Dutch ace who has at various points dominated the sport. Though he hasn’t seen the same success recently, failing to secure major titles has left him seeking redemption. Van Gerwen’s unwavering confidence keeps him firmly at the forefront, with the belief, “the cream always rises to the top.” This experience could be pivotal during this high-stakes tournament.
Gary Anderson, another seasoned player, adds to the competition with his own resurgence. The two-time world champion has not only returned to form but performed some of his best darts recently. His current challenge lies in maintaining the required energy across matches, especially at 53 years old. If he finds his rhythm, he is assuredly one to watch.
Then there's Gian van Veen, last year’s junior winner, who faces the not-so-luxury of obscurity. Now 22 and with hands-on experience, he moves through the circuit more equipped than he ever was. With his quarter-final success at the Grand Slam of Darts under his belt, he’s one participant nobody wants to encounter.
The upcoming championship is not just about the title; it’s about the legacy. Luke Littler stands at the forefront, firing up the next generation of players and revamping darts for mainstream audiences. Whether he emerges with the championship trophy or not, he's sure to leave his mark. The world will be watching closely from December 21 when his campaign begins, as he faces either Ryan Meikle or Fallon Sherrock—an encounter eagerly anticipated, setting the stage for what promises to be another electrifying chapter for this prodigious young talent.
