In the ever-evolving world of darts, where precision meets passion, a fresh storyline is unfolding that blends the thrill of professional competition with the charisma of social media stardom. At the center of it all is Luke Littler, the two-time world champion who has taken the sport by storm since bursting onto the scene just two years ago. Now, he’s weighing in on his close friend Morgan Burtwistle—better known to his massive online following as Angry Ginge—and the streamer’s bold ambition to dip his toes into the professional darts arena through Qualifying School, or Q School as it’s commonly called.
Littler, who has already etched his name into darts history by clinching 10 PDC televised majors at such a young age, isn’t one to mince words. As he approaches his 19th birthday, the world No. 1 has delivered a candid verdict on Angry Ginge’s chances of turning pro. The young prodigy insists that his mate must follow through on his recent vow to enter Q School next year, warning that backing out now could earn him some unflattering labels from fans and peers alike. “If he doesn’t do it now, then, yeah, you know the word what he is… I think he should do it,” Littler remarked, his tone mixing encouragement with a playful challenge.
For those unfamiliar with Angry Ginge, he’s a 24-year-old from Manchester who’s built an empire in the digital space. Under the handle angryginge13, he creates engaging football-related content that resonates with nearly a million subscribers on YouTube. His popularity skyrocketed last month when he emerged victorious as the King of the Jungle on a hit ITV reality show, showcasing his quick wit and competitive spirit to a broader audience. But darts has always held a special place in his heart. As a devoted fan, he’s become a familiar face at London’s Alexandra Palace—affectionately known as Ally Pally—cheering on Littler during high-stakes matches. Their friendship has grown strong, with Ginge often spotted in the crowd, adding to the electric atmosphere that surrounds The Nuke, Littler’s explosive nickname.
The idea of Angry Ginge stepping onto the oche professionally stemmed from a casual revelation in one of his YouTube videos. He floated the possibility of entering Q School in January 2027, not with delusions of immediate glory, but as a way to test his mettle under pressure. “I might go to Q-School next year. Not to win, because I know I won’t win. Just to see what it’s like. The more pressure you’re under, the more you get used to it,” he explained. It’s a sentiment that captures the essence of darts: a game where mental fortitude can be as crucial as a steady hand.
Q School itself is no walk in the park. Held annually in Milton Keynes, this week-long qualifying event is the gateway for aspiring pros to earn a coveted PDC Tour Card, granting access to the elite ranks of the Professional Darts Corporation. Entrants pay a fee of £475 plus VAT, and the competition is fierce, drawing hopefuls from all walks of life who dream of joining stars like Littler on the circuit. Success here means stepping into a world of televised tournaments, global travel, and the chance to compete for substantial prize money. For someone like Angry Ginge, whose background is in streaming rather than years of pub leagues or youth academies, the odds might seem long. Yet, Littler sees potential, albeit tempered by realism. “I have not spoken to him. He can throw a dart here or there. If he gets the luck of the draw at that first stage of Q School, then he could potentially win a game there,” Littler said, acknowledging that a favorable bracket could give his friend a fighting chance in the early rounds.
This crossover appeal isn’t entirely new to darts, a sport that’s seen its popularity explode in recent years thanks to charismatic figures and high-profile events. Littler’s own meteoric rise—from a teenage sensation to a dominant force—has drawn in younger audiences, blending traditional pub culture with modern entertainment. Angry Ginge’s involvement could amplify that, bringing his legion of online followers into the fold and injecting fresh energy into the game. Imagine the scenes: Ginge trading his streaming setup for the stage, with Littler perhaps reversing roles and showing up to support him. It’s the kind of narrative that could captivate both darts purists and casual viewers, much like how celebrity exhibitions have boosted other sports.
However, Littler draws a firm line when it comes to offering personal guidance. Despite their friendship, he’s adamant about not providing coaching or tips. “I mean not only Angry Ginge, but so many people contact me, message me for tips, on how to get better. And you are asking the wrong guy. I can’t help you. I just go up there and do my thing. Maybe go and ask one of the older darts players. But for myself, I just throw my darts,” he stated plainly. It’s a pragmatic stance from someone who’s fielded countless requests since his breakthrough. Littler’s approach to the game is instinctive, honed through natural talent rather than rote instruction, and he encourages seekers of advice to turn to veterans of the circuit instead.
As the darts calendar marches on, with events like the Saudi Arabia Masters keeping fans on the edge of their seats, this budding subplot adds an extra layer of intrigue. Will Angry Ginge commit to the challenge, paying the entry fee and facing off against seasoned competitors? Or will it remain a fun hypothetical in his videos? Littler’s endorsement—or gentle prodding—might just be the push needed. In a sport where underdogs can become legends overnight, Angry Ginge’s journey could inspire a new wave of enthusiasts to pick up arrows and aim for the bullseye. Whether he succeeds or not, the mere prospect highlights how darts continues to evolve, welcoming diverse talents and keeping the oche alive with unexpected twists. For now, the darts community watches with bated breath, eager to see if this online sensation can translate his virtual victories into real-world tungsten triumphs.
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