Luke Littler has solidified his place in the annals of darts history by becoming the youngest champion ever at just 17 years old, and he’s got some serious backing from none other than Phil Taylor, the legend himself. Littler achieved this remarkable feat by defeating three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace, delivering a performance packed with high-caliber darts and raw emotion. The impressive victory not only earned Littler the prestigious title but also came with a hefty £500,000 prize.
It’s been quite the astonishing rise for Littler, who now has 11 titles to his name and sits second on the world rankings. Taylor, who is often hailed as the greatest darts player ever, sees immense potential in Littler. He believes the young star is fully capable of surpassing his own record of 16 world championships, particularly since he started his professional career at such a tender age.
Reflecting on his own career, Taylor, who didn’t claim his first world title until he was nearly 30, emphasized the advantages of Littler’s early start. He stated, “It’s entirely up to Luke how long he plays, how dedicated he remains and how many titles he wins. For now, just let the kid play. He’s brilliant and just 17 years old.”
During his discussions with the media, Taylor shared some valuable advice for Littler, stressing the importance of comfort and preparation, which he believes are key to maintaining peak performance. “If I could give him one piece of advice, it wouldn’t be anything to do with his darts. I would tell him shoes. If you’re not standing comfortably on the oche, you’re not going to hit a target the size of your little fingernail, so make sure your shoes fit perfectly and take two or three pairs with you everywhere,” he advised.
Taylor also highlighted the significance of proper rest, bringing attention to how fatigue can severely impact performance. “Make sure you get enough rest. I still take a mattress topper with me everywhere I go because some hotel beds are like sleeping in the middle of the road. Your darts won’t go where you want them to land if you are bleary-eyed after a restless night,” he added.
With Littler’s extraordinary achievements drawing international attention, he found himself celebrating not only with his family but also with messages of congratulations from luminaries, including football star David Beckham. It’s no wonder the teen darts sensation feels a bit overwhelmed by his newfound fame. “If I want the 16 titles, then I’m sure I could achieve it,” Littler expressed, indicating he is realistic about the challenges he will face as he continues on this demanding path.
On top of his world championship triumph, Littler is now set to defend his title at the Bahrain Darts Masters on January 16, eager to cement his status and prove his incredible run was no mere fluke. He relayed excitement about his upcoming matches: “I didn’t know too much about Bahrain, but to win the first title of 2024 was to say, ‘I’m here on the World Series’ and to declare the World Championship wasn’t just luck.”
Looking toward the future, Littler is also preparing for the World Cup of Darts, where he is expected to represent England alongside fellow top-ranked player Luke Humphries. This opportunity is particularly exciting for Littler, who noted, “Last year people didn’t know it was based on your ranking and everyone was asking, ‘Why is Luke Littler not in it?’ But now I can’t wait to represent my country.”
Despite the weight of expectations resting heavily on his shoulders following his historic win, Littler maintains his focus on enjoying the game and growing as both a player and as a young adult. He commented, “I just want to try and win as many titles as I can this year. I won 10 last year. I’ve started the year off with one. But just try and add on to the successes.” Littler’s confidence and ambition signal he is more than ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities awaiting him.
Phil Taylor, who is still involved with the world of darts and remains close to Littler’s family, commented on the changing dynamics of the sport, noting the fearlessness of younger players like Littler. “Youngsters now are fearless, almost disrespectful. They don’t care who you are or what you've done. They are there to be beaten,” he said, contrasting the current generation with previous years where established champions like himself would instill fear among their opponents.
With many eyes now set on his career, there’s no denying Luke Littler is on the fast track to becoming not just another champion but possibly one of the greatest to ever play the game. The darts world will undoubtedly be watching as he continues to carve his path, and if Taylor's predictions are accurate, there may be many more records to come from this young phenomenon.