Stephen Bunting Praises 17-Year-Old Luke Littler for Revolutionizing Darts
Former world champion Stephen Bunting has hailed Luke Littler as a transformative figure in the world of darts, attributing the sport’s unprecedented popularity to the meteoric rise of the 17-year-old prodigy. As excitement builds for the 2024/25 PDC World Darts Championship at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace, Bunting shared his admiration for Littler and reflected on how the sport has evolved since his own triumph in 2014.
Littler: A “Megastar” Changing the Game
Bunting, who won the now-defunct BDO World Championship a decade ago, described Littler’s impact as nothing short of extraordinary. “What Luke has done for our sport in such a short space of time is just incredible, and he is the name on everybody’s lips,” Bunting told the PA news agency. “He’s a megastar, and he’s taken our sport to the top echelons.”
Littler’s success has catapulted darts into the mainstream, pushing its popularity to levels that Bunting admits were unimaginable during his own rise to fame. “We were already up there for viewing figures behind Premier League football, but it is now at another level,” he added.
The ripple effect of Littler’s rise is evident not just in the growing fanbase but also in the demographic shift among supporters. “I notice it when I go shopping and I get young kids asking me for autographs and pictures, which never really happened before,” Bunting said. “It just shows how Luke’s success is bringing the demographic of darts fans down.”
A Record-Breaking Year for Darts
The 2023 PDC World Championship final, which saw Littler narrowly defeated by Luke Humphries, set a new record as the most-watched non-football event in Sky Sports history. This surge in popularity has also led to darts earning a prestigious spot in the world of collectibles: Panini has launched its first-ever PDC Trading Card collection, featuring current stars like Littler and Bunting alongside historic legends of the game.
For Bunting, a lifelong Liverpool fan and avid Panini sticker collector, the launch is a surreal milestone. “I remember going down the shops to get a pack and getting the shiny crests,” he recalled. “I always had the sticker book for the year and I’ve still got them now.”
The St Helens-born player expressed his excitement about collecting the new darts-themed cards, particularly Littler’s. “It’s surreal that darts has its own set now, and I’ll certainly be trying to get the Luke Littler one because that could be worth a bit of money in a few years’ time.”
Bunting’s Ally Pally Aspirations
Bunting enters this year’s World Championship as a strong contender after claiming The Masters title in Milton Keynes last February. However, his path to victory may once again intersect with defending champion Luke Humphries, potentially setting up a high-stakes quarterfinal clash.
A fan favorite at Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as Ally Pally, Bunting shared his affection for the venue, which has hosted the World Championship since 2008. “In my eyes, it would be sad to move away from Ally Pally because it is an unbelievable place for darts,” he said. “You go there each year and there’s people dressed as Christmas trees and Batman and Robin. It’s a special place for players, officials, and fans, and it’s just a special venue.”
Bunting’s comments come amid speculation by PDC chairman Barry Hearn about a potential future relocation of the tournament. However, the unique atmosphere and tradition of Ally Pally make it difficult for many players and fans to envision the championship taking place elsewhere.
The Littler Effect on Rivals and Fans
Littler’s ascent has not only captured the imagination of fans but also motivated his fellow competitors. Bunting noted how Littler’s rapid success has rubbed off on the rest of the darting world, pushing players to elevate their own performances. “It’s like he’s set a new benchmark,” Bunting explained. “When you see someone so young achieving so much, it inspires everyone to work harder and aim higher.”
The buzz surrounding Littler has also reignited interest in grassroots darts, with junior academies reporting increased enrollment. Sponsors and broadcasters are paying closer attention, signaling a bright future for the sport.
Looking Ahead to a Thrilling Tournament
As the 2024/25 PDC World Darts Championship approaches, all eyes will be on Littler to see if he can go one step further than last year and claim his first world title. Meanwhile, seasoned players like Bunting will be determined to leverage their experience and fend off the younger generation.
The inclusion of Panini trading cards is just one more element adding to the excitement of this year’s tournament. For fans and players alike, the collection serves as a tangible reminder of darts’ growing stature on the global stage.
A New Era for Darts
Stephen Bunting’s reflections highlight how far darts has come since his own championship days. From a sport often confined to pubs and niche audiences, it has evolved into a global phenomenon with record-breaking viewership, star players like Luke Littler, and cultural milestones like Panini’s trading cards.
As darts heads into a new era, one thing is certain: the journey from Ally Pally to worldwide acclaim owes much to the passion and talent of players like Bunting and the extraordinary rise of “megastar” Luke Littler. Whether it’s through thrilling matches, iconic venues, or collectible trading cards, darts is proving it’s here to stay—and ready to inspire a new generation of fans.