The BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award represents one of the highest honors in British sports, recognizing not only athletic achievement but also the impact an athlete has on the wider public. This year, the world of darts finds itself at the forefront of the conversation, thanks to the remarkable performances of 17-year-old sensation Luke Littler. While the sport has long struggled for recognition at mainstream awards, Littler’s meteoric rise has ignited a conversation that could reshape perceptions of darts within the broader sporting landscape.
Littler’s Meteoric Rise
Luke Littler’s journey to becoming a SPOTY contender is nothing short of extraordinary. The teenager’s breakthrough moment came at the start of 2024 when he reached the World Darts Championship final in January. Since then, he has been on an unstoppable trajectory, with his crowning achievement coming in November at the Grand Slam of Darts. Littler’s emphatic 16-3 victory over Martin Lukeman in the final not only secured his first major ranking title but also underscored his dominance in the sport.
His triumph at the Grand Slam was part of a historic season that saw him win an astounding 10 Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) titles. This feat places him among an elite group, as only three other players have achieved this milestone in a single season. With over £1 million in prize money already banked in 2024—spanning both ranked tournaments and prestigious invitationals like the Premier League and World Series Finals—Littler’s achievements are unparalleled for someone of his age.
SPOTY Prospects and Wider Impact
Despite Littler’s remarkable success, he faces stiff competition for the SPOTY award. Currently, he stands as the second favorite with 5/2 odds, just behind Olympic gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson, who claimed victory in the 800m event at the Paris Olympics. Historically, Olympic athletes have enjoyed a significant advantage at SPOTY, with their achievements often receiving widespread media attention and public support. However, the precedent set by Emma Raducanu’s victory in 2021—when the teenage tennis star won ahead of Olympians Tom Daley and Adam Peaty—offers hope that Littler’s accomplishments could resonate with the voting public.
What sets Littler apart is not just his performance on the oche but his cultural impact. His down-to-earth persona and relatable pre-match routines—famously involving a curry, a Boost bar, and some Squashies—have made him a viral sensation. His rise has helped darts transcend its niche status, drawing in new fans and proving that it can captivate audiences beyond its traditional base. This crossover appeal could be a decisive factor in a public vote.
Luke Humphries: Another Worthy Contender?
Amid the buzz surrounding Littler, another name has emerged in the SPOTY conversation: Luke Humphries. Known as “Cool Hand,” Humphries has had an exceptional year in his own right, winning seven titles, including the prestigious World Matchplay in July—the second most significant tournament in the sport. His consistent performances and poise under pressure have solidified his status as one of the top players in the world.
Humphries has expressed mixed feelings about the SPOTY process. In an interview with Sporting Life, he acknowledged the subjective nature of the award, which often places personality and narrative above pure athletic achievement. “Of course, the only thing I’d find is maybe over the last 12 months, I don’t see any UK sportsperson that’s dominated a sport and nearly done everything,” Humphries remarked. “It’s more done on personality though; it’s not about your achievements.”
Despite his reservations, Humphries is proud to have been invited to the ceremony and sees it as a positive step for darts. He plans to support Littler wholeheartedly, recognizing the broader implications of a win for their sport. “If he wins, then it’s good for the sport. It’s nice to be invited, and I think they acknowledge a little bit what I’ve achieved.”
Changing Perceptions of Darts
Both Littler and Humphries are aware of the challenges darts faces in gaining mainstream recognition. The sport has historically been viewed as less physically demanding than others, leading some to question whether its competitors should be considered athletes. Littler himself addressed this perception, saying, “People don’t really class us as athletes, do they? So if I’m second [in SPOTY voting], then that’ll do.”
However, the physical and mental demands of professional darts are considerable. The precision required to perform consistently at the highest level, combined with the intense psychological pressure of major tournaments, makes darts a test of skill, concentration, and resilience. Littler’s and Humphries’ performances in 2024 have demonstrated these qualities in abundance, challenging outdated stereotypes about the sport.
The Road Ahead
As Littler prepares for the upcoming World Championship, where he is the favorite to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy, the spotlight will only intensify. A victory there would further bolster his SPOTY credentials and cement his status as one of the most exciting young talents in British sports. Meanwhile, Humphries will continue to make his case through his performances, hoping that the progress darts has made this year translates into lasting recognition.
Regardless of the SPOTY outcome, 2024 will be remembered as a landmark year for darts. Littler’s rise and Humphries’ excellence have not only elevated the sport but also sparked a broader conversation about what it means to be an athlete. Their stories remind us that greatness can come from unexpected places, and that true sportsmanship transcends traditional boundaries. As the SPOTY ceremony approaches, the world will be watching to see if British sports is ready to embrace this new narrative.