The world of darts has witnessed a seismic shift recently, a resurgence fueled by the meteoric rise of a young prodigy. Luke Littler, a name now synonymous with exceptional talent and unwavering focus, has not only captivated audiences worldwide but has also profoundly impacted the careers of established figures within the sport. Glen Durrant, a three-time BDO World Champion and former Premier League Darts winner, stands as a testament to this influence, openly acknowledging Littler’s transformative effect on his own professional life.
Durrant’s journey in darts has been one of both triumph and transition. He reached the pinnacle of the sport, claiming world titles and dominating prestigious tournaments. However, like many athletes, Durrant experienced a dip in form in 2022, leading him to reassess his path. This period of reflection saw him transition from the intense competitive arena to the commentary booth for Sky Sports, offering his expert insights to eager viewers. Simultaneously, Durrant embarked on a new venture, establishing his own coaching business, nurturing the talent of aspiring darts players. While these new roles provided fulfillment, it was Littler’s emergence that truly reignited a spark within Durrant, opening doors to unforeseen opportunities.
“People all want to be Luke Littler now,” Durrant observed, recognizing the widespread admiration and inspiration Littler has instilled in aspiring players. This desire to emulate Littler’s success speaks volumes about the young player’s influence. “He’s changed my life, and that’s just one example,” Durrant continued, highlighting the ripple effect of Littler’s achievements. “He might have changed your [the media’s] life because more people are looking at darts.” This last point underscores the broader impact of Littler’s presence, extending beyond the players and coaches to encompass the media landscape and public perception of the sport.
Littler’s impact is multifaceted. His extraordinary performances have not only garnered significant media attention but have also elevated the overall profile of darts. Durrant emphasized this point, explaining, “He might have changed the lives of darts players because he’s putting the sport not just on the back pages but on the front pages too. He won Young Sports Personality of the Year [and finished second in the main vote]. What he’s done for darts is incredible.” Littler’s success has transcended the sport itself, capturing the imagination of the wider public and solidifying darts’ place in the mainstream sporting consciousness.
Durrant vividly recalled the moment he recognized the sheer magnitude of Littler’s impact. It was during the 2024 World Championship, a tournament where the then 16-year-old Littler embarked on an unprecedented run to the final, captivating audiences with his skill and composure. “I remember driving from Middlesbrough [his hometown] to Ally Pally on Boxing Day [2023], and BBC radio, sports radio stations were ringing me, asking for a conversation [about Littler]. It just went crazy,” Durrant recounted. The demand for Durrant’s expert opinion on Littler’s phenomenal performance underscores the widespread fascination with the young player’s journey.
The heightened interest in darts, fueled by Littler’s success, has had a direct and positive impact on Durrant’s coaching business. “It’s been incredible,” he shared. “All sorts of people are coming to me, including people who start off by hitting my wall! I like those ones because, within two hours, I can see a difference.” This surge in demand for coaching reflects a renewed enthusiasm for the sport at all levels, from casual enthusiasts to aspiring professionals. Durrant’s passion for coaching is evident as he describes the satisfaction derived from helping players improve.
Durrant explained that the nature of coaching varies depending on the player’s level. “When I’m working with Ryan Joyce, a top 32 player, you’re looking at one per cent, two per cent [improvement]. You’re looking at things like mindset, preparation and nutrition,” he said. At the elite level, the focus is on refining existing skills and optimizing performance through meticulous attention to detail. However, Durrant finds particular joy in working with beginners, those who are just starting their darts journey. “But there’s nothing better than when someone walks in [to begin coaching] with a fundamental flaw,” he explained. “You work with them over 12 months, with Zoom meetings to check their progress, and see them improve. I love it.” This long-term commitment to player development, coupled with the use of technology to maintain contact and track progress, illustrates Durrant’s dedication to his craft.
Luke Littler’s emergence has undoubtedly served as a catalyst for change within the world of darts. His remarkable achievements have inspired a new generation of players, elevating the sport’s overall standing and creating opportunities for coaches like Glen Durrant. As Durrant eloquently stated, “He’s changed my life,” a sentiment likely echoed by many others whose lives have been touched by Littler’s extraordinary journey. From aspiring players dreaming of emulating his success to coaches experiencing a surge in demand, Littler’s influence is undeniable, shaping the future of darts in profound ways. His story serves as a reminder of the power of talent, dedication, and the transformative impact one individual can have on an entire sport.
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