Luke Littler’s meteoric rise in the world of darts continues. In a stunning debut at the Grand Slam of Darts 2024, the 17-year-old sensation captured his first major title, leaving seasoned professionals and fans alike in awe.
Littler’s path to victory was nothing short of spectacular. He showcased exceptional skill and composure, culminating in a thrilling 16-15 semi-final win over Gary Anderson, a match described by many as an all-time classic. His performance didn’t falter in the final; he completely dominated Martin Lukeman, reeling off an astonishing 15 consecutive legs en route to a 16-3 victory.
This triumph has catapulted Littler to fifth place in the PDC Order of Merit, a remarkable achievement considering his debut year as a professional. His performance has even prompted speculation about surpassing the legendary achievements of Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor. Fellow finalist Lukeman himself heaped praise on Littler, believing he possesses the talent to become one of the greatest ever.
When asked about the possibility of matching the records of these darts icons, Littler displayed unwavering confidence: “If I want it, then I should get it,” he declared. “But it’s going to take quite some years to pick up the amount of trophies, not only what Michael has got, but also Phil Taylor.” His ambition is clear, and his recent success provides a strong foundation.
His immediate goal is to climb even higher in the world rankings. He’s aiming for a top-four spot before the end of the year. “I knew coming into the tournament, if I do get my hands on the trophy, which is a long way away, I’ll be up to No. 5 in the world… No. 5 in the space of 10 months,” he explained. “There’s still another two more ranking tournaments to go so hopefully I can go a bit higher than five.”
The Grand Slam victory is a significant milestone in Littler’s already extraordinary journey. Since his impressive run at the World Championship last December, his life has undergone a dramatic transformation. He’s now a recognized celebrity, a testament to his rapidly growing fame. Yet, despite the whirlwind, he remains grounded, with moments like the Grand Slam win serving as validation for his dedication and hard work. “I was just very happy with my performance,” Littler reflected. “The best feeling was when the ball of confetti came out. This is what we play for and the big titles we collect.” He acknowledged the impact of his success, stating, “The World Championship changed me, changed my family, but now the months have gone on and I’m just getting used to it all. I’m going to have to get used to it for a very long time.”
Looking ahead, Littler’s sights are set on the World Darts Championship, starting December 15th. His Grand Slam victory has firmly established him as a major contender, and the darts world eagerly anticipates his next challenge. The question on everyone’s mind: can Luke Littler continue his incredible ascent and claim the ultimate prize?
Watch the World Darts Championship live on Sky Sports Darts from December 15th to January 3rd.