Luke Littler, a 17-year-old darts prodigy, stunned the world by defeating Michael van Gerwen to win the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, a feat made even more remarkable by his subsequent decision to take a complete break from practice. This unorthodox approach contrasts sharply with the rigorous training regimen of darts legend Phil Taylor, who confessed he would be back on the practice board the very next day after winning a title. Taylor expressed his astonishment at Littler’s ability to maintain his form without consistent practice, acknowledging that such a hiatus would have significantly impacted his own performance. This difference in approach highlights the natural talent and inherent confidence of the young champion. Littler’s first match as reigning world champion will be a significant test of his natural abilities and mental fortitude, as he faces the pressure of maintaining his winning streak without the benefit of recent practice.
Littler’s victory has ignited a renewed interest in the sport, even captivating the attention of retired legend Phil Taylor. Taylor, a 16-time world champion, has been drawn back to watching darts, a testament to the excitement generated by Littler’s meteoric rise. The parallels between Littler and another sporting prodigy, Wayne Rooney, are striking. Both possess an innate talent combined with a killer instinct that transforms them from seemingly ordinary individuals into formidable competitors on the field or at the oche. Taylor emphasizes that victory against such naturally gifted individuals requires exceptional performance, as they are unlikely to falter under pressure.
Littler’s impact extends beyond the professional darts circuit, sparking conversations among everyday people. Taylor recounts his own experiences of being constantly questioned about Littler during routine supermarket trips, highlighting the widespread interest and intrigue surrounding the young champion’s future. The public’s fascination is not merely with Littler’s current success, but also with his long-term prospects and his ability to maintain his winning form under increasing pressure and scrutiny. Taylor remains optimistic about Littler’s future, citing the supportive environment provided by his family and management team as key factors contributing to his potential for sustained success.
The financial rewards of Littler’s victory are substantial, exceeding £1.43 million in total prize money from various tournaments. This impressive sum underscores the lucrative nature of professional darts and the significant opportunities available to talented young players like Littler. His earnings from the World Championship alone, combined with winnings from other major tournaments such as the Grand Slam of Darts, European Tour events, and Player Championships, demonstrate the rapid accumulation of wealth possible in this increasingly popular sport. This financial success further fuels public interest and adds another layer of intrigue to Littler’s journey.
Phil Taylor’s return to the spotlight as a commentator for the Legends League on Pluto TV reflects the renewed interest in darts spurred by Littler’s success. The streaming service’s exclusive coverage of Super Series tournaments provides fans with unprecedented access to live matches, documentaries, and in-depth features, further amplifying the sport’s reach and popularity. Taylor’s involvement as a commentator adds a layer of expert analysis and historical perspective, enriching the viewing experience for both seasoned fans and newcomers to the sport.
The 2025 Premier League Darts season promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with sixteen nights of competition culminating in the play-offs at The O2 in London. The tournament will span various iconic venues across the UK, including Belfast, Glasgow, Dublin, Exeter, Brighton, Nottingham, Cardiff, Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds, Aberdeen, and Sheffield, as well as an international stop in Berlin. This extensive schedule showcases the global appeal of darts and provides fans across multiple countries with the opportunity to witness the drama and excitement of live professional darts competition.
