Luke Littler, the 17-year-old darts sensation, has taken the sport by storm this season with a remarkable debut in the Premier League Darts. Littler’s rapid rise has caught the attention of fans and rivals alike, including two-time World Champion Peter Wright, who initially offered some advice to the young prodigy. However, Littler’s extraordinary form has left Wright and others stunned, as the young star has shown little sign of needing any support.
Since bursting onto the scene with his run to the World Darts Championship final, Littler has not slowed down. He has amassed an impressive list of victories, including two European Tour titles and wins at the Bahrain Masters, Belgian Open, and the first Players’ Championship event of the year in February. In the Premier League, Littler has claimed three nightly victories, placing him at the top of the table with a significant six-point lead over his closest rival, Luke Humphries. With the play-offs fast approaching, Littler is in prime position to contend for the Premier League title, a feat that would be extraordinary for a player so early in his career.
Wright, a Scottish darts veteran known for his colorful attire and energetic personality, had initially offered Littler advice, expecting that the young player might struggle to maintain his momentum throughout the grueling Premier League season. Wright told *BBC Sport*, “In the first or second week, I said to him: ‘If you start losing, you can come to me for advice, because you will start losing.’ But he hasn’t yet.” Wright admitted that Littler’s winning streak has surprised even him, noting, “It’s what we needed. Michael van Gerwen came onto the scene just after Phil Taylor and raised the bar, and Littler is doing the same.”
The comparison to darts legends like Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor speaks volumes about Littler’s potential. For seasoned players like Wright, the young star’s entrance has invigorated the competitive spirit in the sport, pushing everyone to work harder to keep up. Wright even hinted that Littler’s relaxed approach to practice might be the secret to his success, observing, “You see him in the back room, and his routine is about five minutes of practice. Maybe that’s what we are all doing wrong—practising too much and wearing ourselves out.” Wright’s comment suggests that Littler’s natural talent allows him to rely less on lengthy practice sessions, something that could reshape how other players approach the game.
Wright’s admiration for Littler goes beyond his skills on the oche. He believes that if Littler remains committed, he could challenge Phil Taylor’s legacy and become one of the greatest players in history. “If he wants to do it, he could, but we don’t know what his plan is,” Wright mused. “He could play for another five years and say: ‘That’s it, I have earned enough.’ He has shaken up the sport.” Wright’s praise underscores how Littler’s impressive skills, maturity, and confidence at such a young age have raised the bar for everyone in the sport. His rapid success has injected fresh energy into darts, giving hope that a new era is unfolding with Littler at the forefront.
Despite his current success, the Premier League is known for its intense competition, and Littler’s path to the title is far from guaranteed. He faces stiff opposition from the likes of Luke Humphries and darts superstar Michael van Gerwen, both of whom will be eager to deny Littler a fairytale debut. Yet, Littler’s confidence and calm demeanor suggest he’s unfazed by the high stakes and the star-studded field around him. Winning the Premier League in his first season would be a monumental achievement, one that few have managed in the league’s history.
Looking ahead, Littler’s next challenge will take place in Aberdeen, where he’ll face training partner Nathan Aspinall in the quarterfinals. Should he progress, there’s a chance he could face Peter Wright in the semi-finals, provided that Wright overcomes Michael Smith. These matches are set to be crucial tests for Littler, as the young star will need to maintain his remarkable form to outplay some of the best in the sport. His training sessions with Aspinall have given him insight into his opponent’s game, but the pressure of the Premier League stage adds an extra layer of difficulty to each encounter.
Littler’s success has not only drawn admiration but has also reshaped expectations in the darts community. With a calm confidence and an innate talent, he’s redefining what it means to be a young player on the professional circuit. His approach, characterized by brief but focused practice sessions, has challenged traditional wisdom and raised questions about how much time seasoned players dedicate to preparation. As he continues to prove himself week after week, Littler’s presence is undoubtedly shifting the dynamics in the sport.
Fans and experts alike are eager to see how far Littler’s momentum can carry him. He’s already achieved more than most could dream of at his age, yet it’s clear that Littler’s ambitions don’t end here. Should he secure the Premier League title, it would be a powerful statement that the next era of darts is here—and that it belongs to Luke Littler. With his combination of raw talent, composure, and a refreshing approach to the game, Littler is poised to make a lasting impact on darts. Whether or not he ultimately surpasses legends like Phil Taylor, his current trajectory has brought new excitement to the sport and given fans a reason to believe they’re witnessing the rise of a true superstar.