Luke Littler, the 17-year-old darts sensation, is making waves in the sport with his extraordinary talent and ambitious goals. Known as “The Nuke,” Littler has already captured the imagination of fans and professionals alike with his exceptional performances on the global stage. His latest focus is on achieving one of the most coveted feats in darts—breaking the nine-dart record held by legends Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price.
At the PDC World Darts Championship, Littler showcased his immense skill, defeating Ryan Meikle in the second round with a 3-1 victory. The highlight of this match was a record-breaking set where Littler averaged an astonishing 140.91. His play included an 11-dart opening leg, followed by a flawless 10-dart leg, and concluded with another 11-dart finish. The set, completed in just 32 darts, was near-perfect and included a tantalizingly close attempt at a nine-dart finish, with only a narrow miss on the double 12 preventing history.
Littler’s performance wasn’t just a display of precision and power; it also underscored his potential to redefine the standards of professional darts. His near-miss at a nine-dart finish has only fueled his determination to achieve what few have accomplished—multiple nine-dart finishes on the grandest stages of the sport. Littler has openly stated his ambition to surpass the records of Van Gerwen and Price, both of whom are celebrated for their multiple perfect legs in Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events.
A nine-dart finish, the pinnacle of perfection in darts, requires scoring 501 points with the minimum possible number of darts—nine. The most common sequence involves two sets of 180 (treble 20, treble 20, treble 20) followed by a finish of 141 (treble 20, treble 19, double 12). Achieving this under the pressure of a championship match is a rare and celebrated accomplishment, and Littler’s close attempt signals his readiness to join the sport’s elite.
Littler’s rise in the darts world has been meteoric. Born in 2007, he began playing the sport at a young age and quickly established himself as a prodigy. By the age of 16, he had earned his PDC Tour Card, giving him the opportunity to compete professionally. In 2024, Littler reached the final of the PDC World Darts Championship, becoming the youngest player ever to do so. While he ultimately lost to Luke Humphries, his performance was a statement of intent and cemented his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Beyond his championship run, Littler has collected several prestigious titles, including the Premier League Darts and the Grand Slam of Darts. His consistent performances have propelled him to the top ranks of the PDC, currently placing him as the fourth-best player in the world. His aggressive yet composed playing style has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in darts history, and his ability to perform under pressure sets him apart from his peers.
The significance of Littler’s pursuit of perfection extends beyond personal achievement. His performances elevate the sport’s profile, inspiring a new generation of players and captivating audiences worldwide. The possibility of witnessing multiple nine-dart finishes adds an exciting layer of anticipation to his matches, making Littler one of the most watched and celebrated players of his era.
As Littler progresses through the World Darts Championship, the spotlight on him continues to grow. His next challenge is a third-round match against the seasoned Ian White. A victory in this match would bring him one step closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming a world champion. But for Littler, the journey is about more than winning titles; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport and setting new benchmarks for excellence.
Off the board, Littler’s rapid rise has had a broader impact on the darts community. His youth, charisma, and extraordinary talent have sparked renewed interest in the sport, particularly among younger fans. His success story serves as an inspiration, proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness with hard work and determination.
Littler’s journey is a testament to his dedication to the craft and his ability to dream big. His pursuit of multiple nine-dart finishes and his ambition to break records held by legends like Van Gerwen and Price reflect a player who is not content with merely competing—he aims to redefine the sport. With his skill, focus, and drive, Littler is poised to leave an indelible mark on darts and inspire the next generation of players to follow in his footsteps.
As the World Darts Championship continues, all eyes will be on Littler, not just to see if he can secure victory but to witness the history he may create. With his talent and determination, there is little doubt that this young star will continue to shine brightly, setting new records and raising the bar for what is possible in professional darts.