Darts sensation Luke Littler, at just 17 years old, is gearing up for an exciting challenge at the upcoming Mr Vegas Grand Slam. The young talent has learned his group stage opponents, and it looks like the competition is shaping up to be a memorable one. Littler, who has quickly become one of the brightest stars in the darts world, will face a tough group consisting of Ireland’s Keane Barry, Belgium’s Dimitri Van den Bergh, and the PDC Asian Champion Lourence Ilagan.
Littler, who has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the darts circuit, will enter Group F with a clear goal in mind: advancing to the knockout stages. While all three of his opponents are formidable in their own right, it is his rivalry with Keane Barry that holds the most history—and a potential for revenge.
**The Origins of a Rivalry: Littler vs. Barry**
Luke Littler and Keane Barry’s paths first crossed in 2019, when Littler was just 12 years old and Barry was already making a name for himself in the darts world. The two met in the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) finals, a prestigious event for young, emerging players. In that contest, it was the 22-year-old Barry who came out on top, defeating Littler in a hard-fought match. However, now that Littler is a rising star on the PDC circuit, the opportunity for a rematch is at hand, and it’s clear that he’s keen for the chance to avenge that early defeat.
The upcoming match between Littler and Barry is not just a regular encounter—it’s one filled with added intensity due to their shared history. Having faced each other before, Littler now finds himself in a much different position. He’s no longer the young prodigy struggling to make his mark; he is a legitimate contender with a rapidly growing list of achievements. With this transformation in mind, the stakes in their rematch have never been higher, and fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome.
**Keane Barry: Praise for Littler’s Rapid Rise**
Keane Barry, who has followed Littler’s meteoric rise over the past few years, has been full of praise for his young rival. Speaking to *Off the Ball* YouTube channel, Barry reflected on their early encounters and Littler’s growth into a top-tier player.
“I played against Luke a few times when he was younger,” Barry recalled. “I always knew he was a good thrower. I didn’t know at 16, he would go on to do what he has. It’s a bit mad, but fair play to the lad, he is doing great.”
Barry’s admiration for Littler is evident, particularly as he considers the teenager’s accomplishments at such a young age. “He always had the talent for sure, but you cannot predict these things,” Barry added.
When asked about Littler’s impressive rise to the top, Barry was particularly struck by the teenager’s ability to maintain composure under pressure. “I think the way he took everything in his stride—getting up there, hitting the averages he’s hitting, and brushing aside top-class players—is a credit to himself,” Barry said. “He’s taking it all in his stride, and I don’t think he has any fear. That looks to be his mindset.”
For Barry, Littler’s rise isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about the mental toughness and maturity that the 17-year-old has displayed in handling the spotlight. Given that Littler’s rise has been so rapid, with numerous standout performances, Barry’s words are a testament to the maturity and potential of the young star.
**A Crucial Group Stage for Littler and the Competition**
In the Mr Vegas Grand Slam, players from various backgrounds and experience levels will compete for a spot in the coveted knockout stages. The group stage will see Littler, Barry, Van den Bergh, and Ilagan all jostling for one of the two qualification spots in Group F. With only two players progressing to the last 16, the competition will be fierce, and every match will be crucial.
While Littler’s match against Barry is set to be a highlight, he will need to overcome the other two formidable opponents in his group to secure his place in the knockout rounds. Dimitri Van den Bergh, a former World Matchplay champion, brings a wealth of experience and a steady, methodical style of play. Lourence Ilagan, meanwhile, is the reigning PDC Asian Champion, and his inclusion in the tournament adds an international flair to the group.
All of these players have the potential to disrupt Littler’s journey, but the young Englishman has already proven himself capable of taking on—and defeating—top-tier talent. His meteoric rise on the PDC circuit, particularly at such a young age, has turned heads, and many see him as one of the future stars of the sport. With the right mindset and a bit of vengeance in his heart, Littler will be looking to make a deep run in this year’s Grand Slam.
**Littler’s Focus: Gaining Experience and Building Momentum**
For Littler, this tournament offers a golden opportunity to gain valuable experience and build momentum heading into the 2025 season. Although he has already made a significant impact on the darts scene, playing in major events like the Mr Vegas Grand Slam will only help him refine his skills and mental game. The intense competition, the bright lights, and the high expectations are all factors that will help shape Littler into a more complete player.
After all, it’s not just about talent. It’s about proving you can handle the pressure, the expectations, and the grind of professional darts. Littler’s ability to rise to the occasion, particularly against his rivals, will be a key factor in his future success. If he can continue to play with the same level of confidence and composure that Barry admires, there’s no telling how far the teenager can go.
**Looking Ahead: The Mr Vegas Grand Slam and Beyond**
As the Mr Vegas Grand Slam kicks off on Saturday at the WV Active Aldersley in Wolverhampton, the spotlight will shine brightly on the young players in Group F. With players like Littler and Barry sharing a rich history, the rematch between the two promises to be one of the most exciting moments of the tournament.
The reigning champion, Luke Humphries, will also be looking to defend his title after a dominant victory last year. But with a rising star like Littler on the scene, the future of darts looks brighter than ever. The 17-year-old is proving to be a force to be reckoned with, and fans can expect to see plenty more of him in the years to come.
For now, though, Littler’s focus will be squarely on his group stage matches. If he can come out on top and advance to the knockout stages, it will be another step toward cementing his place as one of the next great names in darts. And perhaps, after that, a chance to finally exact some revenge on Keane Barry.