In a sport where legends are made and rivalries fuel the passion of fans around the world, Littler's meteoric rise in the darts universe has captured the heart of the public and altered the landscape of professional darts. From his initial 66-1 odds as a debutant at the PDC World Championship to his dramatic face-off with the formidable Michael van Gerwen in the final, Littler's journey is as compelling as it is unprecedented.
When Littler first entered the arena at the World Championship, skepticism loomed—after all, many thought a star wouldn't be born from such long-shot odds. Yet, reality swiftly turned on its head as Littler not only competed fiercely but also found himself in the final against Luke Humphries, the world's number one at Alexandra Palace. This unexpected rise reached its climax with Littler's debut performance landing him interviews on chat shows alongside Hollywood elites, evidence of his newfound fame beyond the world of sport.
A Debut to Remember
Reflecting on that breathtaking entry onto darts' grandest stage, Littler candidly shared, "I have never felt anything like that." With those words, the emotion and surprise of his own success resonate. It was more than just his debut—it marked the beginning of Littler's transformation into a force to be reckoned with.
The PDC final's draw extended beyond academia’s typical confines, turning into Sky Sports’ most over-watched event of the past year, with the exception of football. Littler, armed with newfound confidence, continued to make waves with a Premier League Darts final victory over the same rival, Luke Humphries. Along the way, Littler achieved the elusive nine-dart finish on television, a feat that further bolstered his rising star.
Climbing the Ranks
2024 saw Littler cement his position among the elite, claiming no fewer than ten titles, a staggering achievement for any player at any stage. His relentless pursuit of excellence pushed him to fourth in the world rankings, and while consistency is key, his displays carry a touch of brilliance that enthralls audiences. Littler's performance is illustrated by his impressive three-dart average of 140.91 against Ryan Meikle—play that unmistakably showcases his precision and skill.
Navigating through opponents with both grace and aggression, Littler secured a 5-2 victory over Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals and subsequently triumphed 6-1 over Stephen Bunting in the semi-finals. Such dominance leaves little room for doubt of Littler's incredible potential. Yet for all his displays of ease, Littler remains grounded, confessing after his quarter-final victory, "I'll be honest, no nerves. I'm playing with absolute confidence, with freedom."
The Van Gerwen Challenge
His World Championship final face-off against Michael van Gerwen, the former prodigy who became the youngest PDC world champion at just 24 in 2014, tests both his mettle and charisma. Littler's own words, however, reveal the weight of the moment: "It is probably the biggest time it's hit me. Coming into it I was fine, but as soon as [referee] George Noble said 'game on,' I couldn't throw them." The enormity of the occasion, against a player of Van Gerwen’s caliber, indeed is a high hurdle in what's likely a future hall of fame career.
His journey has been fast, almost unreal. Littler acknowledges the whirlwind nature of his career ascension, stating, "It has been a lot to deal with." Yet, with acknowledgment comes adaptation, and Littler has demonstrated an uncanny ability to evolve under pressure—a hallmark of all great athletes.
From a debutant to a formidable competitor, Littler is more than a rising star; he is a symbol of the changing tides in the world of darts. His natural talent, combined with an unyielding work ethic and confidence, has captured the imagination of fans and carved a place for him in the echelons of darts history. As he prepares to face Michael van Gerwen, the world watches, eager to see what this extraordinary talent will conjure up next.