Luke Littler is still coming to terms with the idea that there are people who believe he could one day break the legendary Phil Taylor’s incredible records in the world of darts. The 17-year-old sensation has had one of the most remarkable debut seasons as a professional, already claiming an impressive 10 senior titles and earning comparisons to the sport’s greatest players. His meteoric rise in the darts world has been nothing short of extraordinary, and with every victory, the belief in his potential continues to grow.
Littler’s incredible run reached new heights just last week when he added the prestigious Grand Slam of Darts title to his growing collection of accolades. His triumph was emphatic, showcasing both his maturity and immense talent in a high-pressure competition. But Littler’s success hasn’t been a fluke—he has continued to maintain that elite level of performance, carrying his impressive form into the Players Championship Finals this week.
The young star was handed a tricky draw for his opening match in the Championship Finals, facing none other than world No. 4 Rob Cross, the 2018 World Champion. The high stakes of the first round seemed to only fuel Littler’s fire, as he and Cross put on a display of dartsmanship that was nothing short of top-tier. Cross, known for his consistency and precision, averaged over 100, which was the seventh-highest average of any player in the opening round. However, it was Littler who stole the show. The teenager found his top gear and delivered an astonishing average of 112.73, coupled with an impressive 60% double percentage. It was a performance that left spectators in awe, with Littler emerging victorious and proving that he is more than capable of holding his own against some of the best in the game.
The attention surrounding Littler continues to intensify as he increasingly becomes one of the sport’s rising stars. The young Englishman has now gone on an eight-game winning streak dating back to October, and many pundits are now tipping him to lift the Players Championship Finals trophy, a prediction that no longer seems out of reach given his recent form. Littler’s consistency, composure, and ability to deliver in the big moments have caught the eye of many, and the comparisons to darts legends like Taylor are growing louder with each passing tournament. Taylor himself has even acknowledged the possibility that Littler could one day eclipse his own monumental achievements.
For Littler, the idea of challenging Taylor’s iconic records, including his 16 World Championships and his numerous World Matchplay titles, is both humbling and surreal. The teenager admitted that it’s “crazy” to think that people are already backing him to achieve such greatness, yet he remains focused on his journey and the task at hand. “It’s what the people think,” Littler told Online Darts when asked about the growing belief that he could one day dominate darts like Taylor did in his prime. “Obviously, recent performances show I should be a favourite, but I’ve just got to focus on the darts.”
The pressure of such expectations could easily overwhelm most players, especially someone so young, but Littler has handled the spotlight with remarkable poise. He acknowledges the enormity of Taylor’s legacy, but his mindset remains grounded. “It’s crazy to think about trying to beat Phil Taylor’s records of 16 World titles, the World Matchplay’s he has won as well,” Littler continued. “But I guess I’ll just have to keep on going for years and years.” That level of maturity and determination is a clear sign that Littler is not only capable of becoming one of the sport’s greats, but that he is also in it for the long haul. He knows the road to greatness will be long and challenging, but he is more than willing to put in the work required.
In his first round match against Cross, Littler sent a powerful message to the rest of the darts world. The level of performance he displayed was not just a statement of his skill but also a declaration that he is here to stay. “The players certainly don’t show it, but that first game of the Grand Slam I set a real statement saying I’m here to win,” Littler reflected after his victory. “I’m just very happy to get off the mark again in round one.” The ability to start a major tournament with such confidence is a rare trait in any player, especially one as young as Littler, and it speaks volumes about his mental strength and self-belief.
Littler’s confidence remains high, and that confidence has only grown as he has progressed through the tournament. After his victory over Cross, Littler faces a tough challenge in his next match against Ritchie Edhouse, who is coming off an impressive win at last month’s European Championships. Littler, however, seems unfazed by the challenges that lie ahead. “It’s always good to start any major or any competition well,” he said, reflecting on his dominant performance in the first round. “Obviously 6-0, 112 average, and I like to look at the double percentage, which is 60%—which I’m happy with. But yeah, just focus on tomorrow night (Saturday) now.”
Littler’s approach to his game is professional, measured, and shows a maturity well beyond his years. The pressure of being labeled as a potential future legend in darts doesn’t appear to have phased him, and his ability to stay focused on the task at hand bodes well for his future. As he continues to make waves in the darts world, his performances are proving that the hype surrounding him is not misplaced. He is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with, and his incredible run this season has set the stage for even greater achievements.
With his steady hand and remarkable consistency, Luke Littler is undoubtedly one of the brightest young talents in darts today. While comparisons to the great Phil Taylor may seem premature, Littler’s impressive debut season, filled with multiple titles and eye-catching performances, has shown that he has the potential to leave a lasting legacy of his own. Whether he can one day match or even surpass Taylor’s monumental records remains to be seen, but with his talent, work ethic, and determination, there is little doubt that Littler is a player to watch for many years to come.