The darts world is buzzing once again with the larger-than-life presence of Luke Littler, the teenage sensation who has already etched his name into the sport’s history books as a back-to-back world champion. At just 19, “The Nuke” continues to dominate, but his rapid rise has sparked plenty of rivalries—and one in particular has taken a cheeky, self-aware turn that has fans chuckling.
The comment came from Jonny Clayton, the experienced Welsh pro and 2021 Winmau World Masters champion, reflecting on his past encounter with Littler at Alexandra Palace. Last year, in Littler’s debut at the World Masters, Clayton knocked him out in the quarter-finals before ultimately finishing as runner-up to Luke Humphries. It was a solid performance from Clayton, but fast-forward to now, and the tables have turned dramatically. Littler has since stormed through the ranks, claiming an astonishing string of major titles in 2025—including the UK Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, and Players Championship Finals—before defending his world crown by thrashing Gian van Veen in the final.
With the Winmau World Masters underway at Arena MK in Milton Keynes, a £500,000 prize pot event that Littler is chasing to complete his set of every PDC-ranked TV major, Clayton spoke candidly about the young star’s impact. The Welshman, known for his calm demeanor and sharp finishing, couldn’t resist a humorous jab at how their paths have diverged.
“I must have upset him, I think, when I beat him!” Clayton quipped, laughing at the memory of that quarter-final exit. He reckons the defeat lit a fire under Littler, propelling him to unprecedented heights. In Clayton’s view, that one loss might just have earned him a permanent footnote—or perhaps even a dedicated chapter—in the autobiography Littler is bound to write someday. After all, few players have rattled the seemingly unflappable phenom quite like that, and in the hyper-competitive world of professional darts, such moments become legendary lore.
Clayton’s light-hearted remark captures the essence of the sport’s evolving dynamic. Littler, once the plucky newcomer, is now the undisputed force everyone measures themselves against. Rivals no longer just compete—they’re acutely aware they’re part of his story. The “upset” Clayton refers to wasn’t personal animosity but a pivotal turning point: Littler’s response to defeat has been nothing short of ferocious. Since that Masters loss, he’s barely looked back, racking up titles at a pace reminiscent of legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen in their prime. Commentators have noted how Littler “uses all the board,” hitting doubles with effortless variety and maintaining an almost unconscious level of focus that makes high-scoring legs look routine.
Yet Clayton’s comment also highlights the mutual respect woven into these rivalries. Far from bitterness, there’s admiration for how Littler has elevated the game. The teenager’s dominance draws massive crowds, boosts prize money, and inspires a new generation—qualities that even those who’ve tasted victory over him can appreciate in hindsight. Clayton, who went deep in that tournament and pushed Humphries hard in the final, sees his own role as a catalyst in Littler’s meteoric ascent.
As the World Masters progresses, with Littler entering as the overwhelming favorite and facing “extra pressure” to claim the one major that has eluded him so far, the narrative around him only grows richer. Every match, every rival’s quip, adds layers to what will undoubtedly be a compelling life story when the darts retire from his hands. For now, Jonny Clayton can smile knowing he’s already secured his spot in the tale—not as a villain, but as the guy who gave “The Nuke” just enough motivation to explode onto the scene like never before.
In darts, where precision meets personality, moments like this remind fans why the sport captivates millions: it’s not just about the arrows; it’s about the human drama, the banter, and the unbreakable spirit that turns setbacks into stardom. Littler’s journey is far from over, but thanks to rivals like Clayton, it’s already one for the books—literally.
Leave a Reply