Promoter Barry Hearn lauds Luke Littler as a transformative force in darts, claiming the young talent has elevated the sport to mainstream status but insists he won’t dominate the game like Phil Taylor did.
Littler catapulted to fame with an impressive run to the finals of the PDC World Darts Championship earlier this year. Starting outside the top 100 rankings, the junior and world youth champion triumphed over established competitors like Brendan Dolan, Raymond van Barneveld, and Rob Cross, ultimately reaching the final at Alexandra Palace, where he narrowly missed victory against Luke Humphries.
Known as “The Nuke,” Littler has since captured World Series titles in Bahrain and Poland, along with European Tour victories in Austria and Belgium. His remarkable journey continued as he was named a wild card for the Premier League this season. Despite challenging odds, he emerged victorious in his debut, taking home the £275,000 top prize.
Hearn highlighted the skepticism surrounding Littler’s inclusion in the Premier League, noting the potential pressure of performing in front of thousands of fans over multiple weeks. However, Hearn emphasized the importance of talent over age, stating, “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.” The decision to elevate Littler has undeniably paid off, with Hearn describing him as a humble athlete whose extraordinary skills are set to inspire a new generation of players.
With the current level of competition in darts, Hearn believes that while Littler won’t monopolize the sport, he is poised for multiple successes. He asserts, “The strength and talent in darts today are attracting a diverse array of players, making the sport more compelling than ever.”
Looking ahead, the upcoming BoyleSports World Grand Prix, with a prize fund of £600,000, is set to take place at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester from October 7-13. Esteemed players, including defending champion Luke Humphries and six-time winner Michael van Gerwen, will compete, while Littler is anticipated to make his debut in this prestigious tournament format.
As the world of darts continues to evolve, experts are eager to see how Littler’s career unfolds and the lasting impact he may have on the sport’s growth and popularity.
