The world of darts has experienced a new wave of popularity in recent years, largely due to the talent and determination of rising star Luke Littler. At just 16, Littler broke onto the scene during the World Darts Championship, making a stunning run to the finals and quickly becoming a fan favorite. His young age and raw talent brought fresh excitement to the sport, propelling him into the media spotlight and making him a household name among darts enthusiasts. However, this rapid rise has also come with significant challenges, leading former darts professional Chris Mason to express serious concerns about the toll that intense media scrutiny could take on Littler’s career.
Mason, who has witnessed the highs and lows of the sport, recently criticized what he perceives as excessive media coverage and harsh commentary surrounding Littler’s performances. He worries that the constant pressure and criticism could push the 17-year-old out of the game within just five years if it continues unchecked. Littler’s story is one of remarkable early achievement, with a promising trajectory in professional darts. However, Mason warns that without a collective effort to protect the young talent, Littler’s enthusiasm for the sport could be eroded, just as it was for seasoned players like Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson, who have publicly voiced frustration over the intense spotlight and its impact on their mental well-being.
Reflecting on Littler’s rise, Mason noted how quickly the media turned its focus to the young player’s journey. His appearances on the ProTour and impressive five wins in the Players Championship and European Tour were widely covered, casting a brighter spotlight on Littler than most players experience early in their careers. The teenager’s success has positioned him well in the global rankings, but despite these achievements, recent struggles in major tournaments have prompted a wave of critical commentary that Mason believes is unwarranted and potentially damaging.
Littler’s recent form has shown signs of inconsistency, particularly in high-stakes tournaments where he’s faltered in the early rounds. In July, he faced an unexpected defeat in the first round of the World Matchplay, followed by early exits in the World Grand Prix and European Championship. These losses have only intensified media scrutiny, with some questioning whether Littler has the resilience to handle the pressures of top-level competition. However, Mason believes that these setbacks should be seen as part of the natural progression of a young athlete rather than reasons for doubt or harsh critique. He feels the media’s focus on Littler’s recent struggles ignores his youth and the impressive achievements he has already amassed in a short period.
Mason argues that the narrative around Littler should shift toward supporting his development, rather than highlighting every misstep. “All of us have got a duty of care,” he told *Online Darts*. “You’ve got to protect him. I don’t want to see him like Gezzy [Gerwyn Price] or Gary [Anderson] almost disillusioned with the sport.” He points to Price and Anderson, seasoned players who have both voiced discontent with the weight of expectations placed on them, suggesting that similar pressure on Littler could stifle his love for the game and ultimately cut short a promising career.
For Mason, the media’s relentless analysis of every match can lead to unnecessary stress for young players, particularly when they are still learning to navigate the world of professional sports. “Three first-round exits in the last three big ranking tournaments—what’s going on?” Mason questioned. “Is there something wrong? Is he struggling mentally with it? Imagine how he feels seeing some of that s****e written about him.”
The former pro also criticized the invasive nature of some media coverage, which at times extends beyond Littler’s performances on the darts circuit. He points out that personal matters, such as Littler’s relationships or life outside of darts, are often speculated on, which he believes is unwarranted. “Why are people interested anyway?” Mason remarked, emphasizing that the young player’s personal life should remain off-limits.
Mason’s plea for a more compassionate approach is rooted in his admiration for Littler’s accomplishments and his belief in the young star’s potential to reshape the darts scene. “What he’s achieved already is unreal,” Mason said, underscoring Littler’s talent and dedication. The former pro’s words echo a broader concern within sports about the impact of relentless media scrutiny on young athletes, who often lack the resources and experience to cope with such pressures early in their careers.
With the Grand Slam of Darts on the horizon, Littler will soon have another opportunity to prove himself against the best in the game. The tournament will feature notable competitors, including Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, and Michael Smith, and fans are eager to see if Littler can return to top form and make a deep run. As Mason noted, Littler’s talent has already set him apart, and the upcoming competition could allow him to climb even higher in the rankings. However, Mason’s remarks serve as a reminder that Littler’s journey is not just about wins and losses; it’s about nurturing a young talent who still has much to offer the sport.
In many ways, Littler’s career represents a pivotal moment for the world of darts, a chance to rethink the role of media in shaping the careers of emerging stars. As Mason calls on fans, media outlets, and the broader darts community to exercise “duty of care,” his message emphasizes the importance of support over spectacle, of encouragement over relentless critique. For Littler and other young players, this approach could make all the difference, allowing them to thrive in a sport that can be as challenging as it is rewarding.
In the meantime, Littler remains focused on his game, determined to rise above the noise and fulfill his potential. As fans and fellow players rally around him, the hope is that Littler’s love for darts will remain as unwavering as his talent, paving the way for a career defined not by pressure and burnout, but by passion and achievement.