At just 18 years old, Luke Littler has taken the darts world by storm, cementing his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars with a remarkable Triple Crown achievement. Within a breathtaking 15-month span, the young Englishman clinched the World Championship, the World Matchplay, and the Grand Slam of Darts, a feat that has led many to hail him as the best player on the planet. Yet, despite his dominance and a staggering 14 titles in 2025 alone, Littler remains at No. 2 in the PDC Order of Merit, trailing behind Michael van Gerwen. The question on every darts fan’s mind is: why hasn’t this prodigy claimed the top spot?
Littler’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. His journey began with a sensational run to the World Championship final in 2024, where, as a 16-year-old, he captured global attention before falling to Luke Humphries. Fast forward to 2025, and Littler avenged that loss, defeating Humphries to secure his first World Championship title at Alexandra Palace. “It’s been a dream to play on that stage, let alone win it,” Littler said, reflecting on his triumph. His victory at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, where he outclassed Michael Smith in a thrilling final, and his commanding performance at the Grand Slam of Darts further showcased his extraordinary talent. “I just try to keep level-headed and play my game,” Littler remarked after his Matchplay win, a mindset that has fueled his relentless pursuit of silverware.
Despite these accolades, the PDC Order of Merit, which determines the world rankings, operates on a two-year rolling prize money system, and this structure is the key to Littler’s No. 2 position. Michael van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, has accumulated £1,149,250 in prize money over the past two years, edging out Littler’s £1,123,500 by a mere £25,750. Van Gerwen’s consistency in major tournaments, including his 2023 Premier League title and multiple Players Championship wins, has kept him ahead, even as Littler’s star power and match-winning prowess dominate headlines. “I’m not thinking about the rankings; I’m just playing my darts,” Littler said, shrugging off the No. 1 debate with characteristic nonchalance.
Littler’s 2025 season has been a masterclass in precision and resilience. His 14 titles include three Players Championship events, a Bahrain Darts Masters crown, and a historic nine-darter at the Masters, making him the youngest player to achieve a televised nine-darter. His average of 103.17 at the Grand Slam of Darts underscored his ability to perform under pressure, while his £315,000 prize from the World Championship—where he also won the Sid Waddell Trophy—bolstered his earnings. Yet, the Order of Merit’s two-year cycle means Littler’s earlier career, when he was still cutting his teeth as a professional, limits his total compared to van Gerwen’s sustained success.
The darts community is abuzz with speculation about when Littler will ascend to No. 1. His rapid accumulation of prize money suggests he could overtake van Gerwen by early 2026, especially with high-stakes events like the Premier League on the horizon. Littler’s ability to handle the spotlight, honed through his teenage years under intense scrutiny, has drawn praise from peers. “He’s a phenomenal talent, and he’s only going to get better,” Humphries noted after their World Championship clash. Littler’s off-stage persona—marked by his love for video games and kebabs—adds a relatable charm, endearing him to fans who see him as both a superstar and an everyman.
However, challenges remain. Van Gerwen’s experience and knack for peaking in televised events make him a formidable barrier. Littler’s loss to Nathan Aspinall in the World Matchplay quarterfinals earlier this year highlighted the fine margins in elite darts, where a single off-day can cost crucial ranking points. “You can’t win them all, but I’ll keep pushing,” Littler said, displaying the maturity that has defined his rapid rise. His next opportunity to close the gap comes at the Players Championship Finals, where another title could further erode van Gerwen’s lead.
Littler’s Triple Crown achievement places him among darts’ all-time greats, yet the No. 1 ranking remains elusive—for now. As he continues to rewrite records and captivate audiences, the darts world watches eagerly, knowing that the top spot is not a question of if, but when.
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