The darts world is buzzing with anticipation as Northern Ireland’s rising star **Josh Rock** sets his sights on a highly anticipated showdown against the unstoppable **Luke Littler**, the current world number one and double world champion. The clash is scheduled for night four of the Premier League Darts on February 26 at the SSE Arena in Belfast, promising an electric atmosphere that could push the sport to new heights in the region.
Rock, a 24-year-old from County Antrim, is making his Premier League debut this year and couldn’t be more excited about performing on home soil. He expects the crowd to create an unforgettable environment. “I think it’s going to be absolutely nuts,” he said, reflecting on the significance of the event. The last time a Northern Irish player featured in the Premier League was Daryl Gurney back in 2020, but that was before the COVID pandemic and before darts exploded in popularity. “Darts wasn’t as big back then,” Rock noted. “Now darts is bigger than it has ever been.”
At the heart of this excitement is Rock’s upcoming matchup against Littler, the teenage sensation who has transformed the sport. The young Englishman, now 18, first captured global attention by reaching the World Championship final as a 16-year-old rank outsider. Since then, he has claimed back-to-back world titles, driving unprecedented growth in the game’s visibility, participation, and opportunities for players everywhere.
Rock is quick to credit Littler for much of this surge. “Everything has to go down to Luke Littler,” he emphasized. “If it wasn’t for him doing what he did when he was only 16 and winning the worlds the past two years, the sport wouldn’t be where it is now.” He added that the landscape has changed dramatically: “It has gone through the roof now. Darts is in a different place now than it was 10 years ago when I was a youth player. There are so many opportunities now.”
The two players share a close off-stage relationship, chatting nearly every day, which adds an intriguing layer to their rivalry. On the oche, however, their encounters have been intense battles of high quality. “Every time I have played him it’s been 100 plus averages every time,” Rock revealed. “I’ve been in front every time but just can’t seem to get over the line.” Despite those near-misses, the Northern Irishman remains determined and optimistic. With the partisan Belfast crowd roaring behind him, he is confident his moment will come. “I’ll get him yet,” he declared, his words carrying the fire of someone ready to seize the opportunity.
Rock’s own rise has been impressive. He recently teamed up with compatriot Daryl Gurney to win the World Cup of Darts in June 2025, showcasing his skill on the international stage. A switch in equipment manufacturer has also contributed to his climb up the world rankings over the past year, giving him the consistency needed to compete at the elite level.
As February approaches, all eyes will turn to Belfast for what could be one of the standout nights of the Premier League season. The combination of a passionate home crowd, Rock’s hunger for victory, and Littler’s proven dominance sets the stage for a thrilling contest. Darts fans in Northern Ireland—and around the world—know this isn’t just another match; it’s a celebration of the sport’s explosive growth and a potential turning point for one of its brightest new talents.
With the arena expected to be rocking from the first throw, Rock is embracing the pressure and the privilege of facing the game’s top player in front of his own people. The countdown is on, and the darts community can hardly wait to see if the determined challenger can finally claim that elusive win.
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