The darts world is buzzing with anticipation as two-time PDC World Champion Adrian Lewis, known as “Jackpot,” prepares to make his long-awaited return to competitive play at the MODUS Super Series International Pairs from August 25 to 30, 2025. South African star Devon Petersen, a trailblazer in the sport, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm, drawing parallels between Lewis’ early career and the meteoric rise of current sensation Luke Littler. “He was what Luke Littler is now,” Petersen declared, reflecting on Lewis’ prodigious talent that captivated audiences in the early 2010s. “He was that boy. I think life has knocked him a bit sideways, changed paths and focus.” This comeback, Lewis’ first televised appearance in over two years, signals a potential resurgence for a player once considered darts’ brightest star, with hopes of igniting a rivalry with the sport’s new generation.
Lewis, now 40, burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy, much like Littler today. His back-to-back PDC World Championship titles in 2011 and 2012, at ages 25 and 26, remain the pinnacle of his career. The 2011 final against Gary Anderson saw him etch his name in history with the first nine-dart finish in a world championship final, a feat that solidified his reputation as a natural talent. His golden era, roughly spanning 2010 to 2014, included four World Cup of Darts titles alongside mentor Phil Taylor, a record haul for England. A standout moment was his 2013 Grand Slam semi-final against Taylor, where Lewis averaged an astonishing 111 but fell short, a match still regarded as one of the greatest in darts history. Petersen’s comparison to Littler underscores the similarities: both players exploded into the spotlight as teenagers, dazzling fans with fearless play and raw skill.
Life, however, took Lewis away from the oche in April 2023 when he surrendered his PDC Tour Card. Personal challenges, including his wife Sarah’s battle with Medullary Sponge Kidney, a rare and incurable condition requiring frequent hospital stays, and caring for his autistic daughter, shifted his priorities. “My wife has an incurable kidney disease, so we’re in hospital a lot of the time,” Lewis shared, explaining his hiatus. “My daughter is disabled, she’s got autism, and it’s too much for me to leave the whole lot to Sarah.” With his family life now more stable, Lewis has reignited his passion, dedicating at least three hours a day to practice. “I’ve been putting a lot of work in,” he told reporters, signaling his readiness to return.
Lewis’ comeback begins at the MODUS Super Series, the same platform that launched Littler’s career. Paired with veteran Steve Beaton, Lewis faces a formidable field including Canada’s Jeff Smith, Germany’s Rene Eidams, and Petersen himself. “The experience that Steve’s got alone, never mind myself,” Lewis said, exuding confidence in their chances. He’s also experimenting with new darts, testing two sets of different lengths sent by his sponsor. “One’s a lot shorter than the other barrel, so I’m just tinkering at the minute,” he explained, noting the significance of dart length, a trait Littler is known for with his unusually long points. This adjustment reflects Lewis’ meticulous preparation as he aims to reclaim his place among the elite.
Petersen’s excitement stems from Lewis’ potential to challenge the current giants, Littler and Luke Humphries, who have dominated 2025. Littler, the 18-year-old reigning world champion, has amassed titles like the Premier League, UK Open, World Matchplay, and four World Series events, including the Australian and New Zealand Darts Masters. Lewis, however, sees parallels in their journeys but highlights a key difference in maturity. “I was more daft and immature,” he admitted. “He seems more mellowed. For such a young age, I think he’s incredible.” Lewis also praised Littler’s strategic approach to scheduling, noting, “I think he’s doing things the right way. He isn’t playing in all the tournaments. That does take away a lot of the enjoyment if you’re playing all the time.”
Looking ahead, Lewis has his sights set on bigger goals. A strong showing at the MODUS event could lead him to Q-School in January 2026 to regain his PDC Tour Card, with aspirations of competing at the 2026 World Championships. “If I decide to go to Q-School, there’s no reason I couldn’t make the World Championships,” he said, envisioning a potential clash with Littler or Humphries. Reflecting on his past, Lewis recalled his synergy with Taylor: “Sometimes I was rubbish in the pairs, and Phil would pull me through. Other times, I pulled him through. That’s what you need to be a team.” He believes Littler and Humphries, who faltered at the 2025 World Cup of Darts, need time to build similar chemistry, a lesson from his own storied partnership.
As Lewis steps back onto the oche, the darts community is abuzz with anticipation. Petersen’s words capture the sentiment: Lewis was once the sport’s golden boy, and his return could spark a thrilling chapter. Whether he can rival Littler’s dominance remains to be seen, but with his talent, experience, and renewed hunger, “Jackpot” is poised to make waves once more.
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