Luke Littler’s meteoric rise in the world of darts has captivated fans and experts alike, with his rapid ascent through the ranks since the beginning of 2024. The teenage sensation has not only claimed numerous titles, including the coveted Premier League crown, but has also showcased an unshakeable confidence and skill set well beyond his years. His friend and fellow darts star Nathan Aspinall has had a front-row seat to Littler’s incredible journey and can pinpoint the exact moment he realized Littler was something truly special.
Littler’s breakthrough moment came during the World Darts Championship, where he stunned the darts community by advancing to the final after starting the tournament as a qualifier. His impressive run at Alexandra Palace saw him fall just short of the ultimate prize, narrowly losing to Luke Humphries in a thrilling final. But even in defeat, Littler’s performance left no doubt about his future potential.
Nathan Aspinall, affectionately known in the darts world as ‘The Asp,’ first crossed paths with Littler when the prodigy was just 12 years old. Having played against him and trained alongside him for years, Aspinall has witnessed Littler’s evolution first-hand. Yet, it was during that World Championship campaign that he saw something extraordinary in his young friend.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Aspinall recalled the pivotal moment: “It has to be the first game of the worlds, even though I knew him before. He played Christian Kist, and if I’m deadly honest with you, the way he handled himself and walked on that stage on his debut… It was a tough game for him, but he performed like that, and I thought, ‘Bloody hell, you’ve even opened my eyes here, mate.’ That was probably the first moment I thought that he was special.”
At just 16 years old, Littler showed remarkable composure and poise under pressure, breezing past experienced players with a maturity that belied his age. His demolition of Christian Kist set the tone for what was to come. Littler’s confidence and fearless approach were on full display again in the next round, where he defeated UK Open champion Andrew Gilding in scintillating fashion. His clinical finishing and impressive scoring made waves, and his name quickly went viral across social media.
Dubbed ‘The Nuke,’ Littler’s rise wasn’t just a flash in the pan. He continued to make headlines by defeating some of the biggest names in darts, including a memorable victory over Raymond van Barneveld. His stellar performances throughout the campaign earned him a full-time spot on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tour, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.
For Aspinall, watching Littler’s rapid development has been both inspiring and humbling. The two share a close friendship and a competitive rivalry, often facing off in high-stakes matches. They’ve played against each other on stage at several major tournaments, including multiple showdowns in the Premier League. But their rivalry remains a friendly one, characterized by mutual respect and a shared love for the game. The pair are often seen belting out their walk-on songs together, with Aspinall’s infamous rendition of “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers being a particular fan favorite.
The grueling darts schedule shows no signs of slowing down for either player. Both Littler and Aspinall are preparing for the iconic World Matchplay at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, one of the most prestigious events on the darts calendar. Littler faces a formidable challenge in the opening round, having been drawn against three-time Matchplay champion Michael van Gerwen. It promises to be a high-octane clash, with Littler looking to continue his impressive form and prove that he belongs among the sport’s elite.
Meanwhile, Aspinall has his own title to defend. One year after his stunning triumph in Blackpool, he will begin his campaign against Luke Woodhouse. Aspinall’s victory at the 2023 World Matchplay was a career-defining moment, and he is determined to replicate that success. However, he knows that all eyes will be on Littler, whose remarkable journey has captured the imagination of darts fans around the world.
Reflecting on Littler’s rapid rise, Aspinall remains in awe of his young friend’s talent and composure. “It’s not just about the ability,” he said. “It’s the way he carries himself, the way he handles the pressure. To come into this sport at such a young age and make the impact he has is incredible. He’s got the whole package – the talent, the mindset, and the personality. I’ve got no doubt that he’s going to be at the top of this game for a long, long time.”
As Littler continues to make waves, his journey serves as a reminder of the power of raw talent and determination. He has taken to the sport like a duck to water, seamlessly transitioning from a promising young prospect to a genuine contender on the world stage. With mentors like Aspinall by his side, the sky’s the limit for this teenage sensation.
The road ahead is filled with challenges, but if his performances so far are anything to go by, Luke Littler is more than ready to meet them head-on. The darts world has found its next superstar, and Nathan Aspinall couldn’t be prouder to have witnessed his friend’s extraordinary rise from the very beginning.
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