Michael Smith has urged his fellow darts professionals to stop complaining about Luke Littler and instead recognize the financial benefits the 17-year-old sensation is bringing to the sport. Smith, the 2023 World Champion, believes that Littler’s rapid rise has not only elevated the profile of darts but is also boosting prize money and sponsorship opportunities for players at all levels.
Littler has experienced a meteoric rise since his breakthrough performance at the PDC World Darts Championship over the Christmas period. The teenager stunned the sporting world by reaching the final, where he ultimately fell short against Luke Humphries. Despite the loss, Littler’s fearless performances and youthful charisma catapulted him into the spotlight, earning him opportunities usually reserved for higher-ranked players. Among them was an invitation to the prestigious Premier League Darts tournament, where he dominated the league phase, securing his place among the sport’s elite.
While Littler’s success has been widely celebrated, some players, particularly those ranked outside the top tier, have expressed discontent. They argue that his rapid ascent has bypassed traditional qualification pathways, granting him opportunities they have spent years working toward. Smith, however, has little sympathy for these complaints, emphasizing that Littler’s presence is a boon for everyone in the sport.
“He’s amazing, pushing the PDC boys even further,” Smith said after securing his own place in the Premier League play-offs with a victory in Sheffield. “There’s a few getting upset with it, but listen, my pockets get full every time he gets mentioned.”
Smith, who himself faced similar criticism after his World Championship victory, believes that players should focus on the bigger picture. “I think they are getting annoyed. I had it last year, Littler is getting it all now,” he explained. “I don’t think they are happy that he’s getting everything. I’m not bothered.”
According to Smith, lower-ranked players should see Littler’s emergence as an opportunity rather than a threat. “The players ranked 70, 80, 90 in the world shouldn’t be bothered because this young kid is one of the best players in the world right now. Their money is going to keep going up and up and up. The more this kid is playing, we get better sponsors, and hopefully, Eddie Hearn increases the prize money again. The ProTour payouts could go from £1,000 to £1,500 per event. My money is just going to keep going up because some kid is doing it for me. I’m not annoyed, and the other players shouldn’t be either. The kid is doing nothing wrong.”
Beyond the financial benefits, Littler’s impact on the sport’s popularity is undeniable. His performances have captivated fans, drawing in record-breaking television audiences and increasing mainstream media coverage of darts. The teenager has made high-profile appearances on The Jonathan Ross Show, Comic Relief, and even graced the cover of Forbes magazine. His story has transcended the sport, attracting new fans and broadening darts’ appeal beyond its traditional audience.
Smith pointed out that Littler’s mainstream recognition has significantly boosted the sport’s visibility. “Just because of Littler, we’ve gone from being wherever we were in the ratings to now only Premier League football in the UK is out-rating us,” he said. “Just because of that kid. You have to look at the bigger picture. The bigger picture is that darts is growing. If you stick around and you’re good enough to stay in the top 32, he is making it grow. As long as the sport is growing, who cares?”
Despite the complaints from some players, Littler remains focused on his game. His humility and dedication have been praised by many within the darts community, and he has repeatedly stated that he is simply enjoying the experience. His success has also inspired a new generation of young players, proving that age is no barrier to competing at the highest level.
While some resistance from established players is natural, Smith’s comments highlight a key point: Littler’s presence is a net positive for the sport. His rise has sparked greater public interest, driven up sponsorship deals, and created financial opportunities for all professional players. As darts continues to grow in popularity, those who embrace this change stand to benefit the most.
Smith’s call for unity within the darts community is a reminder that success in any sport is driven by evolution. Instead of resenting Littler’s rapid ascent, players should recognize the doors he is opening for them. In a sport where financial stability is not always guaranteed, having a young star who attracts attention, sponsors, and increased prize pools is an asset, not a liability.
As Littler continues his journey, he will undoubtedly face more scrutiny and challenges. However, his impact on darts is already undeniable. Whether his critics like it or not, he is shaping the future of the sport, and as Smith suggests, players should be grateful for the opportunities he is creating rather than dwelling on perceived injustices.
In the end, darts, like any professional sport, thrives on excitement, narratives, and star power. Littler brings all of these in abundance, and his presence is making the game richer—both figuratively and literally. Instead of moaning, Smith advises his fellow professionals to capitalize on this moment, appreciate the increased opportunities, and enjoy the ride.