Luke Littler’s Rapid Rise and the Potential Pitfall of Early Success: Dennis Priestley’s Cautionary Advice
At just 17 years old, Luke Littler has already established himself as one of the biggest names in professional darts. His meteoric rise has captivated fans and experts alike, with his remarkable performances at the PDC World Darts Championship, Premier League, and World Series of Darts cementing his status as the sport’s next big star. However, with rapid success comes great responsibility, and former world champion Dennis Priestley has issued a word of caution—warning that Littler could subconsciously “ease off” due to the significant amount of money he is earning at such a young age.
A Sensational Start to a Promising Career
Littler burst onto the scene in late 2023, announcing himself on the world stage with a stunning run at the PDC World Darts Championship. His fearless performances and composed demeanor saw him reach the final, where he finished as runner-up to Luke Humphries. While he fell just short of lifting the prestigious trophy, the teenager still pocketed £200,000 in prize money—an extraordinary sum for someone his age.
Rather than fading away after his breakthrough moment, Littler continued his dominance in 2024. He made history by winning the Premier League Darts title, where he avenged his World Championship defeat by overcoming Humphries in the final. That victory earned him a further £275,000, pushing his total career earnings toward the £700,000 mark.
His recent triumph at the World Series of Darts added yet another title to his ever-growing collection, reinforcing his status as one of the most exciting prospects the sport has ever seen. Littler’s remarkable form has left many, including darts mogul Barry Hearn, predicting that he will soon enter the millionaire’s club.
Barry Hearn Predicts a Millionaire Before the End of the Year
Given Littler’s current trajectory, Barry Hearn, the influential figure behind the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), sees no reason why the young sensation won’t surpass the £1 million mark in earnings before the year is out.
“Yeah, I think it could be this year,” Hearn stated. “I am pre-judging his performances, but I’d be surprised if he didn’t, to be honest with you.
“There are darts players out there already earning well over £1million – £2million per year as it is.”
Darts has become increasingly lucrative for its biggest stars, with players such as Michael van Gerwen amassing over £11 million in career prize money. Others, including Phil Taylor, Peter Wright, and Gerwyn Price, have also crossed the millionaire threshold through their performances on the PDC circuit.
However, with wealth and success comes a new set of challenges—something that Dennis Priestley, the 1994 world champion, has emphasized when discussing Littler’s future.
Dennis Priestley’s Warning: The Danger of Getting Too Comfortable
Despite Littler’s incredible talent and work ethic, Priestley has expressed concerns that the teenager might lose the hunger and drive that have propelled him to the top of the sport. The former world champion believes that if Littler becomes too comfortable with his financial success, it could lead to an unconscious drop in his performance levels.
“If Luke Littler gets too comfortable with the money he’s got, then he may unconsciously ease off and not do what he’s been doing to make him the darts player he is,” Priestley told BoyleSports.
“He’s still so young and in any other circumstance, he’d still be in school.”
Priestley pointed to the careers of Adrian Lewis and James Wade as examples that Littler should study carefully. Both players were regarded as young prodigies when they first emerged, and they achieved significant success early in their careers.
“Adrian Lewis was only a teenager when he came on the scene, and James Wade was very young back then,” Priestley continued.
“They were both great talents like Littler. You’ve obviously got young Josh Rock—he could be the next Luke Littler because he has the youth on his side.
“I never thought I’d be calling James Wade a veteran, but he is one. Luke Littler could learn a hell of a lot from James.
“Wade is a very knowledgeable young fella. It’s someone like him who Littler could latch onto and learn a lot from.”
Lessons from the Past: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Young Success
Priestley’s concerns are not unfounded. Over the years, darts has seen several promising young players struggle to maintain the consistency required to stay at the top of the sport. While Adrian Lewis managed to win two world titles, his career eventually plateaued, and he has since fallen out of the PDC elite. Similarly, James Wade has enjoyed sustained success, but many believe he could have achieved even more had he maximized his potential.
Littler’s challenge will be to avoid the distractions that come with wealth and fame while staying committed to continuous improvement. Many elite athletes across various sports have struggled with maintaining their motivation once they achieve financial security at a young age. The pressure of expectations, media scrutiny, and personal lifestyle choices all play a role in determining how far a talent like Littler can go.
The Road Ahead: Can Littler Maintain His Momentum?
While concerns about complacency are valid, those who have followed Littler’s journey closely believe he possesses the right mentality to remain at the top. His passion for the sport and determination to keep winning have been evident in his performances, and he has repeatedly stated that his focus is on becoming one of the greatest darts players of all time.
Littler’s immediate goals will likely include targeting further major titles, including the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts, and, of course, another deep run at the PDC World Darts Championship. If he can continue his upward trajectory, there is little doubt that he will not only reach millionaire status but also establish himself as a generational talent in the sport.
For now, Littler remains humble and focused, understanding that his journey is just beginning. His response to the attention and financial rewards will ultimately determine whether he fulfills his immense potential or if Priestley’s warning proves prophetic.
One thing is for certain: darts fans will be watching closely as Luke Littler continues his remarkable rise. Will he stay hungry and keep pushing for greatness, or will early success lead to an unintended decline? Only time will tell.