Luke Littler is a young darts sensation rewriting history with nearly every throw, setting and resetting records in a meteoric rise that has captivated fans and left seasoned players in awe. This past weekend, at the Czech Darts Open, the 17-year-old smashed a tournament record for the highest average score—twice in less than 24 hours.
Littler first shattered the record on Saturday with a spectacular 6-1 win over Nathan Aspinall, leaving the audience stunned as he showcased an unprecedented level of skill and focus. His average score of 110.43 was fueled by four 180s, a feat that left his competitor in good spirits but visibly outmatched. Aspinall, recognizing the brilliance of Littler’s performance, even jokingly tossed his darts to the floor after the young star clinched victory. It was a moment of sportsmanship that underscored the respect Littler is already earning from established players. However, as impressive as his Saturday performance was, it seemed that Littler was only warming up.
The very next day, Littler returned to the Czech Darts Open with even greater fire, facing Australian player Damon Heta in a high-stakes match. In an astonishing show of skill, Littler defeated Heta 6-3 and raised the bar even higher with an average score of 116.51, surpassing his own record. His masterclass included an incredible eight 180s, a display that left the crowd and even the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in disbelief. The PDC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account joined in the excitement, sharing a humorous clip from *The Office* featuring Ricky Gervais’s character, who jokingly asks, “Who else has seen this filth?” to encapsulate Littler’s awe-inspiring performance.
Starting the match strong, Littler quickly pulled ahead with a 5-1 lead, showing just how effective his precision and technique were against Heta. Although Heta rallied, narrowing the score to 5-3, Littler shut down any chance of a comeback by delivering back-to-back 180s in the ninth leg. The crowd watched in suspense as Littler confidently approached the board, ending the match with a perfectly executed double 20 on his tenth dart to seal a 6-3 win. Littler’s blend of skill, calm under pressure, and fierce competitiveness is rare at any age, let alone in a 17-year-old, and it’s quickly making him one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Reflecting on his win, Littler was quick to praise Heta’s performance and noted that his recent decision to switch darts had been instrumental in his success. “Damo played very well,” Littler said, underscoring the respect he holds for his fellow competitors. “I’ve been practicing a lot this morning. It was a good decision to change my darts. Hopefully, I can do the business tonight.” His humility and determination are qualities that are winning him fans and respect across the world of darts, and with each new victory, he appears more confident and refined in his approach.
Littler’s triumph over Heta set the stage for a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash against Michael van Gerwen, one of the top players in the world. With this matchup, Littler steps into a new level of competition, yet his remarkable form this season suggests he may be more than ready for the challenge. Over the past year, Littler has proved time and again that he belongs among the elite players in darts. His journey began with a surprising run to the World Championship final in January, where he narrowly lost to Luke Humphries. That performance established him as a serious contender, and he has only continued to grow since then.
The past year has seen Littler collect an impressive array of titles, including victories at the World Series of Darts final as well as at the Bahrain and Poland Masters events. His success isn’t just winning titles; it’s also reshaping expectations of what a teenager can achieve in a sport traditionally dominated by more experienced players. The respect and recognition he’s earned have extended beyond darts, too. Littler’s talent and charisma have attracted the attention of TV producers, landing him a guest spot on the newly rebooted game show *Bullseye*, where he’ll appear as a guest player alongside host Andrew Flintoff. This crossover appeal is rare in the world of darts and speaks to his growing celebrity.
Littler’s rise isn’t just a story of youthful talent—it’s also about hard work, strategic thinking, and maturity well beyond his years. His decision to change darts before the Czech Open, for instance, reveals a willingness to adapt and a keen sense of his own game. Few players his age have the foresight to make such strategic adjustments, and even fewer have the skill to execute them with such flawless results.
As he moves forward in the tournament, it’s clear that Littler’s journey is just beginning. The upcoming match against van Gerwen is sure to be one of the most-watched events of the competition, with fans eager to see if the young star can continue his record-breaking streak. Regardless of the outcome, Littler has already cemented his place as one of the sport’s most exciting talents, and his potential seems boundless. Whether he’s rewriting records, thrilling audiences, or taking on legendary players, Luke Littler is a force to be reckoned with—a teen prodigy whose journey in the world of darts is one fans will be watching for years to come.