Darts star Matt Edgar has expressed concerns over the future of 17-year-old prodigy Luke Littler, admitting that while the young talent has been impressive, there are areas of his game that still raise doubts. Littler, who only turned professional a year ago, has already made a massive impact on the darts world. Despite his success in big events like the World Darts Championship final and his debut Premier League victory, Edgar has pointed out the inconsistencies in Littler’s performances and believes that there are some who may be hoping for the teen’s downfall.
Littler’s rise to prominence has been meteoric. After turning pro in 2023, he quickly made a name for himself by reaching the final of the World Darts Championship, a remarkable achievement for a player so young. He has continued to impress with victories in multiple tournaments, including his stunning Premier League debut win. The young Englishman has earned recognition for his skill and composure under pressure, and many are already touting him as a future star of the sport.
However, as with any young athlete, there have been moments where Littler’s performance hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. Despite his triumphs, his results in certain high-profile events have raised questions. In particular, his early exits from tournaments like the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, and European Championship, where he was knocked out in the first round, have sparked criticism. Littler’s World Series victory in September added another impressive title to his resume, but the inconsistency shown in some of his other matches has led to concerns about his ability to maintain his form in ranking events.
As Littler prepares for the Grand Slam of Darts, where he has been drawn against Dimitri van den Bergh, Keane Barry, and Lourence Ilagan, his aim is to prove the doubters wrong and show that he can perform consistently at the highest level. The event will be crucial for Littler as he looks to solidify his position in the professional ranks and demonstrate that he can compete with the very best. However, Edgar, who is making his own debut at the WDF World Championships this month, believes that Littler still has a lot to prove.
“I don’t think you can look past Luke and Dimitri [van den Bergh],” Edgar told *Sky Sports’* *Love the Darts* podcast, referencing the top contenders in the upcoming Grand Slam. “But I do have reservations about Luke on the basis that, when we look at his TV form, it’s not full-top TV form. He’s won the Premier League and World Series events, but in ranking TV titles, he’s not been able to break through consistently. He should already be in the top 16 based on his results.”
Edgar’s concerns are not unwarranted. Although Littler’s success in non-ranking events has been impressive, the lack of deep runs in ranking tournaments raises a red flag. Had he managed to secure even one victory in any of these tournaments, he would have already found himself in the top 16 of the world rankings. It’s a situation that suggests potential but also highlights the inconsistency that many young players face when stepping onto the big stage.
Moreover, Edgar pointed out that Littler’s rise has garnered a strong reaction from the darts community. “There are a couple of question marks there. And let’s just say there are lots of people who want him to do well — but now there are people who don’t want him to do well because he’s become that guy,” Edgar explained. While it’s clear that Littler has garnered a huge fan following, his rapid ascent has also made him a target for criticism. As is often the case with players who quickly rise to prominence, Littler has become a polarizing figure in the sport.
“It’s great for us and for the sport,” Edgar continued, reflecting on the excitement Littler has brought to darts. “We’re wrestling fans, and we know that if you can draw emotion from someone, whether you want them to win or lose, you’re doing a great job. Littler is probably the first since Gerwyn Price — and he was that person for a long time — who has managed to draw that emotion.”
Indeed, Littler’s presence in the sport has certainly added an extra layer of excitement and intrigue, and his ability to evoke strong reactions from fans and players alike is a sign of his growing influence on the darts world. Like Price, who has been a controversial but hugely successful figure in the sport, Littler is quickly becoming someone who people either love or love to hate. For the sport of darts, this kind of emotional investment is exactly what is needed to elevate the game to new heights.
However, Edgar’s message remains clear: for Littler to truly cement his place among the elite, he must start delivering consistent results in the ranking events. “The sport is going in a good direction with Luke there,” Edgar said, “but I would like to see him start winning in the ranking events. That’s the next step.”
Littler’s talent is undeniable, but as Edgar notes, consistency is key if he is to challenge the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, and other top players regularly. His ability to handle the pressure of big events and produce when it matters most will be crucial if he is to realize his full potential.
As the Grand Slam of Darts approaches, all eyes will be on the young Englishman to see if he can quiet the doubters and make a statement in one of darts’ most prestigious events. Whether he can rise to the occasion and deliver the kind of consistent performances required to truly break through in the ranking events remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Luke Littler’s journey is one to watch, and the darts world is eager to see what he does next.
In the coming months, as Littler continues to grow in his career, he will face even greater challenges, and how he responds to them will define whether he can truly become the player many believe he can be. If he can start to deliver in ranking tournaments, the sky could be the limit for the 17-year-old star. But for now, the pressure is on to show that his early promise can translate into consistent results on the biggest stages.