Michael Smith has revealed that some of darts’ top stars have been left annoyed by Luke Littler’s meteoric rise over the past few months—despite the financial benefits his success has brought to the sport.
Littler, just 17 years old, has been making headlines across the world since his astonishing run to the final of the PDC World Darts Championship earlier this year. The teenager ultimately fell short in the final against Luke Humphries, but his rapid progression has seen him capture several titles and dominate the Premier League standings. His performances have not only elevated his own status but also drawn significant attention to the sport, leading to increased sponsorship deals and higher prize money for all players.
However, Smith, a former world champion himself, has admitted that not everyone is pleased with Littler’s rapid ascent. While he personally has no issue with it, he acknowledges that several of his fellow professionals—especially those ranked lower in the standings—have expressed frustration over the special treatment the young star has received.
Speaking to The Independent, Smith explained: “There’s a few getting upset with it, but listen, my pockets get full every time he gets mentioned. I think they are getting annoyed. I had it last year [after winning the World Championship], and now Littler is getting it all.”
Smith elaborated on how Littler’s presence has led to more sponsorship and prize money, benefiting all players in the long run. “The people ranked 70, 80, 90 in the world should be thinking about how their money is going to keep going up and up. The more this kid is playing, the better the sponsors we get. Hopefully, Eddie (Hearn) puts the prize money up again—from £1,000 to £1,500 on the ProTour.”
“My money is just going to keep increasing because this kid is out there doing it for me. I’m not annoyed, and the other players shouldn’t be either. He’s doing nothing wrong. People are annoyed that he got into the Premier League, and I can tell you there are a couple of the boys in the top 16 who are not happy. But at the end of the day, he’s bringing in so much money for all of us.”
Littler’s inclusion in the Premier League was a controversial topic at first, with some questioning whether he had earned his place through rankings alone. However, he quickly silenced critics with his performances, comfortably finishing at the top of the table and solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest talents.
Former four-time world champion Wayne Mardle was among those praising Littler’s ability and mentality, going as far as to call him the best player in the world at the moment. “I do believe Luke’s playing like the best in the world—and he’s getting better. Right now, he has this swagger—just imagine how good he will be in five years,” Mardle said.
“There’s a definite comfort zone with him now—shushing the audience, having the guts to do it, having the composure to do it, and not letting it bother him or put him off. He seems to have come out of his shell—there has been a change in him.”
Mardle continued: “There’s a lot to like about his game, and let’s hope it stays that way for many years. That’s four wins in the Premier League now, and he’s more or less wrapped up the league phase with two weeks to go.”
Littler’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. He has gone from a promising youth talent to a household name in the span of a few months. His performances have not only enthralled darts fans but also caught the attention of mainstream media, leading to appearances on high-profile TV shows and magazine covers. Littler’s ability to handle the spotlight, along with his fearless style of play, has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest names in the sport.
Despite the murmurs of discontent from some players, Littler has remained unfazed. He has repeatedly emphasized that he is focused solely on his game and improving his performances. In interviews, he has brushed off criticism and instead chosen to focus on the positives that his presence has brought to the sport.
Smith’s comments highlight the reality of professional darts: while competition is fierce, the sport as a whole benefits from its biggest stars. The increased exposure and financial rewards that come with Littler’s presence should be seen as a net positive, even if some players feel they are being overshadowed.
As Littler continues to shine on the biggest stages, the darts world faces an intriguing shift. The young star’s influence is only expected to grow, and it remains to be seen how his peers will adapt to the new landscape. One thing is certain: Luke Littler is here to stay, and whether his rivals like it or not, his impact on darts will be felt for years to come.
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