Luke Littler defends his world title at just 18 years old, and in fascinating fashion. The prodigy is elevating the sport to immeasurable heights – but this also brings problems.
The shocking thing about his title defense, however, is that Littler at times seemed almost bored. Because winning is hardly enough anymore; he sets different standards.
Darts World Championship: Is Luke Littler Breaking All Records?
In the end, he achieved the highest double percentage a world champion has ever played throughout the entire tournament. Only four lost sets in seven games. And the Ballon d’Art for the most 180s, naturally, also goes into Littler’s hands with 73 throws.
Not even the combination of his opponents’ playing strength and the overwhelming pressure of expectation seems to be a match for the wonderkid. Littler could play no more games until October 4th – and would still be the world number one. It is an almost incredible dominance.
Even Luke Humphries stood outside the players’ hotel in London’s Islington district at night after his lost quarter-final and told me: “It’s over now. Nobody can beat him.”
Even van Veen could only show respect. These are, mind you, the world number two and now number three.
And precisely therein lies the problem: Littler is a blessing for the sport. And at the same time, a problem.
Littler Elevates Darts to New Spheres
Because it’s clear: Littler is propelling the sport to immeasurable heights.
In February, SkyUK and the PDC signed a new TV contract for six major tournaments over five years, with a financial volume likely around 125 million pounds. PDC veteran Barry Hearn aims to be able to pay the world champion ten million pounds in ten years.
He is shifting the sport into the mainstream and is no longer known just as a darts player. Not just as an athlete, either. But rather as a personality.
Littler Clashes with Fans at Ally Pally
But this is also the sticking point. How should an 18-year-old deal with this fame? Hints of arrogance are not far off.
Littler sometimes made media representatives wait at press conferences to finish his mobile game. It’s not always the “fine English manner.”
Father Anthony, Mother Lisa, and girlfriend Faith constantly try to keep him grounded, to dim the immense, shining spotlight on him. But sometimes that is simply no longer possible.
Luke Littler is a global star. Therefore, the only appeal is: Please don’t destroy this exceptional phenomenon!