The Rise of the 17-Year-Old Darts Sensation: Luke Littler
In the span of just a few months, the 17-year-old English sensation Luke Littler has burst onto the darts scene, captivating audiences across the United Kingdom. The young prodigy made a remarkable run at the recent World Darts Championship, ultimately falling to Luke Humphries in the final. This impressive debut was just the beginning, as Littler went on to clinch victories at the Belgian Darts Open and Austrian Darts Open, cementing his status as a rising star in the sport.
Littler’s on-the-board prowess has not gone unnoticed, earning him lucrative sponsorship deals that have further propelled him into the public eye. The young darts player now has his own line of branded darts, a clothing contract, and has even starred in a televised commercial. PDC president Barry Hearn recognizes Littler’s tremendous potential, but cautions that his schedule must be carefully managed to ensure he doesn’t become overwhelmed.
“This is a Boris Becker moment, this is a Tiger Woods moment. He’s clearly got a lot going for him, his parents and the group around him are very supportive. Now they mustn’t just look at the money because that will come automatically if you are good enough,” Hearn told the Telegraph.
The top-earning darts players can earn up to £2-2.5 million annually, and Hearn advises that Littler’s “fee should be set at an astronomical number” to control his exposure and prevent burnout.
Hearn draws a parallel between Littler and tennis sensation Emma Raducanu, noting that while Raducanu’s 2021 US Open victory was a “one-off that hasn’t been followed up,” Littler possesses the potential to become the “face of darts for the next 25 years.” As the young Englishman continues to make waves in the sport, the darts community eagerly awaits his future performances and the impact he will have on the game.
🔗 Source
