Littler's Meteoric Rise in the World of Darts
A Debut to Remember
When Littler first stepped onto the stage at the PDC World Championship, many wondered how this 66-1 debutant would fare. His journey was nothing short of remarkable, capturing the public’s imagination and even taking him to the final against the world's number one, Luke Humphries. Although he didn’t clinch the title, losing out to Humphries at the iconic Alexandra Palace, it was clear that Littler was no ordinary newcomer. Reflecting on his debut, Littler admitted, "I have never felt anything like that." It was a momentous occasion, so gripping that it propelled him into the limelight, even landing him on chat shows alongside Hollywood stars.
A Championship Journey
The previous year had already seen the PDC final become Sky Sports’ most-watched event, aside from football, showcasing the ever-growing popularity of darts. Littler contributed to this narrative with stunning performances, including his first televised nine-dart finish shortly after his Championship appearance. From there, he continued to impress, eventually claiming victory in the Premier League Darts final by defeating Luke Humphries, a sweet revenge of sorts. In total, he secured ten titles in 2024, climbing to fourth in the world rankings. His ascent was underscored by an impressive three-dart average of 140.91 against Ryan Meikle and dominant victories, such as his 5-2 win over Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals and a commanding 6-1 triumph over Stephen Bunting in the semi-finals. Through it all, Littler remained candid, stating after his quarter-final victory, "I'll be honest, no nerves," and adding, "I'm playing with absolute confidence, with freedom."
The Young Challenger
As Littler gears up for a shot at the world title, he’s up against none other than Michael van Gerwen. Van Gerwen, the youngest PDC world champion to date, claimed his crown at just 24 years old back in 2014. As Littler faces this formidable opponent in the World Championship final, the anticipation is palpable. Reflecting on his journey so far, Littler remarked, "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." Yet, he’s shown resilience and an ability to adapt in the face of pressure. "It has been a lot to deal with," Littler admitted, a sentiment that resonates with many young athletes rising rapidly in their sport.
The stage is set for Littler to possibly carve out a bit of history against van Gerwen. Whether he takes home the title or not, his journey to this point has already established him as a formidable force and a fan favorite in the world of darts.