Luke Littler has capped off an extraordinary Premier League Darts campaign by finishing at the top of the standings, further solidifying his rapid rise in the sport. The 17-year-old sensation, who has taken the darts world by storm, now heads into the play-offs at London’s O2 Arena, where he will face the reigning 2023 world champion, Michael Smith, in the semi-finals. The winner of their highly anticipated clash will go on to battle either Michael van Gerwen or Luke Humphries in the final.
Littler’s rise has not been without controversy, as his meteoric success has drawn mixed reactions from fellow professionals. While many acknowledge his talent, others have expressed frustration over the extensive media coverage and sponsorship deals he has secured so early in his career. One player who isn’t bothered by Littler’s success, however, is his upcoming opponent, Smith.
Smith, who clinched fourth place in the standings by defeating Littler in Sheffield last week, openly admitted that some players are unhappy with the attention the teenager has received. However, he also highlighted the financial benefits that Littler’s popularity brings to the sport. “There are a few getting upset with it, but listen, my pockets get full every time he gets mentioned,” Smith said. “I think they are getting annoyed. I had it last year after winning the world championship, and now Littler is getting all the attention. But the reality is, the more he plays, the better sponsors we get, and hopefully, Eddie Hearn increases the prize money again.”
The 33-year-old former world champion further emphasized that Littler’s presence is elevating the sport to new heights, bringing in fresh audiences and boosting television ratings. Instead of feeling resentful, Smith is happy to reap the financial rewards that come from Littler’s impact. “My money is just going to keep going up because some kid is doing it for me,” he added. “I’m not annoyed, and the other players shouldn’t be either. The kid is doing nothing wrong. Some are frustrated that he got into the Premier League, and I can tell you there are a couple of guys in the top 16 who are not happy about it. But in the end, he is making us all a lot more money.”
Littler became an overnight sensation when he burst onto the darts scene at the PDC World Championship last December and January. His fearless performances and composure under pressure won over fans worldwide as he made a stunning run to the final. Though he ultimately fell short against Luke Humphries, his remarkable talent secured him a place in the prestigious Premier League—an opportunity that has proved well-deserved.
Throughout the Premier League campaign, Littler has continued to thrill fans with his fearless style and remarkable shot-making ability. One of the standout moments of the tournament came during his quarter-final match against Peter Wright, where he showcased his audacity by finishing a 120 checkout with three consecutive double tops. The unexpected move stunned Wright, who was so taken aback that he spilled his water bottle in shock.
However, Littler’s growing fame has not come without its challenges. While he has garnered widespread admiration, he has also faced hostility from some crowds. One notable incident occurred in Liverpool, where he was booed by fans unhappy with his support for Manchester United. Rather than letting the reaction faze him, Littler responded by putting his finger to his lips, silencing the detractors before going on to win the night’s competition.
Despite his success, Littler faces a significant challenge in overcoming Smith, who has proven to be a difficult opponent. Their most recent encounter in Sheffield saw Littler take an early 4-1 lead, only for Smith to mount a remarkable comeback and secure victory. This result extended Smith’s dominant head-to-head record against Littler to 5-2, making him the clear favorite in their upcoming semi-final clash.
Smith’s experience and resilience could prove decisive in their encounter at the O2 Arena. The former world champion knows how to handle high-pressure situations and has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and respond to in-match adversity. Littler, on the other hand, will need to be at his very best if he hopes to turn the tide against his rival.
Away from the competitive drama, Littler’s commercial appeal continues to soar. His youthful energy and prodigious talent have made him one of the most marketable stars in darts, drawing interest from major sponsors eager to capitalize on his popularity. His rapid ascent mirrors the rise of other young sporting prodigies, and there is a growing belief that he could dominate the sport for years to come.
The upcoming Premier League play-offs promise to be an electrifying spectacle, with Littler aiming to cap off his remarkable debut season with a title. His clash with Smith will be a must-watch encounter, not just for the quality of darts on display but also for the ongoing narrative of Littler’s rapid rise and Smith’s determination to prove his superiority.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: Luke Littler is here to stay. His journey from a teenage sensation to a genuine title contender has captivated the darts world, and his performances continue to elevate the sport’s popularity. Whether he lifts the Premier League trophy or not, his impact on the game is undeniable, and this is only the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary career.