As visitors stroll through the outer ring of Madison Square Garden, they encounter a visual history of legends. Pictures line the walkway, offering a 360-degree tribute to the artists, athletes, and icons who have graced the “world’s most famous arena.” Soon, there might be a new addition to this collection: a snapshot from May 31, 2024, marking the debut of darts sensation Luke Littler in Manhattan.
At only 17, Littler is already a transformative figure in the sport of darts. His rise has been nothing short of meteoric, with a maturity and composure that belie his years. Whether he’s being compared to a young Tiger Woods—comparisons he brushes off with a chuckle—or facing the pressure of debuting at Madison Square Garden, nothing seems to faze him. “I’ve heard of Tiger Woods, but I don’t really know what he’s achieved,” Littler admitted recently, encapsulating his nonchalant attitude.
**A Big Stage for a Big Talent**
Littler’s presence at the 2024 US Darts Masters signals a pivotal moment for both the teenager and the sport itself. This event, the third leg of the World Series of Darts, is part of the sport’s ongoing effort to capture the American market. Littler has already made waves this season, winning in Bahrain and reaching the finals in Holland. Now, the lights of New York are upon him.
The significance of competing at Madison Square Garden isn’t lost on Littler, who is familiar with the venue through boxing and UFC broadcasts. Now, it’s his face being projected onto the big screens. “It’s surreal,” he said, adding that the enormity of the moment might not fully sink in until after his first match.
Ticket sales for this year’s US Darts Masters have already surpassed last year’s totals. More than 4,000 fans are expected to pack the arena on Friday and Saturday, eager to witness eight of the world’s best players take on eight North American challengers. Littler’s name is on everyone’s lips, and his performance at the World Championship earlier this year has ensured that even American audiences are aware of his talent.
**Life Off the Oche: Family, Theme Parks, and Milestones**
Accompanying Littler in New York are his parents, Lisa and Anthony, and his girlfriend, Eloise. The family has planned a post-tournament trip to Orlando, a place filled with fond memories for Littler. He and his father first visited Florida for WrestleMania in 2017, later exploring Universal Studios and its famed waterparks. “We all love theme parks,” Littler said, singling out the Rip Ride Rockit and The Incredible Hulk Coaster as favorites.
Littler’s family has been instrumental in his rise to prominence. Reflecting on their sacrifices, he recently spoke of how his parents financed his early career. “They put their own money into me when I was younger. Now that I’m doing well, they don’t have to work as much and can take time off to watch me,” he said emotionally after a landmark victory in London.
Despite his rapid ascent, Littler remains grounded. He is still taking driving lessons and saving for his first car, modestly aiming for “just a nice Volkswagen.” Back home, his trophies are piling up, with no designated space to showcase them. “We’re looking for a bigger house, especially to store the trophies,” he shared with a laugh.
**A Star’s Schedule: From London to New York and Beyond**
Littler’s 2024 season has been a whirlwind, packed with travel, tournaments, and milestones. Earlier this year, he secured Premier League Darts glory in front of 14,000 fans in London, delivering a perfect nine-dart finish. “It was the best night of my life,” Littler said, recalling the overwhelming emotions of the evening.
Now, the teenager finds himself in New York, battling jet lag (“I’ve been waking up at 7 a.m.—way too early”) and preparing to perform on one of the world’s grandest stages. His success has already earned him £650,000 ($800,000) this year, with opportunities for late-night talk show appearances and collaborations with content creators adding to his growing fame.
Yet, Littler’s ambitions extend beyond trophies and television. He is considering launching a Twitch channel to connect with fans through gaming and recently coached a soccer team of influencers at Everton’s Goodison Park. He even floated the idea of playing a cameo role during the match but was promptly vetoed by his parents.
**The Future of Darts and Littler’s Role in It**
Littler’s rise comes as darts faces a turning point. The sport’s traditional home, London’s Alexandra Palace, is increasingly seen as too small for its growing popularity. Some, including former world champion Gerwyn Price, have suggested moving events like the World Championship to larger venues, even considering Saudi Arabia as a possibility.
Littler, however, prefers a UK-based solution. “If you win your first two games at the worlds, you want to go back home for Christmas,” he explained, citing logistical challenges with a Saudi venue.
For now, Littler’s focus is squarely on New York and the opportunity to etch his name into the Garden’s storied history. Whether his journey will earn him a spot on Madison Square Garden’s iconic walkway remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Luke Littler is already reshaping the narrative of darts, one bullseye at a time.