Luke Littler made history in stunning fashion, capturing the Premier League title in his debut season, despite warnings from a darts legend who feared the teenager might be overburdened.
Dennis Priestley, a two-time world champion and the first-ever PDC world champion, had expressed concerns that Littler was stepping into the high-pressure world of professional darts too soon. The veteran had advised against the teenager taking on such a demanding schedule, worrying that it could lead to burnout. However, Littler proved any doubts unfounded with his dominant performances throughout the competition, culminating in a sensational final victory over Luke Humphries.
At just 17 years old, Littler displayed maturity beyond his years, bouncing back from his World Championship final defeat to Humphries by exacting revenge in the Premier League final. His triumph secured him a whopping £315,000 payout, consisting of £275,000 for winning the final and an additional £40,000 from his four regular-season victories.
Littler’s meteoric rise has left many in awe, with his performances on the oche defying expectations. His fearless attitude and natural talent have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest names in darts, and he has embraced every challenge thrown his way. While some—including Priestley—felt that such a rapid ascent might prove detrimental, the teenager has instead thrived under the spotlight, proving that age is no barrier when skill and composure are in abundance.
Speaking to Express Sport on behalf of BoyleSports, who provide odds for the upcoming World Grand Prix, Priestley admitted that Littler’s success had proved him wrong.
“Obviously, he’s not done bad so far,” said the 74-year-old. “He’s gone against what my advice would have been. I would not have put him in the Premier League so quickly.
“I would have used him as an extra game… but he proved me wrong. He went on and won it, so who am I to criticise putting him in so quickly? I thought it might have been too much.”
Littler’s success in the Premier League is just one chapter in his remarkable journey. He also added the World Series of Darts title to his growing list of achievements, pocketing another £80,000 with a commanding victory over Michael Smith. The teenager has already made a habit of taking down top-ranked opposition, showing a level of confidence and consistency that belies his years.
Now, he prepares for his next major challenge—the World Grand Prix, where he will make his debut against former world champion Rob Cross. The high-stakes match will be another opportunity for Littler to prove that he belongs among the elite of the sport. Should he emerge victorious, he will face either Brendan Dolan or Martin Schindler in the next round—an encounter that could present a favorable path further into the tournament.
Priestley’s concerns over Littler’s demanding schedule stem from his own experience in the sport. The legendary player knows all too well how grueling the circuit can be and feared that throwing the youngster into the deep end too soon could hinder his development rather than help it. However, Littler has defied those expectations, embracing the challenge and only growing stronger with each tournament.
Rather than buckle under the weight of responsibility, Littler appears to thrive on the pressure. His Premier League campaign was a testament to his ability to handle big moments, and his relentless drive to succeed suggests he is only scratching the surface of his potential.
The Morningside Arena in Leicester will host the World Grand Prix opener, where Littler will once again aim to silence any remaining doubters. A first-place prize of £120,000 is up for grabs, and with Littler’s track record of defying expectations, few would bet against him making another deep run.
His rapid success has already drawn comparisons to some of darts’ greatest players, and with every win, he continues to strengthen his case as the sport’s next big superstar. At just 17, he has already achieved what many seasoned professionals spend a lifetime chasing. If his current trajectory is anything to go by, this is only the beginning of what could be a truly legendary career.
Priestley’s initial reservations may have been understandable, but Littler has shown that he possesses the mental fortitude, talent, and hunger needed to excel at the highest level. With multiple titles already under his belt and an unwavering belief in his abilities, the teenage sensation is proving that in darts, as in many other sports, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.