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Revision as of 22:22, 3 January 2025 view sourceKnowledgework69 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users1,052 edits Littler was born in Runcorn England and moved to Warrington at the age of 6, https://talksport.com/darts/2436639/luke-littler-school-home-town-world-darts-championship/ and as per his official profile card on Sky Sports the official streaming service for the PDC World Championship https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13126717/luke-littler-darts-schedule-next-match-latest-results-and-world-ranking-plus-how-to-watch-and-stream-liveTag: Visual edit← Previous edit Revision as of 22:08, 6 January 2025 view source JamesVilla44 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users24,303 edits Add to ledeNext edit →
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{{Short description|English darts player (born 2007)}} {{Short description|English darts player (born 2007)}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2024}} {{Use British English|date=December 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox darts player {{Infobox darts player
| name = Luke Littler | name = Luke Littler
| image = Luke Littler.png | image = Luke Littler (3x4 cropped).png
| caption = Littler in 2024 | caption = Littler in May 2024
| fullname = | fullname =
| nickname = "The Nuke" | nickname = The Nuke
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2007|1|21|df=y}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|2007|1|21|df=y}}
| birth_place = ], England | birth_place =
| hometown = Warrington, England | hometown = ], England
| since = 2017 <!--Do not add 2008, he did not play competitive darts at 18 months old -->
| since = 2017
| darts = 23g Target | darts = 23g Target
| laterality = Right-handed | laterality = Right-handed
| music="]" by ] featuring ] and ] | music = "]" by ] featuring ] and ]
| BDO = 2019–2020 | BDO = 2019–2020
| PDC = 2023–<br/><small>(Tour Card: 2024–)</small> | PDC = 2023–<br/><small>(Tour Card: 2024–)</small>
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'''''Players Championships''''' '''''Players Championships'''''
{{aligned table|leftright=y|fullwidth=y|class=nowrap {{aligned table|leftright=y|fullwidth=y|class=nowrap
| '''Players Championship (])'''| ] | '''Players Championship (])'''| ]
| '''Players Championship (])'''| ] (x2) | '''Players Championship (])'''| ] (x2)
}} }}
'''''World Series of Darts''''' '''''World Series of Darts'''''
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'''''Youth events''''' '''''Youth events'''''
{{aligned table|leftright=y|fullwidth=y|class=nowrap {{aligned table|leftright=y|fullwidth=y|class=nowrap
| '''PDC World Youth Ch'ship'''| ]
| ''']''' | 2022, 2023
| '''PDC Development Tour''' | ] (x5)
| ''']'''| ]
| ''']''' | 2021 | ''']''' | 2021
| '''British Internationals''' | 2022
| ''']''' | 2021, 2022 | ''']''' | 2021, 2022
| '''Irish Open''' | 2021
| ''']''' | 2019, 2020,<br/>2022, 2023 | ''']''' | 2019, 2020,<br/>2022, 2023
| '''Welsh Classic''' | 2021, 2022
| ''']''' | 2021, 2022 | ''']''' | 2021, 2022
| '''JDC Tour''' | 2020 (x2) | '''JDC Tour''' | 2020 (x2)
| '''JDC Super 16''' | 2021, 2022
}} }}
| achievement ='''2023''' Toyo Tires Televised Performance of the Year<br/>'''2023''' Winmau Young Player of the Year<ref>{{cite web |title=2023 Annual Awards |url=https://pdpa.co.uk/event-entry/annual-awards/|website=]}}</ref><br/>'''2024''' Becomes the youngest player ever to hit a televised 9-dart finish, aged 16 years and 363 days at the Bahrain Darts Masters<br/>'''2024''' Becomes the youngest player ever to win a PDC Major Title, aged 17 years and 123 days, at the Premier League Darts<br/>'''2024''' Wins his first ranking PDC Major Title at the Grand Slam of Darts and breaks into the world's top 5 for the first time

| medaltemplates = | medaltemplates =
{{MedalSport | Men's ]}} {{MedalSport | Men's ]}}
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{{MedalBronze | ] | Boys pairs}} {{MedalBronze | ] | Boys pairs}}
}} }}
'''Luke Littler''' (born 21 January 2007) is an English professional ] player who plays in ] (PDC) events, where he is currently the World ]. He is the reigning ] after winning the ]. He is the youngest ever World Darts champion, winning it at 17 years old. Littler has won 11 senior PDC titles, and is the reigning ], ] and ] champion. Littler also won the ], the ], the ], the ] and the ]. '''Luke Littler''' (born 21 January 2007) is an English professional ] player who competes in ] (PDC) events, where he is currently ranked ]. He is the reigning ] after winning the ], defeating ] in the final, where he became the youngest world champion in darts history, at 17 years and 347 days old. Littler has won 11 senior PDC titles and is the reigning ], ] and ] champion. He has also won two ] titles and the ].


He was the runner-up at the premier events ] and ] in 2024, losing to ] in the final on both occasions.
Having played BDO and WDF events since he was 12, Littler won his first senior title at the age of 14 and competed in the ], becoming the youngest player to ever win a match at a ]. Having qualified for the ] through his placement on the ], Littler became the youngest player to ever win a match at a ]. A 66/1 outsider prior to the tournament, Littler defeated six opponents, including former world champions ] and ] en route to the final, where he was defeated by ]. However, Littler then won the following year, defeating ]


In his youth career, Littler also won five ], the ], and both the ], and JDC Super 16 twice each.
Littler is the youngest-ever player to hit a televised ] and the youngest to hit 2 televised nine-darters; the first one at the 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters aged 16, and the second in the ] final aged 17. Littler is also the youngest-ever player to hit a broadcast nine-darter, having achieved the feat at the age of 14 in 2021. Littler was named ] 2024<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 December 2024 |title=Luke Littler wins BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2024 award |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/c0kv7y7l4nro |access-date=18 December 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> and runner-up ] 2024, behind ].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=17 December 2024 |title=Hodgkinson named BBC Sports Personality of the Year |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/other-sport/2024/1217/1487080-hodgkinson-named-bbc-sports-personality-of-the-year/ |journal=rte.ie |access-date=25 December 2024}}</ref> His sudden success in darts at the age of 16 led to an increase in the sport's popularity, a phenomenon dubbed ''Littlermania''.

Having played in BDO and WDF events since he was 12, Littler won his first senior title at age 14. He competed in the ], becoming the youngest player to win a match at a ], before losing out in the last 16. After qualifying for the ] through his placement on the Development Tour, he became the youngest player to win a match at a PDC World Darts Championship. A 66/1 outsider before the tournament, he defeated six opponents—including former world champions ] and ]—en route to the final, where he was defeated by ]. In 2025, Littler reached the final for a second consecutive time, where he defeated ] to win the title.

Littler is the youngest player to hit a televised ], which he achieved at the ] two days before his 17th birthday. He is also the youngest to hit two televised nine-darters, having hit a second in the ] final at age 17. Littler is the youngest player to hit a broadcast nine-darter, having achieved the feat in 2021 at age 14. Named the ] in 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 December 2024 |title=Luke Littler wins BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2024 award |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/c0kv7y7l4nro |access-date=18 December 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> he was also runner-up for ], behind ].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=17 December 2024 |title=Hodgkinson named BBC Sports Personality of the Year |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/other-sport/2024/1217/1487080-hodgkinson-named-bbc-sports-personality-of-the-year/ |journal=Rte.ie |access-date=25 December 2024}}</ref> His rise to prominence at age 16 led to an increased interest in the sport, a phenomenon dubbed ''Littlermania''.

Littler has been noted for his scoring power, hitting a large number of maximum 180 scores, and his proficiency on the double 10 section of the board's outer ring.


==Early life== ==Early life==
Born on 21 January 2007 in ],<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler's birth certificate emerges and proves darts sensation's true age |url=https://metro.co.uk/2024/01/03/luke-littlers-birth-certificate-emerges-proves-darts-sensations-true-age-20057701/ |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=Metro}}</ref> Littler lived in ] until he was six, when he moved to nearby Warrington.<ref name="Colman">{{cite news |last=Colman |first=Jonty |title=Luke Littler the 16-year-old who is changing darts at PDC World Championship |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/67861277 |access-date=3 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 January 2024}}</ref> He has two brothers and a sister.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=John |date=21 December 2024 |title=Luke Littler's glamorous cheerleader sister tipped for reality TV show success |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/luke-littlers-cheerleader-sister-tipped-30628830 |access-date=3 January 2025 |website=Wales Online}}</ref> He began playing darts when he was 18 months old, after his father bought him a magnetic dart board from a ]. He scored his first 180 at the age of six and a ] at the age of 13.<ref>{{cite news |last=Woodage |first=Paul |title=Little by Littler |url=https://dartsworld.com/content/article/little-by-littler |access-date=3 January 2024 |work=Darts World |date=24 November 2021}}</ref> When he was 10, he joined the ] and began playing in under-21 leagues.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cunningham |first=Conal |title=Luke Littler playing from the age of 10 at St Helens Darts Academy |url=https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/24023136.luke-littler-playing-age-10-st-helens-darts-academy/ |access-date=3 January 2024 |work=St Helens Star |date=2 January 2024}}</ref> He was educated at ].<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news |last=Murray |first=Jessi |title=North-west goes darts mad for Luke Littler – the boy with world at his fingers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jan/02/merseyside-goes-darts-mad-for-luke-littler-the-boy-with-world-at-his-fingers |access-date=25 March 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=2 January 2024}}</ref> Born on 21 January 2007, Littler spent his early childhood in ] before moving to nearby ].<ref name="Colman">{{cite news |last=Colman |first=Jonty |title=Luke Littler the 16-year-old who is changing darts at PDC World Championship |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/67861277 |access-date=3 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=John |title=Luke Littler confirms real age as he tells radio host 'you've lost money' in bet |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/luke-littler-real-age-darts-28382905 |access-date=4 January 2025 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=3 January 2024}}</ref> He has two brothers and a sister.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=John |date=21 December 2024 |title=Luke Littler's glamorous cheerleader sister tipped for reality TV show success |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/luke-littlers-cheerleader-sister-tipped-30628830 |access-date=3 January 2025 |website=Wales Online}}</ref> He began playing darts when he was 18 months old, after his father bought him a magnetic dart board from a ]. He scored his first 180 at the age of six and a ] at the age of 13.<ref>{{cite news |last=Woodage |first=Paul |title=Little by Littler |url=https://dartsworld.com/content/article/little-by-littler|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103111607/https://dartsworld.com/content/article/little-by-littler |archive-date=3 January 2024 |work=Darts World |date=24 November 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> When he was 10, he joined the ] and began playing in under-21 leagues.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cunningham |first=Conal |title=Luke Littler playing from the age of 10 at St Helens Darts Academy |url=https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/24023136.luke-littler-playing-age-10-st-helens-darts-academy/ |access-date=3 January 2024 |work=St Helens Star |date=2 January 2024}}</ref> He was educated at ] in Warrington.<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news |last=Murray |first=Jessi |title=North-west goes darts mad for Luke Littler – the boy with world at his fingers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jan/02/merseyside-goes-darts-mad-for-luke-littler-the-boy-with-world-at-his-fingers |access-date=25 March 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=2 January 2024}}</ref>


==Career== ==Career==

=== Early career === === Early career ===
In 2019, Littler won the England Youth Grand Prix and the Isle of Man Masters youth competition, where he was able to defend his title in 2020. The 2020 JDC tour featured two titles from Littler, who is also signed to partners programme "Elite1" organised by Target. Littler won the youth title at the ] in September 2021 and finished second in the ]. In 2019, Littler won the England Youth Grand Prix and the Isle of Man Masters youth competition, where he was able to defend his title in 2020. The 2020 JDC tour featured two titles from Littler. Littler won the youth title at the ] in September 2021 and finished second in the ].


In November 2021, Littler won his first seniors title at the ] defeating Barry Copeland 6–2 in legs. This qualified Littler for the ], at the age of 14.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1121467/littler-wins-wdf-world-darts-age-15 |title=Littler, 15, becomes youngest player to win senior game at WDF World Darts Championship |date=4 April 2022 |publisher=insidethegames.biz |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref> At the end of November, during the JDC MVG Masters tournament, he hit a ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |title=14-year-old Luke Littler produces stunning nine-dart finish at JDC MVG Masters |url=https://dartsnews.com/jdc/video-14-year-old-luke-littler-produces-stunning-nine-dart-finish-at-jdc-mvg-masters |date=26 November 2021 |publisher=dartsnews.com |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref><ref name=Sky9Darters>{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=20 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler vs Michael Smith: Will the nine-dart kings strike again in the Premier League in Dublin? |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13098483/luke-littler-vs-michael-smith-will-the-nine-dart-kings-strike-again-in-the-premier-league-in-dublin |access-date=20 March 2024 |website=]}}</ref> In November 2021, Littler won his first seniors title at the ] defeating Barry Copeland 6–2 in legs. This qualified Littler for the ], at the age of 14.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1121467/littler-wins-wdf-world-darts-age-15 |title=Littler, 15, becomes youngest player to win senior game at WDF World Darts Championship |date=4 April 2022 |publisher=insidethegames.biz |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref> At the end of November, during the JDC MVG Masters tournament, he hit a ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |title=14-year-old Luke Littler produces stunning nine-dart finish at JDC MVG Masters |url=https://dartsnews.com/jdc/video-14-year-old-luke-littler-produces-stunning-nine-dart-finish-at-jdc-mvg-masters |date=26 November 2021 |publisher=dartsnews.com |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref><ref name=Sky9Darters>{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=20 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler vs Michael Smith: Will the nine-dart kings strike again in the Premier League in Dublin? |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13098483/luke-littler-vs-michael-smith-will-the-nine-dart-kings-strike-again-in-the-premier-league-in-dublin |access-date=20 March 2024 |website=]}}</ref>
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Littler won the JDC Super 16 in ] at the end of January 2022, beating Eleanor Cairns in the final.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 January 2022 |last=Allen |first=Dave |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2022/01/30/teenage-star-littler-wins-jdc-super-16-final |title=Teenage star Littler wins JDC Super 16 final |publisher=] |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref> In March 2022, he won the youth competition at the Isle Of Man Open and advanced to the finals of the Isle of Man Classic.<ref>{{cite web |last=Verbeek |first=Pieter |url=https://dartsnews.com/wdf/hurrell-littler-hedman-and-greaves-move-into-finals-at-isle-of-man-classic |title=Hurrell, Littler, Hedman and Greaves move into finals at Isle of Man Classic |date=11 March 2022 |publisher=dartsnews.com |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref> At the ], Littler started as a seeded player from second round and won his first match against ] 3–2 in sets.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dartsnews.com/wdf/14-year-old-luke-littler-qualifies-for-lakeside-after-wdf-irish-open-win |title=14-year-old Luke Littler qualifies for Lakeside after WDF Irish Open win |date=14 November 2021 |publisher=dartsnews.com |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref> He was then beaten 3–0 in sets by ], who set a record average for a World Championship match at Lakeside.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shaw |first=Jamie |url=https://www.live-darts.com/wdf-darts/veenstra-sets-new-record-lakeside-average/ |title=Richard Veenstra sets new record Lakeside average at the WDF World Championship |date=6 April 2022 |publisher=live-darts.com |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref> Littler won the JDC Super 16 in ] at the end of January 2022, beating Eleanor Cairns in the final.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 January 2022 |last=Allen |first=Dave |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2022/01/30/teenage-star-littler-wins-jdc-super-16-final |title=Teenage star Littler wins JDC Super 16 final |publisher=] |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref> In March 2022, he won the youth competition at the Isle Of Man Open and advanced to the finals of the Isle of Man Classic.<ref>{{cite web |last=Verbeek |first=Pieter |url=https://dartsnews.com/wdf/hurrell-littler-hedman-and-greaves-move-into-finals-at-isle-of-man-classic |title=Hurrell, Littler, Hedman and Greaves move into finals at Isle of Man Classic |date=11 March 2022 |publisher=dartsnews.com |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref> At the ], Littler started as a seeded player from second round and won his first match against ] 3–2 in sets.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dartsnews.com/wdf/14-year-old-luke-littler-qualifies-for-lakeside-after-wdf-irish-open-win |title=14-year-old Luke Littler qualifies for Lakeside after WDF Irish Open win |date=14 November 2021 |publisher=dartsnews.com |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref> He was then beaten 3–0 in sets by ], who set a record average for a World Championship match at Lakeside.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shaw |first=Jamie |url=https://www.live-darts.com/wdf-darts/veenstra-sets-new-record-lakeside-average/ |title=Richard Veenstra sets new record Lakeside average at the WDF World Championship |date=6 April 2022 |publisher=live-darts.com |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref>


During the ] warm-up tournament, Littler hit a 121.86 average in one of his matches.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |url=https://dartsnews.com/wdf/littler-hits-incredible-12186-average-during-wdf-welsh-open-weekend |title=Littler hits incredible 121.86 average during WDF Welsh Open weekend| date=7 May 2022 |publisher=dartsnews.com |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref> A day later, he won the final for another senior tournament win in his career. In June 2022, he also won the ], beating ] in the final by 5–1 in legs. At the ], he won the gold medal in three men's competitions (singles, team and overall). His best achievement was defeating Archie Self in the finals of the singles competition, 6–1 in legs. In the pair competition, together with Archie Self, he lost in the semi-finals, 4–1 in legs to Thomas Banks, and Charlie Manby.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dartswdf.com/wdf-cups/wdf-europe-cup-youth |title=WDF Europe Cup Youth Results |publisher=] |access-date=30 September 2022}}</ref> During the ] warm-up tournament, Littler hit a 121.86 average in one of his matches.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |url=https://dartsnews.com/wdf/littler-hits-incredible-12186-average-during-wdf-welsh-open-weekend |title=Littler hits incredible 121.86 average during WDF Welsh Open weekend| date=7 May 2022 |publisher=dartsnews.com |access-date=5 October 2022}}</ref> A day later, he won the final for another senior tournament win in his career. In June 2022, he also won the ], beating ] in the final by 5–1 in legs. At the ], he won the gold medal in three men's competitions (singles, team and overall). His best achievement was defeating Archie Self in the finals of the singles competition, 6–1 in legs. In the pair competition, together with Archie Self, he lost in the semi-finals, 4–1 in legs to Thomas Banks and Charlie Manby.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dartswdf.com/wdf-cups/wdf-europe-cup-youth |title=WDF Europe Cup Youth Results |publisher=] |access-date=30 September 2022}}</ref>


At the end of September 2022, Littler was selected by the national federation to participate in the ]. On the second day of the tournament, he advanced to the quarter-finals of the pairs competition where he played alongside ]. They lost to Sam Canket and ] from Wales, 4–1 in legs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dartswdf.com/competitions/wdf-europe-cup-men-pairs/2022/results |title=WDF Europe Cup Men Pairs |publisher=] |access-date=30 September 2022}}</ref> On the third day of the tournament, he advanced to the quarter-finals of the singles competition, where he lost to ] 5–4 in legs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dartswdf.com/competitions/wdf-europe-cup-men-singles/2022/results |title=WDF Europe Cup Men Singles| publisher=] |access-date=30 September 2022}}</ref> In the team competition, he won the gold medal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dartswdf.com/competitions/wdf-europe-cup-men-teams/2022/results |title=WDF Europe Cup Men Teams |publisher=] |access-date=30 September 2022}}</ref> In the points classification, as a representative of England, he contributed to winning a gold medal. At the end of September 2022, Littler was selected by the national federation to participate in the ]. On the second day of the tournament, he advanced to the quarter-finals of the pairs competition where he played alongside ]. They lost to Sam Canket and ] from Wales, 4–1 in legs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dartswdf.com/competitions/wdf-europe-cup-men-pairs/2022/results |title=WDF Europe Cup Men Pairs |publisher=] |access-date=30 September 2022}}</ref> On the third day of the tournament, he advanced to the quarter-finals of the singles competition, where he lost to ] 5–4 in legs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dartswdf.com/competitions/wdf-europe-cup-men-singles/2022/results |title=WDF Europe Cup Men Singles| publisher=] |access-date=30 September 2022}}</ref> In the team competition, he won the gold medal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dartswdf.com/competitions/wdf-europe-cup-men-teams/2022/results |title=WDF Europe Cup Men Teams |publisher=] |access-date=30 September 2022}}</ref> In the points classification, as a representative of England, he contributed to winning a gold medal.


Littler won the ] in London at the end of December 2022, beating Harry Gregory 5–0 in legs. Littler won the ] in London at the end of December 2022, beating Harry Gregory 5–0 in legs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=19 December 2022 |title=Littler whitewashes Gregory to become JDC World Champion |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2022/12/19/littler-whitewashes-gregory-become-jdc-world-champion |publisher=] |access-date=19 December 2022}}</ref>


===2023=== ===2023===
Littler continued to play on the ] circuit in 2023. He won the ]. Littler defeated Cameron Crabtree 4–2 in the last 16 and then achieved three consecutive ton+ averages in his final 3 games of the tournament, averaging 101.54 in victory over Dylan Quinn, averaging 113.34 in a ] 4–0 win against Tavis Dudeney and 105.85 in a 5–0 whitewash of ] in the final.<ref>{{cite web |title=Results of British Classic Men 2023 |url=https://dartswdf.com/competitions/british-classic-men/2023/results |publisher=World Darts Federation}}</ref> On the same weekend Littler also won the ], defeating ] 5–2 in the final.<ref>{{cite web |title=Results of British Open Men 2023 |url=https://dartswdf.com/competitions/british-open-men/2023/results |publisher=World Darts Federation}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |title=British Open & Classic 2023 |url=https://tv.dartconnect.com/event/britishopen23/matches |website=DartConndct TV}}</ref> Littler continued to play on the ] circuit in 2023. He won the ]. Littler defeated Cameron Crabtree 4–2 in the last 16 and then achieved three consecutive ton+ averages in his final 3 games of the tournament, averaging 101.54 in victory over Dylan Quinn, averaging 113.34 in a ] 4–0 win against Tavis Dudeney and 105.85 in a 5–0 whitewash of ] in the final.<ref>{{cite web |title=Results of British Classic Men 2023 |url=https://dartswdf.com/competitions/british-classic-men/2023/results |publisher=World Darts Federation}}</ref> On the same weekend Littler also won the ], defeating ] 5–2 in the final.<ref>{{cite web |title=Results of British Open Men 2023 |url=https://dartswdf.com/competitions/british-open-men/2023/results |publisher=World Darts Federation}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |title=British Open & Classic 2023 |url=https://tv.dartconnect.com/event/britishopen23/matches |website=DartConndct TV}}</ref>


====UK Open====
Littler made his debut at a PDC major event at the ], after qualifying for the tournament via an amateur qualifying event organised by Rileys Sports Bars.<ref>{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Dave |date=20 January 2023 |title=2023 Rileys Amateur Qualifiers set to begin this weekend |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/01/20/2023-rileys-amateur-qualifiers-set-begin-weekend |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129020736/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/01/20/2023-rileys-amateur-qualifiers-set-begin-weekend |archive-date=29 November 2023 |access-date=20 January 2023 |work=]}}</ref> A first-round 6–0 whitewash defeat of Nick Fullwell was followed by a 6–2 victory against ] in the second round and a 6–5 victory over ] in the third round. This meant that Littler had reached the fourth round at the tournament, the best showing of a ] qualifier alongside Thomas Banks. Littler lost his fourth-round match to eventual semi-finalist ] 10–8.<ref name=DartConnectUKOpen23>{{cite web |title=PDC UK Open 2023 |url=https://tv.dartconnect.com/event/pdcuko23/matches |website=DartConnect}}</ref> For his showing Littler acquired £2,500 in prize money, which ranked him on the ] for the first time.<ref name=LittlerDartsRankings>{{cite web|title=Ranking summary (Order of Merit) {{!}} Luke Littler Tour Card |url=https://www.dartsrankings.com/breakdown?p=549 |website=dartsrankings.com}}</ref> Littler made his debut at a PDC major event at the ], after qualifying for the tournament via an amateur qualifying event organised by Rileys Sports Bars.<ref>{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Dave |date=20 January 2023 |title=2023 Rileys Amateur Qualifiers set to begin this weekend |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/01/20/2023-rileys-amateur-qualifiers-set-begin-weekend |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129020736/https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/01/20/2023-rileys-amateur-qualifiers-set-begin-weekend |archive-date=29 November 2023 |access-date=20 January 2023 |work=]}}</ref> A first-round 6–0 whitewash defeat of Nick Fullwell was followed by a 6–2 victory against ] in the second round and a 6–5 victory over ] in the third round. This meant that Littler had reached the fourth round at the tournament, the best showing of a ] qualifier alongside Thomas Banks. Littler lost his fourth-round match to eventual semi-finalist ] 10–8.<ref name=DartConnectUKOpen23>{{cite web |title=PDC UK Open 2023 |url=https://tv.dartconnect.com/event/pdcuko23/matches |website=DartConnect}}</ref> For his showing Littler acquired £2,500 in prize money, which ranked him on the ] for the first time.<ref name=LittlerDartsRankings>{{cite web|title=Ranking summary (Order of Merit) {{!}} Luke Littler Tour Card |url=https://www.dartsrankings.com/breakdown?p=549 |website=dartsrankings.com}}</ref>


Littler competed in the ]. He reached the final at event two, losing to ] 5–4 in a deciding leg.<ref name="DT1&2">{{Cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=31 March 2023 |title=Toonders & Slevin prevail on opening day of 2023 Development Tour |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/03/31/toonders-slevin-prevail-opening-day-2023-development-tour |publisher=]}}</ref> He then won event three, defeating ] 5–1 in the final, event five, defeating Kevin Troppmann 5–3 in the final,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2023 |last=Gorton |first=Josh |title=Littler secures second Development Tour crown at Event Five |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/04/02/littler-secures-second-development-tour-crown-event-five |publisher=]}}</ref> and event sixteen, defeating Bradly Roes 5–2 in the final.<ref name="DT16&17">{{Cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=14 July 2023 |title=Littler and Van Veen continue Development Tour domination in Leicester |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/07/14/littler-and-van-veen-continue-development-tour-domination-leicester |publisher=]}}</ref> At event twenty, Littler, averaged 115.22 in his last-32 win against ],<ref name=DT115.22DCTV>{{cite web |title=PDC Development Tour 20 • Last 32 {{!}} 115.22 Littler, Luke 4–1 Williams, Lewis 102.38 |url=https://recap.dartconnect.com/counts/64b3d144c342d213a3538dd7 |date=16 July 2023 |website=DartConnectTV}}</ref> hit a ] in his last-16 win against Rune van Damme and defeated ] 5–4 in the final to win the tournament.<ref name=DT20>{{Cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=16 July 2023 |title=Nine-dart Littler stuns Van Veen to claim Event 20 title |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/07/16/nine-dart-littler-stuns-van-veen-claim-event-20-title |publisher=].tv}}</ref> Littler reached the final at event 23, losing to ] 5–4 in a last-leg decider. At Development Tour 24 (DT24), the final Development Tour event of the year, Littler won his fifth Development Tour title, defeating Cameron Crabtree 5–1 in the final. Littler finished second on the 2023 Development Tour Order of Merit with £20,175.<ref name="DT23&24">{{Cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=19 August 2023 |title=Van Veen tops Development Tour Order of Merit as 2023 season concludes |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/08/19/van-veen-tops-development-tour-order-merit-2023-season-concludes |publisher=].tv}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Turner |first=Laura |date=26 November 2024 |title=Is Luke Littler the real deal? Laura Turner and Michael Bridge believe the teen star has everything in the locker |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13015902/is-luke-littler-the-real-deal-laura-turner-and-michael-bridge-believe-the-teen-star-has-everything-in-the-locker |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=25 August 2023 |title=Littler: I've surprised myself with Development Tour success |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/08/25/littler-ive-surprised-myself-development-tour-success |publisher=].tv}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dartsrankings.com/developmenttour2023 |title=Development Tour Order of Merit 2023 |website=Darts Rankings}}</ref>
==== Development Tour, Junior and World Youth Championship wins ====
Littler competed in the ]. He reached the final at event two, losing to ] 5–4 in a deciding leg.<ref name="DT1&2">{{Cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=31 March 2023 |title=Toonders & Slevin prevail on opening day of 2023 Development Tour |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/03/31/toonders-slevin-prevail-opening-day-2023-development-tour |publisher=]}}</ref> He then won event three, defeating ] 5–1 in the final, event five, defeating Kevin Troppmann 5–3 in the final,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2023 |last=Gorton |first=Josh |title=Littler secures second Development Tour crown at Event Five |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/04/02/littler-secures-second-development-tour-crown-event-five |publisher=]}}</ref> and event sixteen, defeating Bradly Roes 5–2 in the final.<ref name="DT16&17">{{Cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=14 July 2023 |title=Littler and Van Veen continue Development Tour domination in Leicester |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/07/14/littler-and-van-veen-continue-development-tour-domination-leicester |publisher=]}}</ref> At event twenty, Littler, averaged 115.22 in his last-32 win against ],<ref name=DT115.22DCTV>{{cite web |title=PDC Development Tour 20 • Last 32 {{!}} 115.22 Littler, Luke 4–1 Williams, Lewis 102.38 |url=https://recap.dartconnect.com/counts/64b3d144c342d213a3538dd7 |date=16 July 2023 |website=DartConnectTV}}</ref> hit a ] in his last-16 win against Rune van Damme, and defeated ] 5–4 in the final to win the tournament.<ref name=DT20>{{Cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=16 July 2023 |title=Nine-dart Littler stuns Van Veen to claim Event 20 title |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/07/16/nine-dart-littler-stuns-van-veen-claim-event-20-title |publisher=].tv}}</ref> Littler reached the final at event 23, losing to ] 5–4 in a last-leg decider. At Development Tour 24 (DT24), the final Development Tour event of the year, Littler won his fifth Development Tour title, defeating Cameron Crabtree 5–1 in the final. Littler finished second on the 2023 Development Tour Order of Merit with £20,175.<ref name="DT23&24">{{Cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=19 August 2023 |title=Van Veen tops Development Tour Order of Merit as 2023 season concludes |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/08/19/van-veen-tops-development-tour-order-merit-2023-season-concludes |publisher=].tv}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Turner |first=Laura |date=26 November 2024 |title=Is Luke Littler the real deal? Laura Turner and Michael Bridge believe the teen star has everything in the locker |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13015902/is-luke-littler-the-real-deal-laura-turner-and-michael-bridge-believe-the-teen-star-has-everything-in-the-locker |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=25 August 2023 |title=Littler: I've surprised myself with Development Tour success |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/08/25/littler-ive-surprised-myself-development-tour-success |publisher=].tv}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dartsrankings.com/developmenttour2023 |title=Development Tour Order of Merit 2023 |website=Darts Rankings}}</ref>


On 26 November, Littler beat ] 6–4 in the ] final.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=26 November 2023 |title=Teenage sensation Littler wins Winmau World Youth Championship thriller |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/11/26/teenage-sensation-littler-wins-winmau-world-youth-championship-thriller |website=PDC.tv}}</ref><ref name="WYC23">{{cite web |title=PDC World Youth Championship Finals 2023 |url=https://tv.dartconnect.com/event/pdcwyc23l32/matches |publisher=DartConnect |access-date=20 August 2023}}</ref> On 26 November, Littler beat ] 6–4 in the ] final.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=26 November 2023 |title=Teenage sensation Littler wins Winmau World Youth Championship thriller |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/11/26/teenage-sensation-littler-wins-winmau-world-youth-championship-thriller |website=PDC.tv}}</ref><ref name="WYC23">{{cite web |title=PDC World Youth Championship Finals 2023 |url=https://tv.dartconnect.com/event/pdcwyc23l32/matches |publisher=DartConnect |access-date=20 August 2023}}</ref>
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On 17 December, Littler retained his ] title, defeating Álmos Kovács 5–3 in the final.<ref name=JDC23>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=17 December 2023 |title=Sensational Luke Littler retains JDC World Title with 102 average |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/sensational-luke-littler-retains-jdc-world-title-with-102-average |access-date=17 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> On 17 December, Littler retained his ] title, defeating Álmos Kovács 5–3 in the final.<ref name=JDC23>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=17 December 2023 |title=Sensational Luke Littler retains JDC World Title with 102 average |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/sensational-luke-littler-retains-jdc-world-title-with-102-average |access-date=17 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref>


==== MODUS Super Series ====
In May 2023, Littler won the third season of the MODUS Super Series, defeating Jacob Taylor 4–1 in legs in the final.<ref>{{cite news |last=Parsons |first=Mike |date=8 May 2023 |title=Luke Littler wins Modus Super Series Champion of Champions series 3 |work=] |url=https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sport/latest_sport/23507356.luke-littler-wins-modus-super-series-champion-champions-series-3/ |access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref> In August 2023, he won the fourth season of the MODUS Super Series, defeating ] 4–2 in the final.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=6 August 2023 |title=16-year-old Littler retains title and wins fourth season of MODUS Super Series |url=https://dartsnews.com/modus/16-year-old-littler-retains-title-and-wins-fourth-season-of-modus-super-series |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=Dartsnews.com}}</ref> In May 2023, Littler won the third season of the MODUS Super Series, defeating Jacob Taylor 4–1 in legs in the final.<ref>{{cite news |last=Parsons |first=Mike |date=8 May 2023 |title=Luke Littler wins Modus Super Series Champion of Champions series 3 |work=] |url=https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sport/latest_sport/23507356.luke-littler-wins-modus-super-series-champion-champions-series-3/ |access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref> In August 2023, he won the fourth season of the MODUS Super Series, defeating ] 4–2 in the final.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=6 August 2023 |title=16-year-old Littler retains title and wins fourth season of MODUS Super Series |url=https://dartsnews.com/modus/16-year-old-littler-retains-title-and-wins-fourth-season-of-modus-super-series |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=Dartsnews.com}}</ref>


===2024=== ===2024===
==== World Darts Championship ==== ==== World Darts Championship ====
Littler made his debut at the ] qualifying as a result of his placement in the ], where he started off as a 66/1 outsider in the odds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Scott |date=2023-12-21 |title=Sixteen-year-old Luke Littler spooks bookies at World Darts Championship |url=https://www.planetsport.com/darts/news/sixteen-year-old-luke-littler-spooks-bookies-at-world-darts-championship |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=PlanetSportcom |language=en}}</ref> He ] former ] ] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Joe |date=20 December 2023 |title=16-year-old Luke Littler destroys former darts world champion Christian Kist 3–0 on Ally Pally debut |url=https://www.sportbible.com/other/darts-luke-littler-christian-kist-world-championships-857077-20231220 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=SPORTbible}}</ref> He also broke two records, one for the highest average for a debutant at the ] with a 106.12 and the other for being the youngest winner.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=20 December 2023 |title=Sensational 16-year-old Luke Littler averages 106.12 with seven 180s in astonishing victory |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/sensational-16-year-old-luke-littler-averages-10612-with-7-180s-in-astonishing-victory |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Dartsnews.com}}</ref> In the second round, he defeated ] champion ] 3–1;<ref>{{cite web |title=Darts results: Luke Littler beats Andrew Gilding to reach round three of the PDC World Darts Championship |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/darts/news/darts-results-luke-littler-beats-andrew-gilding-to-reach-round-three-of-the-pdc-world-darts-championship/214641 |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=sportinglife.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=21 December 2023 |title=16-year-old sensation Luke Littler into third round of PDC World Darts Championship, downs UK Open champion Andrew Gilding |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/16-year-old-sensation-luke-littler-into-third-round-of-pdc-world-darts-championship-downs-uk-open-champion-andrew-gilding |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=Dartsnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=22 December 2023 |title=PDC World Championship 2024: Teenager Luke Littler continues his dream debut with win over Andrew Gilding |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/67797923 |access-date=28 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wood-Thompson |first=Lewis |date=21 December 2023 |title=Record-breaking Littler wins again at Alexandra Palace |url= https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/12/21/record-breaking-littler-wins-again-alexandra-palace |website=pdc.tv}}</ref> in the third round, he defeated ] 4–1.<ref>{{cite news |last=Crichard |first=Kieran |date=27 December 2023 |title=Luke Littler, 16, continues £35,000 dream run at Darts World Championship |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/darts/2023/12/27/matt-campbell-vs-luke-littler-live-score-world-championship/ |access-date=28 December 2023 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=27 December 2023 |title=PDC World Championship 2024: Teenager Luke Littler beats Matt Campbell to reach last 16 |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/67830556 |access-date=28 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=27 December 2023 |title=Supreme Luke Littler eases past Matt Campbell and into last 16 at World Darts Championship and possibly meets Raymond van Barneveld in next round |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/supreme-luke-littler-eases-past-matt-campbell-and-into-last-16-at-world-darts-championship-and-possibly-meets-raymond-van-barneveld-in-next-round |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=Dartsnews.com}}</ref> In the fourth round, he beat five-time world champion ] 4–1 to enter his first PDC major quarter-final.<ref name="BBC30DecResults">{{Cite web |date=30 December 2023 |title=PDC World Championship 2024: Luke Littler beats Raymond van Barneveld to reach quarter-finals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/67849359 |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Smyth |first=Rob |date=30 December 2023 |title=Luke Littler beats Raymond van Barneveld: PDC World Darts Championship – as it happened |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2023/dec/30/luke-littler-v-raymond-van-barneveld-pdc-world-darts-championship-live |access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Liew |first=Jonathan |date=31 December 2023 |title=Luke Littler demolishes Raymond van Barneveld to keep adventure going |work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/dec/31/luke-littler-16-into-quarter-finals-after-beating-raymond-van-barneveld |access-date=31 December 2023 |issn=0029-7712}}</ref> Littler went on to beat ] 5–1 in the quarter-final before beating former world champion and 8th seed ] 6–2 in the semi-final.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler beats Brendan Dolan to reach semi-finals of PDC World Championship 2024 |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/67858060 |access-date=3 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2 January 2024 |last=Stafford |first=Ali |title=World Darts Championship: Luke Littler thrashes Brendan Dolan after Rob Cross makes history at Alexandra Palace |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13039919/world-darts-championship-luke-littler-thrashes-brendan-dolan-after-rob-cross-makes-history-at-alexandra-palace|website=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler beats Rob Cross to reach World Darts Championship final |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/67868664 |access-date=3 January 2024}}</ref> Littler lost 7–4 in the final against newly crowned ] ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Smyth |first=Rob |date=3 January 2024 |title= Littler made his debut at the ] qualifying as a result of his placement in the ], where he started off as a 66/1 outsider in the odds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Scott |date=21 December 2024 |title=Sixteen-year-old Luke Littler spooks bookies at World Darts Championship |url=https://www.planetsport.com/darts/news/sixteen-year-old-luke-littler-spooks-bookies-at-world-darts-championship |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=Planetsport.com}}</ref> He ] former ] ] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Joe |date=20 December 2023 |title=16-year-old Luke Littler destroys former darts world champion Christian Kist 3–0 on Ally Pally debut |url=https://www.sportbible.com/other/darts-luke-littler-christian-kist-world-championships-857077-20231220 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=SPORTbible}}</ref> He also broke two records, one for the ] (106.12) for a debutant at the ] and the other for being the youngest winner.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=20 December 2023 |title=Sensational 16-year-old Luke Littler averages 106.12 with seven 180s in astonishing victory |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/sensational-16-year-old-luke-littler-averages-10612-with-7-180s-in-astonishing-victory |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Dartsnews.com}}</ref> In the second round, he defeated ] champion ] 3–1;<ref>{{cite web |title=Darts results: Luke Littler beats Andrew Gilding to reach round three of the PDC World Darts Championship |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/darts/news/darts-results-luke-littler-beats-andrew-gilding-to-reach-round-three-of-the-pdc-world-darts-championship/214641 |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=sportinglife.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=21 December 2023 |title=16-year-old sensation Luke Littler into third round of PDC World Darts Championship, downs UK Open champion Andrew Gilding |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/16-year-old-sensation-luke-littler-into-third-round-of-pdc-world-darts-championship-downs-uk-open-champion-andrew-gilding |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=Dartsnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=22 December 2023 |title=PDC World Championship 2024: Teenager Luke Littler continues his dream debut with win over Andrew Gilding |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/67797923 |access-date=28 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wood-Thompson |first=Lewis |date=21 December 2023 |title=Record-breaking Littler wins again at Alexandra Palace |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2023/12/21/record-breaking-littler-wins-again-alexandra-palace |website=PDC}}</ref> In the fourth round, he beat five-time world champion ] 4–1.<ref name="BBC30DecResults">{{Cite web |date=30 December 2023 |title=PDC World Championship 2024: Luke Littler beats Raymond van Barneveld to reach quarter-finals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/67849359 |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Smyth |first=Rob |date=30 December 2023 |title=Luke Littler beats Raymond van Barneveld: PDC World Darts Championship – as it happened |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2023/dec/30/luke-littler-v-raymond-van-barneveld-pdc-world-darts-championship-live |access-date=30 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Liew |first=Jonathan |date=31 December 2023 |title=Luke Littler demolishes Raymond van Barneveld to keep adventure going |work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/dec/31/luke-littler-16-into-quarter-finals-after-beating-raymond-van-barneveld |access-date=31 December 2023 |issn=0029-7712}}</ref> Littler then defeated ] 5–1 and former world champion ] 6–2 in the semi-final.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler beats Brendan Dolan to reach semi-finals of PDC World Championship 2024 |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/67858060 |access-date=3 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2 January 2024 |last=Stafford |first=Ali |title=World Darts Championship: Luke Littler thrashes Brendan Dolan after Rob Cross makes history at Alexandra Palace |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13039919/world-darts-championship-luke-littler-thrashes-brendan-dolan-after-rob-cross-makes-history-at-alexandra-palace|website=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler beats Rob Cross to reach World Darts Championship final |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/67868664 |access-date=3 January 2024}}</ref> Littler lost 7–4 in the final against newly crowned ] ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Smyth |first=Rob |date=3 January 2024 |title=
Luke Humphries beats Luke Littler to glory: PDC world darts final 2024 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2024/jan/03/luke-littler-v-luke-humphries-pdc-world-darts-final-2024-live|work=The Guardian|access-date=3 January 2024}}</ref> He is the youngest player to reach the PDC World Darts Championship final, aged 16 years and 347 days.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler tipped for the top by NI darts hero Brendan Dolan after World Championship defeat |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/luke-littler-tipped-for-the-top-by-ni-darts-hero-brendan-dolan-after-world-championship-defeat/a112207867.html |access-date=20 January 2024 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> Following the tournament, Littler was announced to be part of the ] as one of the four chosen wildcards by the ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Stafford |first=Ali |title=Luke Littler to make Premier League Darts debut after run to World Championship final |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13042047/luke-littler-to-make-premier-league-darts-debut-after-run-to-world-championship-final |access-date=4 January 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=4 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler selected for Premier League Darts after run to PDC World Championship final |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/67885526 |access-date=4 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=4 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler headlines Premier League Darts class of 2024 as lineup is revealed |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-headlines-premier-league-darts-class-of-2024-as-lineup-is-revealed |access-date=4 January 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> Luke Humphries beats Luke Littler to glory: PDC world darts final 2024 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2024/jan/03/luke-littler-v-luke-humphries-pdc-world-darts-final-2024-live|work=The Guardian|access-date=3 January 2024}}</ref> He is the youngest player to reach the PDC World Darts Championship final, aged 16 years and 347 days.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler tipped for the top by NI darts hero Brendan Dolan after World Championship defeat |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/luke-littler-tipped-for-the-top-by-ni-darts-hero-brendan-dolan-after-world-championship-defeat/a112207867.html |access-date=20 January 2024 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> Following the tournament, Littler was announced to be part of the ] as one of the four chosen wildcards by the ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Stafford |first=Ali |title=Luke Littler to make Premier League Darts debut after run to World Championship final |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13042047/luke-littler-to-make-premier-league-darts-debut-after-run-to-world-championship-final |access-date=4 January 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=4 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler selected for Premier League Darts after run to PDC World Championship final |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/67885526 |access-date=4 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=4 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler headlines Premier League Darts class of 2024 as lineup is revealed |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-headlines-premier-league-darts-class-of-2024-as-lineup-is-revealed |access-date=4 January 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref>


==== Players Championships and Players Championship Finals ==== ==== Players Championships and Players Championship Finals ====
As he had gained a PDC Tour Card for ], Littler played at his debut ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=12 February 2024 |title=Draw revealed for Players Championship 1 including Luke Humphries, Peter Wright, Michael Smith, Gerwyn Price & Luke Littler |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/draw-revealed-for-players-championship-1-including-luke-humphries-peter-wright-michael-smith-gerwyn-price-luke-littler |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> In Players Championship 1, he defeated ] 6–1 in legs in the first round, winning the match with an 11-darter to finish.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=12 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler debuts with resounding win and average of over 105 on PDC Pro Tour |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-debuts-with-resounding-win-and-average-of-over-105-on-pdc-pro-tour |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> In the second round, he defeated ] 6–3. In the third round, Littler won 6–1 against Michele Turetta, hitting a ] in the final leg.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |title=Luke Littler wins match with a nine-darter at Players Championship 1 |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-wins-match-with-a-nine-darter-at-players-championship-1 |date=12 February 2024 |access-date=12 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Stafford |first=Ali |title=Luke Littler fires nine-darter on PDC ProTour during Players Championship debut in Wigan |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13070218/luke-littler-fires-nine-darter-on-pdc-protour-during-players-championship-debut-in-wigan |date=12 February 2024 |access-date=12 February 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> In the fourth round, Littler beat ] 6–2 to enter his first pro-tour quarter-final.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=12 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler averages 109 to set-up QF with James Hurrell at Players Championship 1, Alan Soutar, Jose De Sousa and Ryan Searle also into last 8 |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-averages-109-to-set-up-qf-with-james-hurrell-at-players-championship-1-alan-soutar-jose-de-sousa-and-ryan-searle-also-into-last-8 |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> In the quarter-finals, Littler defeated ] 6–3.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=12 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler vs Alan Soutar & Ryan Searle vs Gian van Veen in semi-finals of Players Championship 1 |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-vs-alan-soutar-ryan-searle-vs-gian-van-veen-in-semi-finals-of-players-championship-1 |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> In the semi-finals, Littler won 7–6 in his match against ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=12 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler into final on Pro Tour debut at Players Championship 1, set to face Ryan Searle |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-into-final-on-pro-tour-debut-at-players-championship-1-set-to-face-ryan-searle |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> Having reached the final of a Players Championship event the first time, Littler averaged 109.64 to defeat ] 8–7, who averaged 111.71 in the process, to win his first Players Championship on his debut.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=12 February 2024 |title=Nine-dart Littler denies superb Searle to celebrate PC1 victory |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/02/12/nine-dart-littler-denies-superb-searle-celebrate-pc1-victory |access-date=12 February 2024 |website=PDC TV }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=12 February 2024 |title=109 average Luke Littler edges 111 average Ryan Searle in Pro Tour classic to take debut Players Championship title |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/109-average-luke-littler-edges-111-average-ryan-searle-in-pro-tour-classic-to-take-debut-players-championship-title |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Darts News }}</ref> Before the second event, Littler was awarded a silver pin for his ] against Michele Turetta; he was also awarded a gold pin for his ] against ] at the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smart |first=Ryan |date=13 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler receives two special awards after stunning nine-darter at Players Championship |url=https://www.sportbible.com/darts/luke-littler-award-pdc-players-championship-9-darter-537299-20240213 |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=SPORTbible }}</ref> In Players Championship 2, Littler continued his winning streak with a 6–4 win over ] before losing to ] 6–5.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 February 2024 |title=Littler out in Players Championship 2 second round in Wigan as Anderson wins title |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13070775/luke-littler-knocked-out-in-second-round-of-players-championship-in-wigan-by-radek-szaganski |access-date=14 February 2024 |website=Sky Sports }}</ref> In Players Championship 3, Littler defeated ] 6–5, ] 6–3, ] 6–2 and ] 6–4 before losing to ] 6–4 in the quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite web|date=20 February 2024|title=Luke Littler: Teenager suffers Players Championship 3 defeat to Callan Rydz in Leicester|url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13075638/luke-littler-teenager-suffers-players-championship-3-defeat-to-callan-rydz-in-leicester|website=Sky Sports |access-date=20 February 2024 }}</ref> In Players Championship 4, Littler lost 6–5 to ] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=20 February 2024|title=James Wade hands Luke Littler first round exit at Players Championship 4|url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/james-wade-hands-luke-littler-first-round-exit-at-players-championship-4|access-date=20 February 2024|website=Darts News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=20 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler makes first-round exit at Players Championship 4 as Damon Heta beats Chris Dobey in final |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13076196/luke-littler-defeated-by-james-wade-in-opening-round-of-players-championship-4 |website=Sky Sports |access-date=21 February 2024 }}</ref> As he had gained a ] for ], Littler played at his debut ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=12 February 2024 |title=Draw revealed for Players Championship 1 including Luke Humphries, Peter Wright, Michael Smith, Gerwyn Price & Luke Littler |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/draw-revealed-for-players-championship-1-including-luke-humphries-peter-wright-michael-smith-gerwyn-price-luke-littler |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> In ], hit a ] in the final leg of his third round match.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |title=Luke Littler wins match with a nine-darter at Players Championship 1 |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-wins-match-with-a-nine-darter-at-players-championship-1 |date=12 February 2024 |access-date=12 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Stafford |first=Ali |title=Luke Littler fires nine-darter on PDC ProTour during Players Championship debut in Wigan |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13070218/luke-littler-fires-nine-darter-on-pdc-protour-during-players-championship-debut-in-wigan |date=12 February 2024 |access-date=12 February 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Littler reached the final, and had a three-dart average 109.64 in defeating ] 8–7, who averaged 111.71, to win his first Players Championship on his debut.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=12 February 2024 |title=Nine-dart Littler denies superb Searle to celebrate PC1 victory |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/02/12/nine-dart-littler-denies-superb-searle-celebrate-pc1-victory |publisher=] |access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=12 February 2024 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/68277316 |title=Luke Littler: Teenager hits nine-dart finish and wins Players Championship on debut |access-date=19 February 2024 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=12 February 2024 |title=109 average Luke Littler edges 111 average Ryan Searle in Pro Tour classic to take debut Players Championship title |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/109-average-luke-littler-edges-111-average-ryan-searle-in-pro-tour-classic-to-take-debut-players-championship-title |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> Before the second event, Littler was awarded a silver pin for his ] in event one.<ref name=Pins>{{Cite web |last=Smart |first=Ryan |date=13 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler receives two special awards after stunning nine-darter at Players Championship |url=https://www.sportbible.com/darts/luke-littler-award-pdc-players-championship-9-darter-537299-20240213 |access-date=13 February 2024 |publisher=SPORTbible}}</ref>


Following the ], Littler won his second Players Championship title at ], defeating ], Pascal Rupprecht, ], Rhys Griffin, ], and ] before overcoming ] 8–6 in the final.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 July 2024 |title=Luke Littler claims seventh PDC title of 2024 after winning Players Championship 15 in Milton Keynes |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13188204/luke-littler-claims-seventh-pdc-title-of-2024-after-winning-players-championship-15-in-milton-keynes |access-date=2 August 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/07/31/seventh-heaven-littler-players-championship-15-victory|title=Seventh heaven for Littler with Players Championship 15 victory|last=Gorton|first=Josh|website=pdc.tv|date=31 July 2024|access-date=31 July 2024}}</ref> Following the ], Littler won his second Players Championship title at ], defeating ] 8–6 in the final.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 July 2024 |title=Luke Littler claims seventh PDC title of 2024 after winning Players Championship 15 in Milton Keynes |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13188204/luke-littler-claims-seventh-pdc-title-of-2024-after-winning-players-championship-15-in-milton-keynes |access-date=2 August 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/07/31/seventh-heaven-littler-players-championship-15-victory|title=Seventh heaven for Littler with Players Championship 15 victory|last=Gorton|first=Josh|website=pdc.tv|date=31 July 2024|access-date=31 July 2024}}</ref>


Following the ], Littler won his third Players Championship title at ], defeating ] 8–7 in a last-leg decider in the final.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 September 2024 |title=Luke Littler clinches Players Championship 20 title in last-leg decider against Stephen Bunting in Wigan |url= https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13216773/luke-littler-clinches-players-championship-20-title-in-last-leg-decider-against-stephen-bunting-in-wigan |access-date=17 September 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Following the ], Littler won his third Players Championship title at ], defeating ] 8–7 in a last-leg decider in the final.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 September 2024 |title=Luke Littler clinches Players Championship 20 title in last-leg decider against Stephen Bunting in Wigan |url= https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13216773/luke-littler-clinches-players-championship-20-title-in-last-leg-decider-against-stephen-bunting-in-wigan |access-date=17 September 2024 |website=]}}</ref>


Littler qualified for the ] as the 8th seed<ref>{{Cite web |title=Players Championship Finals 2024 Mastercaller |url=https://mastercaller.com/tournaments/players-championship-finals/2024 |access-date=25 July 2024 |website=mastercaller.com}}</ref><ref name=PDCPreview>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=21 November 2024 |title=2024 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals preview |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/11/21/2024-ladbrokes-players-championship-finals-preview |website=] |access-date=21 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Players Championship Order of Merit |url=https://www.dartsrankings.com/pc |access-date=25 July 2024 |website=dartsrankings.com}}</ref> and ] 57th seed ] 6–0 in debut match, averaging 112.73.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 November 2024 |title=Littler cruises into Players Championship second round |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/articles/clyjeynnn5lo |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=22 November 2024 |title=Luke Littler knocks Rob Cross for six in a stunning Players Championship Finals debut |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13258704/players-championship-final-luke-littler-knocks-rob-cross-for-six-in-a-stunning-debut |website=] |access-date=23 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=22 November 2024 |title=Luke Littler continues scintillating form by thrashing Rob Cross |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/luke-littler-rob-cross-grand-slam-of-darts-gary-anderson-luke-humphries-b2652254.html |website=] |access-date=23 November 2024}}</ref><ref name="2024 PC Finals Day One">{{Cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=22 November 2024 |title=Players Championship Finals 2024: Littler whitewashes Cross as five world champions crash out|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/11/22/sublime-littler-whitewashes-cross-five-world-champions-crash-out |access-date=22 November 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> Littler then defeated ] 6–2, missing double twelve for a nine–darter for the match, and ] 10–3.<ref name=PCF24Sat>{{cite web |date=23 November 2024 |title=Littler and Humphries progress at Players Championship |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/c93q493q5g9o |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref name="2024 PC Finals Day Two">{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=23 November 2024 |title=Players Championship Finals 2024: Humphries and Littler remain on collision course in Minehead|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/11/23/humphries-littler-remain-collision-course-minehead |access-date=23 November 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> Littler defeated ] 10–3, and ] 11–9 to reached his third-ranked PDC Major final. He lost the final to ] 11–7.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=Players Championship Finals: Luke Humphries beats Luke Littler in thrilling final to retain title |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13260297/players-championship-finals-luke-humphries-beats-luke-littler-in-thrilling-final-to-retain-title |work=Sky Sports |access-date=25 November 2024}}</ref><ref name=PCF24Results>{{Cite web |title=Results of Players Championship Finals 2024 Mastercaller |url=https://mastercaller.com/tournaments/players-championship-finals/2024 |date=24 November 2024 |publisher=MasterCaller}}</ref>
At ] Littler reached the semi-finals, losing to Stephen Bunting 7–6 in a deciding leg and at ] Littler lost to ] in the quarter-finals 6–5 in another last-leg decider.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 October 2024 |title=Players Championship 25: Chris Dobey takes third title of the year ahead of World Grand Prix |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13226843/players-championship-25-chris-dobey-takes-third-title-of-the-year-ahead-of-world-grand-prix |publisher=] |access-date=3 October 2024}}</ref>

Littler qualified for the ] as the 8th seed<ref>{{Cite web |title=Players Championship Finals 2024 - Mastercaller |url=https://mastercaller.com/tournaments/players-championship-finals/2024 |access-date=25 July 2024 |website=mastercaller.com}}</ref><ref name=PDCPreview>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=21 November 2024 |title=2024 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals preview |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/11/21/2024-ladbrokes-players-championship-finals-preview |website=].tv |access-date=21 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Players Championship Order of Merit |url=https://www.dartsrankings.com/pc |access-date=25 July 2024 |website=dartsrankings.com}}</ref> and ] 57th seed ] 6–0 in the first round, averaging 112.73.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 November 2024 |title=Littler cruises into Players Championship second round |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/articles/clyjeynnn5lo |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=22 November 2024 |title=Luke Littler knocks Rob Cross for six in a stunning Players Championship Finals debut |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13258704/players-championship-final-luke-littler-knocks-rob-cross-for-six-in-a-stunning-debut |website=] |access-date=23 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=22 November 2024 |title=Luke Littler continues scintillating form by thrashing Rob Cross |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/luke-littler-rob-cross-grand-slam-of-darts-gary-anderson-luke-humphries-b2652254.html |website=] |access-date=23 November 2024}}</ref><ref name="2024 PC Finals Day One">{{Cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=22 November 2024 |title=Players Championship Finals 2024: Littler whitewashes Cross as five world champions crash out|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/11/22/sublime-littler-whitewashes-cross-five-world-champions-crash-out |access-date=22 November 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> Littler then defeated ] 6–2, again missing Double 12 for a nine–darter for the match and ] 10–3, averaging 105.33 and 104.70 in the respective victories.<ref name=PCF24Sat>{{cite web |date=23 November 2024 |title=Littler and Humphries progress at Players Championship |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/c93q493q5g9o |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref name="2024 PC Finals Day Two">{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=23 November 2024 |title=Players Championship Finals 2024: Humphries and Littler remain on collision course in Minehead|url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/11/23/humphries-littler-remain-collision-course-minehead |access-date=23 November 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> Littler defeated ] 10–3 with a 103.73 average and ] 11–9, averaging 104.38, to reached his third-ranked PDC Major final. He lost the final to ] 11–7, averaging 100.08 in defeat to Humphries' 103.69.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=Players Championship Finals: Luke Humphries beats Luke Littler in thrilling final to retain title |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13260297/players-championship-finals-luke-humphries-beats-luke-littler-in-thrilling-final-to-retain-title |work=Sky Sports |access-date=25 November 2024}}</ref><ref name=PCF24Results>{{Cite web |title=Results of Players Championship Finals 2024 - Mastercaller |url=https://mastercaller.com/tournaments/players-championship-finals/2024 |date=24 November 2024 |website=mastercaller.com}}</ref>


==== UK Open ==== ==== UK Open ====
In the fourth round of the ], Littler was drawn against three-time UK Open champion ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=1 March 2024 |title=Schedule UK Open Darts 2024: Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries and Luke Littler on main stage Friday night |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/schedule-uk-open-darts-2024-michael-van-gerwen-luke-humphries-and-luke-littler-on-main-stage-friday-night |access-date=1 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> Littler defeated Wade 10–7, hitting a 170 checkout en route.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 March 2024 |title=UK Open: Luke Littler overcomes James Wade as Michael van Gerwen beaten by Mensur Suljovic in Minehead |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13084648/uk-open-luke-littler-beats-james-wade-as-michael-van-gerwen-beaten-by-mensur-suljovic-in-minehead |website=Sky Sports |access-date=1 March 2024}}</ref> Littler was drawn against ] in the fifth round, where he won 10–8, beating his personal best result at the event to reach the sixth round for the first time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Lawrence |date=2 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler continues UK Open run with fifth round win over Martin Schindler |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-continues-uk-open-run-with-fifth-round-win-over-martin-schindler |access-date=2 March 2023 |website=Darts News}}</ref> In the sixth round, Littler was drawn to play ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Lawrence |date=2 March 2024 |title=Peter Wright takes on Stephen Bunting in last 16 of UK Open, Luke Litter faces Dave Chisnall as draw takes place |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/peter-wright-takes-on-stephen-bunting-in-last-16-of-uk-open-luke-litter-faces-dave-chisnall-as-draw-takes-place |access-date=2 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> Littler won the match 10–5 to reach his second PDC major quarter-final.<ref>{{cite web |date=3 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler reaches UK Open quarter-finals in Minehead as he chases first major title |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/68457147 |access-date=4 March 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> He lost there 10–8 to ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Stanley |first=Lawrence |date=3 March 2023 |title=Damon Heta comes through magnificent quarter-final clash against Luke Littler at UK Open |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/damon-heta-comes-through-magnificent-quarter-final-clash-against-luke-littler-at-uk-open |access-date=3 March 2023 |website=Darts News}}</ref><ref name=DartConnectUKOpen24>{{cite web |title=PDC UK Open 2024 |url=https://tv.dartconnect.com/event/pdcuko24/matches |website=DartConnect}}</ref> In the fourth round of the ], Littler defeated three-time UK Open champion ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=1 March 2024 |title=Schedule UK Open Darts 2024: Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries and Luke Littler on main stage Friday night |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/schedule-uk-open-darts-2024-michael-van-gerwen-luke-humphries-and-luke-littler-on-main-stage-friday-night |access-date=1 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> 10–7, hitting a ] of ] en route.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 March 2024 |title=UK Open: Luke Littler overcomes James Wade as Michael van Gerwen beaten by Mensur Suljovic in Minehead |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13084648/uk-open-luke-littler-beats-james-wade-as-michael-van-gerwen-beaten-by-mensur-suljovic-in-minehead |website=Sky Sports |access-date=1 March 2024}}</ref> Littler defeated ] 10–5 to reach his second PDC major quarter-final.<ref>{{cite web |date=3 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler reaches UK Open quarter-finals in Minehead as he chases first major title |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/68457147 |access-date=4 March 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> He lost there 10–8 to ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Stanley |first=Lawrence |date=3 March 2023 |title=Damon Heta comes through magnificent quarter-final clash against Luke Littler at UK Open |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/damon-heta-comes-through-magnificent-quarter-final-clash-against-luke-littler-at-uk-open |access-date=3 March 2023 |website=Darts News}}</ref><ref name=DartConnectUKOpen24>{{cite web |title=PDC UK Open 2024 |url=https://tv.dartconnect.com/event/pdcuko24/matches |website=DartConnect}}</ref>


==== European Tour and European Championship ==== ==== European Tour and European Championship ====
Littler qualified for the ] (ET1) at the Tour Card Holder qualifiers, which was thus his first ] event, surpassing ] 6–0, ] 6–3 and ] 6–5.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=14 February 2024 |title=Littler seals European Tour debut, as quartet complete qualification double |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/02/14/littler-seals-european-tour-debut-quartet-complete-qualification-double |access-date=15 February 2024 |website=PDC}}</ref><ref name="ETQual">{{cite web |date=14 February 2024 |title=Littler qualifies for Belgian Darts Open after success in Wigan |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13071378/luke-littler-teenager-qualifies-for-belgian-dartsopen-after-success-in-wigan |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Littler was drawn against ] in the event's first round. Littler defeated de Sousa 6–5.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/luke-littler-portuguese-luke-humphries-peter-wright-raymond-van-barneveld-b2509750.html|title=Luke Littler survives scare to beat Jose de Sousa on European Tour debut|work=The Independent|date=8 March 2024|access-date=10 March 2024}}</ref> Littler beat ] in the second round 6–3.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=9 March 2024 |title=Luke Humphries impresses with 110 average at Belgian Darts Open; Luke Littler also to last 16 |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-humphries-impresses-with-110-average-at-belgian-darts-open-luke-littler-also-to-last-16 |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> After the match, he accused Ratajski of sly ] after he sipped from his drink twice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Byfield |first=Chris |date=10 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler furious at Krzysztof Ratajski for 'trying to get to him' with sly gamesmanship |url=https://www.sportbible.com/darts/luke-littler-krzysztof-ratajski-water-belgian-darts-open-073490-20240310 |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=SPORTbible}}</ref> In a rematch from the ], Littler defeated ] 6–3 to reach the quarter-finals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=10 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler gains revenge on Damon Heta to reach quarterfinals at Belgian Darts Open |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-gains-revenge-on-damon-heta-to-reach-quarterfinals-at-belgian-darts-open |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> Littler averaged 110.06 to defeat ] 6–2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=10 March 2024 |title=110 average fires Luke Littler past Jermaine Wattimena, setting up Belgian Darts Open semi-final with Ricardo Pietreczko |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/110-average-fires-luke-littler-past-jermaine-wattimena-setting-up-belgian-darts-open-semi-final-with-ricardo-pietreczko |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> Littler beat ] to reach his first final on the European Tour, 7–3.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=10 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler flies past unhappy Ricardo Pietreczko and into Belgian Darts Open final |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-flies-past-unhappy-ricardo-pietreczko-and-into-belgian-darts-open-final |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> After the match, Pietreczko lashed out against Littler on the stage and on social media, posting, "Hope his arrogance is punished".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=10 March 2024 |title=''Hope his arrogance is punished'' - Ricardo Pietreczko lashes out angrily at Luke Littler |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/hope-his-arrogance-is-punished-ricardo-pietreczko-lashes-out-angrily-at-luke-littler |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=What was said?! {{!}} Luke Littler roars after heated exchange! |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/30998/13092328/what-was-said-luke-littler-roars-after-heated-exchange |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Littler defeated ] 8–7 in the final, to win his first ] event on debut. Littler hit third ] of the year en route to his victory.<ref>{{cite web|date=10 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler hits nine darter as he wins Belgian Open |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/68530693 |publisher=] |access-date=10 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=11 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler: Teenage star hits another nine-darter to win debut European Tour title against Rob Cross |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13092366/luke-littler-teenage-star-hits-another-nine-darter-to-win-debut-european-tour-title-against-rob-cross |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Josh |date=10 March 2024 |title=Nine-dart Littler claims glory on Euro Tour debut |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/03/10/nine-dart-littler-claims-glory-euro-tour-debut |publisher=] |access-date=10 March 2024}}</ref><ref name=Sky9Darters/> Littler qualified for the ] (ET1) at the Tour Card Holder qualifiers, which was thus his first ] event.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=14 February 2024 |title=Littler seals European Tour debut, as quartet complete qualification double |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/02/14/littler-seals-european-tour-debut-quartet-complete-qualification-double |access-date=15 February 2024 |website=PDC}}</ref><ref name="ETQual">{{cite web |date=14 February 2024 |title=Littler qualifies for Belgian Darts Open after success in Wigan |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13071378/luke-littler-teenager-qualifies-for-belgian-dartsopen-after-success-in-wigan |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Littler defeated de Sousa 6–5 in his debut match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/luke-littler-portuguese-luke-humphries-peter-wright-raymond-van-barneveld-b2509750.html|title=Luke Littler survives scare to beat Jose de Sousa on European Tour debut|work=The Independent|date=8 March 2024|access-date=10 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=9 March 2024 |title=Luke Humphries impresses with 110 average at Belgian Darts Open; Luke Littler also to last 16 |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-humphries-impresses-with-110-average-at-belgian-darts-open-luke-littler-also-to-last-16 |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> Littler then achieved wins over ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Byfield |first=Chris |date=10 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler furious at Krzysztof Ratajski for 'trying to get to him' with sly gamesmanship |url=https://www.sportbible.com/darts/luke-littler-krzysztof-ratajski-water-belgian-darts-open-073490-20240310 |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=SPORTbible}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=10 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler gains revenge on Damon Heta to reach quarterfinals at Belgian Darts Open |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-gains-revenge-on-damon-heta-to-reach-quarterfinals-at-belgian-darts-open |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=10 March 2024 |title=110 average fires Luke Littler past Jermaine Wattimena, setting up Belgian Darts Open semi-final with Ricardo Pietreczko |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/110-average-fires-luke-littler-past-jermaine-wattimena-setting-up-belgian-darts-open-semi-final-with-ricardo-pietreczko |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=10 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler flies past unhappy Ricardo Pietreczko and into Belgian Darts Open final |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-flies-past-unhappy-ricardo-pietreczko-and-into-belgian-darts-open-final |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=10 March 2024 |title=''Hope his arrogance is punished'' Ricardo Pietreczko lashes out angrily at Luke Littler |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/hope-his-arrogance-is-punished-ricardo-pietreczko-lashes-out-angrily-at-luke-littler |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=What was said?! {{!}} Luke Littler roars after heated exchange! |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/30998/13092328/what-was-said-luke-littler-roars-after-heated-exchange |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Littler defeated ] 8–7 in the final, to win his first ] event on debut. Littler hit third ] of the year enroute to his victory.<ref>{{cite web|date=10 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler hits nine darter as he wins Belgian Open |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/68530693 |publisher=] |access-date=10 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=11 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler: Teenage star hits another nine-darter to win debut European Tour title against Rob Cross |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13092366/luke-littler-teenage-star-hits-another-nine-darter-to-win-debut-european-tour-title-against-rob-cross |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Josh |date=10 March 2024 |title=Nine-dart Littler claims glory on Euro Tour debut |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/03/10/nine-dart-littler-claims-glory-euro-tour-debut |publisher=] |access-date=10 March 2024}}</ref><ref name=Sky9Darters/>


Littler qualified for the ] (ET4),<ref>{{cite web |date=21 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler survives nine-darter from Simon Whitlock to reach European Grand Prix in April |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13077762/luke-littler-survives-nine-darter-from-simon-whitlock-to-reach-european-grand-prix-in-april |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> winning his first round game to setup a rematch of that year's World Championship final, against ] in the second round.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 April 2024 |title=Luke Littler to face Luke Humphries in second round of European Darts Grand Prix in Germany |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13118667/luke-littler-to-face-luke-humphries-in-second-round-of-european-darts-grand-prix-in-germany |access-date=20 April 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Littler lost to Humphries 6–5 in a last leg decider.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 April 2024 |title=Luke Humphries edges Luke Littler in final-leg thriller to reach European Darts Grand Prix third round |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13119810/luke-humphries-edges-luke-littler-in-final-leg-thriller-to-reach-european-darts-grand-prix-third-round |access-date=20 April 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref>
Littler failed to qualify for the ] (ET2) after he defeated ] 6–4 but lost to ] 6–5 in the Tour Card Holder qualifiers.<ref name=ETQual/>


Littler qualified for the ] (ET4) at the Card Holder qualifiers, defeating ] 6–1 in the first round before beating ], despite Whitlock hitting a nine-dart finish,<ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=21 February 2024 |title=Simon Whitlock hits nine-dart finish against Luke Littler during qualifier |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/simon-whitlock-hits-nine-dart-finish-against-luke-littler-during-qualifier |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> ] and ] with 6–5 victories.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler survives nine-darter from Simon Whitlock to reach European Grand Prix in April |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13077762/luke-littler-survives-nine-darter-from-simon-whitlock-to-reach-european-grand-prix-in-april |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> At ET4, Littler whitewashed Arno Merk 6–0 in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 April 2024 |title=Luke Littler to face Luke Humphries in second round of European Darts Grand Prix in Germany |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13118667/luke-littler-to-face-luke-humphries-in-second-round-of-european-darts-grand-prix-in-germany |access-date=20 April 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> In the second round Littler lost to ] 6–5 in a deciding leg.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 April 2024 |title=Luke Humphries edges Luke Littler in final-leg thriller to reach European Darts Grand Prix third round |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13119810/luke-humphries-edges-luke-littler-in-final-leg-thriller-to-reach-european-darts-grand-prix-third-round |access-date=20 April 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> At the ] (ET5) Littler won his second European Tour title<ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/04/26/inspired-schindler-creates-history-day-one-graz |title=Inspired Schindler creates history on Day One in Graz |access-date=28 April 2024 |website=PDC.tv|date=26 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=27 April 2024|title=Luke Littler averages 106 as he beats Damon Heta to reach last 16 of Austrian Darts Open |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13124219/luke-littler-averages-106-as-he-beats-damon-heta-to-reach-last-16-of-austrian-darts-open |access-date=28 April 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=27 April 2024 |title=Littler lights up Graz with superb Heta victory |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/04/27/littler-lights-graz-superb-heta-victory |access-date=28 April 2024 |website=PDC}}</ref> In the final Littler won 8–4 against ].<ref>{{cite web |date=29 April 2024 |title=Austrian Darts Open: 'Generational talent' Luke Littler claims second European Tour title after beating Joe Cullen |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13125483/austrian-darts-open-generational-talent-luke-littler-claims-second-european-tour-title-after-beating-joe-cullen |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Dave |date=28 April 2024 |title=Sensational Littler sees off Cullen for NEO.bet Austrian Darts Open glory |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/04/28/sensational-littler-sees-cullen-neobet-austrian-darts-open-glory |publisher=] |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref>


At the ] (ET5) Littler achieved 6–2 wins in matches against ]<ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/04/26/inspired-schindler-creates-history-day-one-graz |title=Inspired Schindler creates history on Day One in Graz |access-date=28 April 2024 |website=PDC.tv|date=26 April 2024 }}</ref> and ],<ref>{{cite web |date=27 April 2024|title=Luke Littler averages 106 as he beats Damon Heta to reach last 16 of Austrian Darts Open |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13124219/luke-littler-averages-106-as-he-beats-damon-heta-to-reach-last-16-of-austrian-darts-open |access-date=28 April 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=27 April 2024 |title=Littler lights up Graz with superb Heta victory |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/04/27/littler-lights-graz-superb-heta-victory |access-date=28 April 2024 |website=PDC.tv}}</ref> and defeated Krzysztof Ratajski 6–3 to reach the quarter-final stage. In his quarter-final match Littler triumphed over ] 6–5 in a deciding leg. Littler defeated ] 7–2 in the semi-finals. In the final Littler won 8–4 against ], meaning Littler claimed his second ] title.<ref>{{cite web |date=29 April 2024 |title=Austrian Darts Open: 'Generational talent' Luke Littler claims second European Tour title after beating Joe Cullen |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13125483/austrian-darts-open-generational-talent-luke-littler-claims-second-european-tour-title-after-beating-joe-cullen |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Dave |date=28 April 2024 |title=Sensational Littler sees off Cullen for NEO.bet Austrian Darts Open glory |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/04/28/sensational-littler-sees-cullen-neobet-austrian-darts-open-glory |publisher=] |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref> At the ] (ET9) Littler achieved a ] of 107.88 in his 7–2 semi-final victory over ] to book a place in the final.<ref name=ET9Results2024>{{cite web |date=1 September 2024 |title=2024 German Darts Championship Results |url=https://mastercaller.com/tournaments/german-darts-championship/2024/results |website=MasterCaller}}</ref> In the final Littler averaged 106.87 but it was not enough to defeat ], who took the title with an 8–5 win.<ref name=ET9Sky2024>{{cite web |last=Hodge |first=Stuart |date=1 September 2024 |title=Peter Wright stuns Luke Littler with emotional German Darts Championship comeback |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13208226/peter-wright-stuns-luke-littler-with-emotional-german-darts-championship-comeback |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=1 September 2024 |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/09/01/inspired-wright-topples-littler-win-neobet-german-darts-championship | title=Inspired Wright topples Littler to win NEO.bet German Darts Championship| publisher=]}}</ref>


At the ] (ET13), Littler set his highest PDC average of his career to date, averaging 116.51 to defeat Damon Heta 6–3, who himself averaged 105.59.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=20 October 2024 |title=Luke Littler smashes his own Czech Darts Open average record with 116 (!) mark, set to face Van Gerwen |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-smashes-his-own-czech-darts-open-average-record-with-116-mark-set-to-face-van-gerwen |access-date=20 October 2024 |website=DartsNews}}</ref> Littler's first nine dart average of 131.48 eclipsed the 130.33 he recorded in his 6–2 win in the Premier League against ]<ref>{{cite web |last=Faria |first=Lendel |title=Premier League 2024 : Match Stats {{!}} Luke Littler 6–2 Michael van Gerwen |url=https://app.dartsorakel.com/match/stats/356589 |website=DartsOrakel |date=14 March 2024}}</ref> while his three-dart average eclipsed the 115.22 he hit at a ] event in 2023.<ref name="DT20"/><ref name="DT115.22DCTV"/> In his quarter-final match against van Gerwen Littler achieved a three-dart average of 110.57 with a first nine dart average of 132.10 in a 6–1 win. van Gerwen put in a 112.19 average, the highest losing average in European Tour history. In his semi-final match against ] Littler had a three-dart average of 106.73 with a first nine average of 122.42 but lost 7–4, with Humphries having a three-dart average of 108.56.<ref name=SkyET13Final>{{cite web |date=20 October 2024 |title=Luke Humphries ends Luke Littler's record-breaking run before winning Czech Darts Open title |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13237913/luke-humphries-ends-luke-littlers-record-breaking-run-before-winning-czech-darts-open-title |website=] |access-date=21 October 2024}}</ref><ref name=ET13Results>{{cite web |date=20 October 2024 |title=Results of Czech Darts Open 2024 |url=https://mastercaller.com/tournaments/czech-darts-open/2024/results |website=MasterCaller}}</ref>
At the ] (ET9) Littler whitewashed ] 6–0, averaging 101.33, in the last 32. In the last 16 Littler defeated ] 6–2 and in the quarter-finals beat Damon Heta 6–5. Littler averaged 107.88 in his 7–2 semi-final victory over ] to book a place in the final.<ref name=ET9Results2024>{{cite web |date=1 September 2024 |title=2024 German Darts Championship Results |url=https://mastercaller.com/tournaments/german-darts-championship/2024/results |website=MasterCaller}}</ref> In the final Littler averaged 106.87 but it was not enough to defeat ], who took the title with an 8–5 win.<ref name=ET9Sky2024>{{cite web |last=Hodge |first=Stuart |date=1 September 2024 |title=Peter Wright stuns Luke Littler with emotional German Darts Championship comeback |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13208226/peter-wright-stuns-luke-littler-with-emotional-german-darts-championship-comeback |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=1 September 2024 |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/09/01/inspired-wright-topples-littler-win-neobet-german-darts-championship | title=Inspired Wright topples Littler to win NEO.bet German Darts Championship| publisher=]}}</ref>

At the ] (ET13) Littler defeated ] 6–1, averaging 110.43.<ref name=ET13Day2Sky2024>{{cite web |date=20 October 2024 |title=Luke Littler fires tournament-record average at Czech Darts Open after switching darts to thrash Nathan Aspinall |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13236609/luke-littler-fires-tournament-record-average-at-czech-darts-open-after-switching-darts-to-thrash-nathan-aspinall |website=] |access-date=20 October 2024}}</ref><ref name=ET13Day2PDC2024>{{cite web |last=Allen |first=Dave |date=19 October 2024 |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/10/19/littler-breaks-average-record-gambrinus-czech-darts-open-stars-shine |title=Littler breaks average record as gambrinus Czech darts open stars shine |access-date=20 October 2024|work=]}}</ref> In the third round Littler set his highest PDC average of his career to date, averaging 116.51 to defeat Damon Heta 6–3, who himself averaged 105.59.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=20 October 2024 |title=Luke Littler smashes his own Czech Darts Open average record with 116 (!) mark, set to face Van Gerwen |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-smashes-his-own-czech-darts-open-average-record-with-116-mark-set-to-face-van-gerwen |access-date=20 October 2024 |website=DartsNews}}</ref> Littler's first 9 average of 131.48 eclipsed the 130.33 he recorded in his 6–2 win in the Premier League against ]<ref>{{cite web |last=Faria |first=Lendel |title=Premier League 2024 : Match Stats {{!}} Luke Littler 6–2 Michael van Gerwen |url=https://app.dartsorakel.com/match/stats/356589 |website=DartsOrakel |date=14 March 2024}}</ref> while his 3 dart average eclipsed the 115.22 he hit at 2023's Development Tour 20 against ].<ref name="DT20"/><ref name="DT115.22DCTV"/> In his quarter-final match against van Gerwen Littler averaged 110.57 with a first 9 average of 132.10 in a 6–1 win. Van Gerwen put in a 112.19 average, the highest losing average in European Tour history. In his semi-final match against ] Littler averaged 106.73 with a first 9 average of 122.42 but lost 7–4 with Humphries averaging 108.56.<ref name=SkyET13Final>{{cite web |date=20 October 2024 |title=Luke Humphries ends Luke Littler's record-breaking run before winning Czech Darts Open title |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13237913/luke-humphries-ends-luke-littlers-record-breaking-run-before-winning-czech-darts-open-title |website=] |access-date=21 October 2024}}</ref><ref name=ET13Results>{{cite web |date=20 October 2024 |title=Results of Czech Darts Open 2024 |url=https://mastercaller.com/tournaments/czech-darts-open/2024/results |website=MasterCaller}}</ref>


Littler qualified for the ] as the number 3 seed as a result of his performances on the 2024 European Tour but lost 6–4 to ] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 October 2024 |title=Luke Littler: Teenager suffers shock exit to Andrew Gilding at European Championship |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13241149/luke-littler-teenager-suffers-shock-exit-to-andrew-gilding-at-european-championship |website=] |access-date=26 October 2024}}</ref> Littler qualified for the ] as the number 3 seed as a result of his performances on the 2024 European Tour but lost 6–4 to ] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 October 2024 |title=Luke Littler: Teenager suffers shock exit to Andrew Gilding at European Championship |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13241149/luke-littler-teenager-suffers-shock-exit-to-andrew-gilding-at-european-championship |website=] |access-date=26 October 2024}}</ref>


==== Premier League Darts ==== ==== Premier League Darts ====
Littler started his ] campaign at the ] in ], ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burnett |first=Johnathan |date=1 February 2024 |title=How to watch Premier League Darts 2024: Live stream, TV channel, schedule for Luke Littler's debut season {{!}} Sporting News United Kingdom |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/darts/news/watch-premier-league-darts-2024-live-stream-channel-schedule/b34da17c0feabd8ac3314cdc |access-date=5 February 2024 |website=Sporting News}}</ref> He went on to win his debut match, beating ] 6–2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=1 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler blitzes past Luke Humphries on Premier League debut to set up semi-final with Michael Smith, after BullyBoy takes victory over van Gerwen in Cardiff |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/michael-van-gerwen-begins-new-premier-league-season-with-defeat |access-date=5 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> After the match, Humphries wrote on ] that he felt "gutted" with the constant whistling and heckling at him during the match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=3 February 2024 |title=Luke Humphries left 'gutted' with Luke Littler whistling as he vows to 'get better' at dealing with situation after Premier League opener |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-humphries-left-gutted-with-luke-littler-whistling-as-he-vows-to-get-better-at-dealing-with-situation-after-premier-league-opener |access-date=5 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> Littler lost his semi-final match narrowly against ], 6–5.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bower |first=Aaron |date=1 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler takes Premier League debut in stride despite semi-final loss |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/feb/01/luke-littler-takes-premier-league-darts-debut-in-stride-despite-semi-final-loss |access-date=5 February 2024|work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Littler won his debut match at the ] beating ] 6–2,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=1 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler blitzes past Luke Humphries on Premier League debut to set up semi-final with Michael Smith, after BullyBoy takes victory over van Gerwen in Cardiff |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/michael-van-gerwen-begins-new-premier-league-season-with-defeat |access-date=5 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> but lost his semi-final match 6–5.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bower |first=Aaron |date=1 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler takes Premier League debut in stride despite semi-final loss |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/feb/01/luke-littler-takes-premier-league-darts-debut-in-stride-despite-semi-final-loss |access-date=5 February 2024|work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Littler reached the final in week two,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=8 February 2024 |title=Schedule Premier League Darts 2024: Michael van Gerwen opens Night Two Thursday against Nathan Aspinall |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/schedule-premier-league-darts-2024-michael-van-gerwen-opens-night-two-thursday-against-nathan-aspinall |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> with two deciding leg wins<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=8 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler takes spectacular last-leg win over Rob Cross; Luke Humphries through at the expense of Peter Wright in Berlin |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-takes-spectacular-last-leg-win-over-rob-cross-luke-humphries-through-at-the-expense-of-peter-wright-in-berlin |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=8 February 2024 |title=Michael van Gerwen vs Luke Littler set for final on Night 2 of Premier League Darts in Berlin |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/michael-van-gerwen-vs-luke-littler-set-for-final-on-night-2-of-premier-league-darts-in-berlin |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> before losing to ] 6–5.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 February 2024 |title=Premier League darts: Michael van Gerwen beats Luke Littler in night two final in Berlin |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/68243962 |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> On night four at the ], Littler hit the ] of ]<ref>{{cite web|title=Luke Littler reels in the big fish {{!}} 'What an astonishing talent he is!'|url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/30998/13078644/luke-littler-hits-a-170-checkout-against-peter-wright|date=22 February 2024|access-date=22 February 2024|website=Sky Sports}}</ref> in a 6–5 victory, before losing to van Gerwen 6–5 in the semi-finals.<ref name="2024 PL Night Four">{{cite web|date=22 February 2024|title=Premier League Darts: Michael van Gerwen secures third night win in a row with victory over Nathan Aspinall in Newcastle |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13077986/premier-league-darts-michael-van-gerwen-secures-third-night-win-in-a-row-with-victory-over-nathan-aspinall-in-newcastle |website=Sky Sports |access-date=22 February 2024}}</ref>
On night seven at the ] in ], Littler achieved a ] of 114.00 to defeat van Gerwen, who averaged 110.94, 6–2.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler almost hits ANOTHER nine-darter as he beats Michael van Gerwen in Premier League |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/33725/13094851/luke-littler-almost-hits-another-nine-darter-as-he-beats-michael-van-gerwen-in-premier-league |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=14 March 2024 |title=Incredible Luke Littler hits 114 average and narrowly misses another nine-darter in victory over Michael van Gerwen |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/incredible-luke-littler-hits-114-average-and-narrowly-misses-another-nine-darter-in-victory-over-michael-van-gerwen |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref><ref name="2024 PL Night Seven">{{cite web |date=15 March 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Humphries secures second night win in a row as Luke Littler comes close to nine-darter |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13094367/premier-league-darts-luke-humphries-secures-second-night-win-in-a-row-as-luke-littler-comes-close-to-nine-darter |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=14 March 2024 |title=Nathan Aspinall keeps Luke Littler's wait for Premier League success going and reaches Night 7 final |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/nathan-aspinall-keeps-luke-littlers-wait-for-premier-league-success-going-and-reaches-night-7-final |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref>


Night nine saw Littler win a Premier League for the first time in his career, beating ] 6–4 in the night's final.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=3 April 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Littler fights back against Nathan Aspinall to seal epic Premier League night win in Belfast |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13103433/premier-league-darts-luke-littler-fights-back-against-nathan-aspinall-to-seal-epic-premier-league-night-win-in-belfast |access-date=18 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Littler then won night ten, achieving a 6–3 victory over ] in the final for back-to-back-night wins.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 April 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Littler secures back-to-back night wins as Gerwyn Price hits nine-dart finish |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13107478/premier-league-darts-luke-littler-secures-back-to-back-night-wins-as-gerwyn-price-hits-nine-dart-finish |access-date=18 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Littler made a third-consecutive-night final on night eleven, but only achieved a three-dart average of 88.12 in a 6–3 loss to Michael van Gerwen who only averaged 90.38 himself.<ref>{{cite web |last=Matthews |first=Callum |date=11 April 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Littler beaten by Michael van Gerwen in night 11 final in Birmingham |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/68793965 |access-date=19 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref>
Littler reached the final in week two at the ] in ], ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=8 February 2024 |title=Schedule Premier League Darts 2024: Michael van Gerwen opens Night Two Thursday against Nathan Aspinall |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/schedule-premier-league-darts-2024-michael-van-gerwen-opens-night-two-thursday-against-nathan-aspinall |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> He defeated ] 6–5<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=8 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler takes spectacular last-leg win over Rob Cross; Luke Humphries through at the expense of Peter Wright in Berlin |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-takes-spectacular-last-leg-win-over-rob-cross-luke-humphries-through-at-the-expense-of-peter-wright-in-berlin |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> and ] 6–5<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=8 February 2024 |title=Michael van Gerwen vs Luke Littler set for final on Night 2 of Premier League Darts in Berlin |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/michael-van-gerwen-vs-luke-littler-set-for-final-on-night-2-of-premier-league-darts-in-berlin |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> before losing to ] 6–5.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 February 2024 |title=Premier League darts: Michael van Gerwen beats Luke Littler in night two final in Berlin |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/68243962 |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> During night three, Littler lost in the quarter-final stages at the ] in ], ], to ] 6–5.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 February 2024 |title=Premier League: Van Gerwen beats Humphries to win in Glasgow - as it happened |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/darts/68217563 |access-date=15 February 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=We've not seen that before! {{!}} Luke Littler fumes after fumbling deciding darts |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/12288/13072594/luke-littler-loses-to-gerwyn-price-after-a-thrilling-last-leg |access-date=15 February 2024 |date=15 February 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> On night four at the ], Littler hit a 170 checkout<ref>{{cite web|title=Luke Littler reels in the big fish {{!}} 'What an astonishing talent he is!'|url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/30998/13078644/luke-littler-hits-a-170-checkout-against-peter-wright|date=22 February 2024|access-date=22 February 2024|website=Sky Sports}}</ref> en route to a 6–5 victory over ] in the quarter-finals, before losing to Michael van Gerwen 6–5 in the semi-finals.<ref name="2024 PL Night Four">{{cite web|date=22 February 2024|title=Premier League Darts: Michael van Gerwen secures third night win in a row with victory over Nathan Aspinall in Newcastle |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13077986/premier-league-darts-michael-van-gerwen-secures-third-night-win-in-a-row-with-victory-over-nathan-aspinall-in-newcastle |website=Sky Sports |access-date=22 February 2024}}</ref>


Littler picked up his third night win in the Premier League on night thirteen, coming back from 5–2 down to defeat Aspinall in the semi-finals, with Aspinall missing five match darts. Littler secured the night win with a 6–2 victory over Cross. This saw him finish night thirteen top of the table on 31 points, five points clear of second-place Humphries.<ref name="2024 PL Night Thirteen">{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Meg |date=26 April 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Littler moves clear at top of table with 6–2 Rob Cross demolition in Liverpool |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13122780/premier-league-darts-luke-littler-moves-clear-at-top-of-table-with-6-2-rob-cross-demolition-in-liverpool |access-date=26 April 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> Littler won Night 14, beating ] 6–1 with a three-dart average of 110.1, to reach the final where he beat Rob Cross 6–4.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Drury |first=Sam |date=2 May 2024 |title=Luke Littler beats Rob Cross in Premier League Darts night 14 final to seal play-off spot |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/live/c9edm3yvyept |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref>
Just before the ] weekend, Littler played at Premier League event five at the ] in ]. In the quarter-finals he defeated Michael Smith 6–2, before losing 6–3 to ] in the semi-finals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Lawrence |date=29 February 2024 |title=Premier League: Cross and Littler produce sensational performances to book place in Exeter semi finals |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/premier-league-cross-and-littler-produce-sensational-performances-to-book-place-in-exeter-semi-finals |access-date=1 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Lawrence |date=29 February 2024 |title=Rob Cross to play Nathan Aspinall in Exeter final after beating Luke Littler in Night Five of Premier League |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/rob-cross-to-play-nathan-aspinall-in-exeter-final-after-beating-luke-littler-in-night-five-of-premier-league |access-date=1 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=29 February 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Nathan Aspinall wins night five in Exeter |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/68442284 |access-date=1 March 2024 |work=BBC Sport }}</ref> On night six at ], Littler won 6–3 against ] in the quarter-finals, but lost to Michael Smith 6–3 in the semi-final.<ref name="2024 PL Night Six">{{cite web |date=8 March 2024 |title=Premier League: Luke Humphries beats Michael Smith in Brighton final after Luke Littler's semi-final exit |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13089307/premier-league-luke-humphries-beats-michael-smith-in-brighton-final-after-luke-littlers-semi-final-exit |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=Sky Sports }}</ref><ref>{{cite video |date=7 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler out at hands of Michael Smith |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/30998/13089611/luke-littler-out-at-hands-of-michael-smith |website=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=7 March 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Humphries wins night for first time |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/68506811 |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=BBC Sport }}</ref> On night seven at the ] in ], Littler averaged 114.00 to defeat Michael van Gerwen, who averaged 110.94, 6–2.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler almost hits ANOTHER nine-darter as he beats Michael van Gerwen in Premier League |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/33725/13094851/luke-littler-almost-hits-another-nine-darter-as-he-beats-michael-van-gerwen-in-premier-league |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=14 March 2024 |title=Incredible Luke Littler hits 114 average and narrowly misses another nine-darter in victory over Michael van Gerwen |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/incredible-luke-littler-hits-114-average-and-narrowly-misses-another-nine-darter-in-victory-over-michael-van-gerwen |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> In the semi-final, Littler lost 6–3 to Nathan Aspinall.<ref name="2024 PL Night Seven">{{cite web |date=15 March 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Humphries secures second night win in a row as Luke Littler comes close to nine-darter |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13094367/premier-league-darts-luke-humphries-secures-second-night-win-in-a-row-as-luke-littler-comes-close-to-nine-darter |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=14 March 2024 |title=Nathan Aspinall keeps Luke Littler's wait for Premier League success going and reaches Night 7 final |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/nathan-aspinall-keeps-luke-littlers-wait-for-premier-league-success-going-and-reaches-night-7-final |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> On night eight at the ] in ], ], Littler lost to Michael Smith 6–4.<ref name="2024 PL Night Eight">{{cite web |date=21 March 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Humphries demolishes Michael Smith in Dublin for third win in a row |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13099342/premier-league-darts-luke-humphries-demolishes-michael-smith-in-dublin-for-third-win-in-a-row |access-date=21 March 2024 |work=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=21 March 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Humphries wins night eight in Dublin |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/68628753 |access-date=21 March 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref>


Night nine at the ] saw Luke Littler win a Premier League for the first time in his career. Littler beat ] 6–5 in a deciding leg in the quarter-finals, ] 6–3 in the semi-finals and ] 6–4 in the night's final.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=3 April 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Littler fights back against Nathan Aspinall to seal epic Premier League night win in Belfast |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13103433/premier-league-darts-luke-littler-fights-back-against-nathan-aspinall-to-seal-epic-premier-league-night-win-in-belfast |access-date=18 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Littler then won night ten at the ], again defeating Van Gerwen and Aspinall 6–3 and 6–4, respectively, before achieving a 6–3 victory over ] in the final for back-to-back-night wins.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 April 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Littler secures back-to-back night wins as Gerwyn Price hits nine-dart finish |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13107478/premier-league-darts-luke-littler-secures-back-to-back-night-wins-as-gerwyn-price-hits-nine-dart-finish |access-date=18 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Littler made a third-consecutive-night final on night eleven at ], defeating ] and Luke Humphries each 6–5, in deciding legs before only averaging 88.12 in a 6–3 loss to Michael van Gerwen in the night final, with Van Gerwen only averaging 90.38 himself.<ref>{{cite web |last=Matthews |first=Callum |date=11 April 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Littler beaten by Michael van Gerwen in night 11 final in Birmingham |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/68793965 |access-date=19 April 2024 |website=]}}</ref> On night twelve at ] Littler was defeated 6–3 by ] in his quarter-final match.<ref name="2024 PL Night Twelve">{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Meg |date=19 April 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Nathan Aspinall boosts play-off hopes with Rotterdam win over Michael Smith |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13117967/premier-league-darts-nathan-aspinall-boosts-play-off-hopes-with-rotterdam-win-over-michael-smith |access-date=26 April 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> After sixteen nights, Littler topped the table in the league phase.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 May 2024 |title=Premier League Darts table: Final standings as Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Michael Smith secure Play-Off spots |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13078948/premier-league-darts-table-final-standings-as-luke-littler-luke-humphries-michael-van-gerwen-and-michael-smith-secure-play-off-spots |work=Sky Sports |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref> This meant that in the ] Littler would play Smith, who he defeated 10–5 in the semi-final. He then won his first major title, and first Premier League title on debut, beating Humphries 11–7 in the final.<ref name="LittlerPLBBC">{{Cite web |last=Colman |first=Jonty |date=23 May 2024 |title=Littler beats Humphries to win Premier League Darts title |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cn00rmpex5no |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref name="LittlerPLSky">{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=24 May 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Littler hits nine-darter on way to victory over Luke Humphries in final |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13141984/premier-league-darts-luke-littler-hits-nine-darter-on-way-to-victory-over-luke-humphries-in-final |work=Sky Sports |access-date=23 May 2024}}</ref> He became the youngest player to win a major PDC tournament. Littler also hit a nine-darter in the final.<ref name="LittlerPLGuardian">{{cite web |last=Liew |first=Jonathan |date=24 May 2024 |title=Luke Littler powers to Premier League Darts title with nine-dart delight |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/23/luke-littler-luke-humphries-premier-league-darts-final |work=] |access-date=23 May 2024}}</ref>

Littler picked up his third night win in the Premier League on night thirteen at the ], defeating ] 6–3 at the quarter-final stage before coming back from 5–2 down to defeat ] in the semi-finals, with Aspinall missing five match darts. Littler secured the night win with a 6–2 victory over Rob Cross. This saw him finish night thirteen top of the table on 31 points, five points clear of second-place Luke Humphries.<ref name="2024 PL Night Thirteen">{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Meg |date=26 April 2024 |title=Premier League Darts: Luke Littler moves clear at top of table with 6-2 Rob Cross demolition in Liverpool
|url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13122780/premier-league-darts-luke-littler-moves-clear-at-top-of-table-with-6-2-rob-cross-demolition-in-liverpool |access-date=26 April 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> Littler won Night 14 at ], ]. Littler defeated Nathan Aspinall 6–5 again and Michael Smith 6–1, averaging 110.1, to reach the final where he beat Rob Cross 6–4.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Drury |first=Sam |date=2 May 2024 |title=Luke Littler beats Rob Cross in Premier League Darts night 14 final to seal play-off spot |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/live/c9edm3yvyept |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> On Night 15 and 16 Littler defeated Peter Wright both quarter-finals before losing in the semi-finals to Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith, respectively.

Littler defeated ] 10–5 in the semi-final. He then won his first major title and his first Premier League title on debut, beating ] 11–7 in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13141984/premier-league-darts-luke-littler-hits-nine-darter-on-way-to-victory-over-luke-humphries-in-final|title=Premier League Darts: Luke Littler hits nine-darter on way to victory over Luke Humphries in final |date=24 May 2024|work=Sky Sports|access-date=23 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Colman |first=Jonty |date=23 May 2024 |title=Littler beats Humphries to win Premier League Darts title |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/articles/cn00rmpex5no |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=BBC}}</ref> He became the youngest player to win a major PDC tournament. Littler also hit a nine-darter in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/23/luke-littler-luke-humphries-premier-league-darts-final|title=Luke Littler powers to Premier League Darts title with nine-dart delight|date=24 May 2024|work=Guardian|access-date=23 May 2024}}</ref>


====World Series of Darts==== ====World Series of Darts====
Littler made his ] debut at the second staging of the ], where he defeated Man Lok Leung 6–3 in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=18 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler impresses on World Series debut |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-impresses-on-world-series-debut-luke-humphries-faultless-in-first-game-as-world-champion |access-date=18 January 2024 |website=Darts News }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Luke Littler makes winning return in first match since World Darts Championship at Bahrain Masters |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13051084/luke-littler-makes-winning-return-in-first-match-since-world-darts-championship-at-bahrain-masters |access-date=18 January 2024 |website=Sky Sports }}</ref> In the quarter-finals of the event, he beat ] 6–3,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=19 January 2024 |title=Nine-dart Luke Littler flies into Bahrain Darts Masters semi-finals as Michael van Gerwen sets up showdown with Michael Smith |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/nine-dart-luke-littler-flies-into-bahrain-darts-masters-semi-finals-as-michael-van-gerwen-sets-up-showdown-with-michael-smith |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> hitting his first televised ] en route, becoming the youngest player to ever do so.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler hits incredible nine-darter in Bahrain Darts Masters before booking spot in final |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13051689/luke-littler-hits-incredible-nine-darter-in-bahrain-darts-masters-quarter-finals-opening-leg |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Jeremy |date=19 January 2024 |title=Watch: Luke Littler opens up with stunning nine-darter in World Series event |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/darts/2024/01/19/luke-littler-watch-nine-darter-world-series-bahrain-masters/ |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=The Telegraph |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref name=Sky9Darters/> In the semi-finals, Littler defeated ] 7–3 to be in his first World Series of Darts final on debut,<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 January 2024 |title=Bahrain Masters: Luke Littler beats Gerwyn Price to reach final |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/68035347 |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> which he won 8–5 against ].<ref name=BDM24SkyFinal/><ref name=BDM24BBCFinal>{{cite web |title=Bahrain Masters: Luke Littler beats Van Gerwen in final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/68035347 |website=] |access-date=19 January 2024 |date=19 January 2024}}</ref> Littler made his ] debut at the second staging of the ], where he defeated Man Lok Leung 6–3 in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=18 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler impresses on World Series debut |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-impresses-on-world-series-debut-luke-humphries-faultless-in-first-game-as-world-champion |access-date=18 January 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Luke Littler makes winning return in first match since World Darts Championship at Bahrain Masters |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13051084/luke-littler-makes-winning-return-in-first-match-since-world-darts-championship-at-bahrain-masters |access-date=18 January 2024 |website=Sky Sports }}</ref> In the quarter-finals of the event, he beat ] 6–3,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=19 January 2024 |title=Nine-dart Luke Littler flies into Bahrain Darts Masters semi-finals as Michael van Gerwen sets up showdown with Michael Smith |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/nine-dart-luke-littler-flies-into-bahrain-darts-masters-semi-finals-as-michael-van-gerwen-sets-up-showdown-with-michael-smith |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> hitting his first ] enroute, becoming the youngest player to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler hits incredible nine-darter in Bahrain Darts Masters before booking spot in final |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12040/13051689/luke-littler-hits-incredible-nine-darter-in-bahrain-darts-masters-quarter-finals-opening-leg |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Jeremy |date=19 January 2024 |title=Watch: Luke Littler opens up with stunning nine-darter in World Series event |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/darts/2024/01/19/luke-littler-watch-nine-darter-world-series-bahrain-masters/ |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=The Telegraph |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref name=Sky9Darters/> In the semi-finals, Littler defeated ] 7–3 to be in his first World Series of Darts final on debut,<ref name=BDMBBC24SF>{{Cite news |date=19 January 2024 |title=Bahrain Masters: Luke Littler beats Gerwyn Price to reach final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/68035347 |access-date=19 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> which he won 8–5 against ].<ref name=BDM24SkyFinal/><ref name=BDM24BBCFinal>{{cite web |date=19 January 2024 |title=Bahrain Masters: Luke Littler beats Van Gerwen in final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/68035347 |website=] |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref> Littler was also awarded a gold pin for his nine-darter against Aspinall.<ref name=Pins/>

Littler made a consecutive world series final at the ] by defeating ] 6–2,<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 January 2024 |title=Dutch Darts Masters: World finalists Luke Littler and Luke Humphries to meet again in quarter-finals |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/68112336 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> ] 6–5,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Jeremy |date=27 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler gets revenge on Luke Humphries as darts rivalry ignites at Dutch Masters |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/darts/2024/01/27/luke-littler-dutch-darts-masters-humphries-final/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Telegraph |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> and ] 7–4<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=27 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler into second successive World Series final after victory over Gerwyn Price |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-into-second-successive-world-series-final-after-victory-over-gerwyn-price |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=Dartsnews.com}}</ref> before losing in a world series final rematch to ] 8–6.<ref name="DDM24BBC">{{Cite news |date=27 January 2024 |title=Dutch Darts Masters: Michael van Gerwen beats Luke Littler 8-6 in final |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/68119449 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref name="DDM24Sky"/>

At the ] Littler defeated ] 6–0 and ] 6–2 before losing to ] 7–6 in the semi-final.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 June 2024 |title=US Darts Masters: Rob Cross comes back to beat Gerwyn Price in thrilling New York showpiece |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13146732/us-darts-masters-rob-cross-comes-back-to-beat-gerwyn-price-in-thrilling-new-york-showpiece |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=]}}</ref>


At the ] Littler won the event on debut, defeating ] 11–4 in the final.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 September 2024 |title=Littler wins maiden World Series of Darts Finals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cwy99gzqwnwo |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Littler made a consecutive world series final at the ]. In a re-match of the Bahrain event's final, Littler was defeated by van Gerwen 8–6.<ref name="DDM24BBCFinal">{{Cite news |date=27 January 2024 |title=Dutch Darts Masters: Michael van Gerwen beats Luke Littler 8–6 in final |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/68119449 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref name="DDM24SkyFinal" /> At the ] Littler won the event on debut, defeating ] 11–4 in the final.<ref name="WSODFBBCFinal">{{cite web |date=15 September 2024 |title=Littler wins maiden World Series of Darts Finals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cwy99gzqwnwo |work=BBC Sport}}</ref>


====World Matchplay and World Grand Prix==== ====World Matchplay and World Grand Prix====
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==== Grand Slam of Darts ==== ==== Grand Slam of Darts ====
At the ] Littler won his first major ranking title. In his group, he began with a 5–0 win over ], completing the match in six minutes averaging 112.16. He then defeated ] champion ] 5–1, securing his place in the knockout stages.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=15 November 2024 |title= Grand Slam of Darts 2024: Reigning champion Luke Humphries knocked out by James Wade as Luke Littler through to last 16 |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13251913/grand-slam-of-darts-2024-reigning-champion-luke-humphries-knocked-out-by-james-wade |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> In his final group match, Littler defeated ] 5–3, missing Double 12 for a nine-dart finish in the last leg of the match.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 November 2024 |title=Video: Agonising! Littler falls just short of spectacular nine–darter! |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/30998/13253325/luke-littler-falls-one-short-of-spectacular-nine-darter-at-grand-slam-of-darts |website=Sky Sports}}</ref>
At the ] Littler won his first major ranking title.


Littler began his campaign in Group F, starting with a 5–0 win over ], completing the match in six minutes averaging 112.16. He then defeated ] champion ] 5–1, securing his place in the knockout stages.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=15 November 2024 |title= Grand Slam of Darts 2024: Reigning champion Luke Humphries knocked out by James Wade as Luke Littler through to last 16 |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13251913/grand-slam-of-darts-2024-reigning-champion-luke-humphries-knocked-out-by-james-wade |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> In his final group match, Littler defeated ] 5–3, missing Double 12 for a nine-dart finish in the last leg of the match.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 November 2024 |title=Video: Agonising! Littler falls just short of spectacular nine–darter! |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/30998/13253325/luke-littler-falls-one-short-of-spectacular-nine-darter-at-grand-slam-of-darts |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> In the second round, Littler came back from 8–4 down to defeat ] 10–9 in a last-leg decider.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=11 November 2024 |title=Grand Slam of Darts 2024: Luke Littler sensationally fights back against Mike De Decker to book quarter-final spot as Gary Anderson also progresses |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13254292/grand-slam-of-darts-2024-luke-littler-sensationally-fights-back-against-mike-de-decker-to-book-quarter-final-spot |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> He then beat ] 16–2, with the widest margin of victory in a Grand Slam quarter-final.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=17 November 2024 |title=Grand Slam of Darts 2024: Luke Littler puts on a show and dominates Jermaine Wattimena to book semi-final clash with Gary Anderson |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13255077/grand-slam-of-darts-2024-luke-littler-puts-on-a-show-and-dominates-jermaine-wattimena-to-reach-semi-finals |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Littler faced ] in the semi-finals and led 7–4 after 11 legs. He then lost seven consecutive legs to trail 11–7, but took the match to a deciding leg and won 16–15. In the final, Littler defeated ] 16–3, securing the ] title on debut.<ref name="BBCF">{{cite web |last=Matthews |first=Callum |date=17 November 2024 |title=Littler wins Grand Slam to go fifth in world rankings |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/c4g72n4d1kno |access-date=17 November 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=17 November 2024 |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/11/17/astonishing-littler-storms-mr-vegas-grand-slam-darts-glory |title=Astonishing Littler storms to Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts glory |website=pdc.tv |access-date=17 November 2024}}</ref>

In the second round, Littler came back from 8–4 down to defeat ] 10–9 in a last-leg decider.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=11 November 2024 |title=Grand Slam of Darts 2024: Luke Littler sensationally fights back against Mike De Decker to book quarter-final spot as Gary Anderson also progresses |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13254292/grand-slam-of-darts-2024-luke-littler-sensationally-fights-back-against-mike-de-decker-to-book-quarter-final-spot |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> He then beat ] 16–2, with the widest margin of victory in a Grand Slam quarter-final.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=17 November 2024 |title=Grand Slam of Darts 2024: Luke Littler puts on a show and dominates Jermaine Wattimena to book semi-final clash with Gary Anderson |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13255077/grand-slam-of-darts-2024-luke-littler-puts-on-a-show-and-dominates-jermaine-wattimena-to-reach-semi-finals |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Littler faced ] in the semi-finals, and led 7–4 after 11 legs. He then lost seven consecutive legs to trail 11–7, but took the match to a deciding leg and won 16–15. In the final, Littler defeated ] 16–3, securing the ] title on debut.<ref>{{cite web |last=Matthews |first=Callum |date=17 November 2024 |title=Littler wins Grand Slam to go fifth in world rankings |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/c4g72n4d1kno |access-date=17 November 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gorton |first=Josh |date=17 November 2024 |url=https://www.pdc.tv/news/2024/11/17/astonishing-littler-storms-mr-vegas-grand-slam-darts-glory |title=Astonishing Littler storms to Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts glory |website=pdc.tv |access-date=17 November 2024}}</ref>


===2025=== ===2025===
==== World Darts Championship ==== ==== World Darts Championship ====
Littler qualified for the ] as the 4th seed, he received a bye to the second round as a top-32-seeded player. In the second round, Littler was drawn to play the winner of the first-round match between ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=Littler could face Sherrock at World Championship |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cly2j3jp15ko |website=] |access-date=25 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=World Darts Championship draw: Luke Littler to face Fallon Sherrock or Ryan Meikle at Alexandra Palace |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13260451/world-darts-championship-draw-luke-littler-to-face-fallon-sherrock-or-ryan-meikle-at-alexandra-palace |website=] |access-date=25 November 2024}}</ref> Littler commented that the ] crowd would have a difficult to decision to make on who to support in a potential match-up due to Sherrock's run at the ], where she reached the third round.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=Luke Littler on possible World Darts Championship match vs Fallon Sherrock: I don't know if the crowd would back me or her |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13260627/luke-littler-on-possible-world-darts-championship-match-vs-fallon-sherrock-i-dont-know-if-the-crowd-would-back-me-or-her |website=Sky Sports |access-date=25 November 2024}}</ref> Meikle defeated Sherrock 3–2. Littler qualified for the ] as the fourth seed. He received a bye to the second round as a top-32-seeded player.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=Littler could face Sherrock at World Championship |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cly2j3jp15ko |website=] |access-date=25 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=World Darts Championship draw: Luke Littler to face Fallon Sherrock or Ryan Meikle at Alexandra Palace |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13260451/world-darts-championship-draw-luke-littler-to-face-fallon-sherrock-or-ryan-meikle-at-alexandra-palace |website=] |access-date=25 November 2024}}</ref> In the second round, Littler defeated ] 3–1 in sets, breaking the record for the highest set average in a World Championship match, by averaging 140.91 in the fourth and final set, missing double 12 for a nine-darter in the second leg of set 4.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 December 2024 |title=Tearful Littler hits record 140 set average in win |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cgq1lpyn24lo |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=21 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=21 December 2024 |title=Overview with Top Five Highest Set Averages ever |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/overview-with-top-five-highest-set-averages-ever |website=Darts News |access-date=6 January 2025}}</ref> Littler qualified for the final by defeating Meikle, ], ], ] and ]. In the final, Littler defeated three-time world champion ] 7–3 in sets. Aged 17 years and 347 days,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ingle |first=Sean |date=4 January 2025 |title=Luke Littler: Darts domination beckons for 17-year-old after first world title |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2025/01/04/luke-littler-darts-domination-beckons-for-17-year-old-after-first-world-title/ |access-date=4 January 2025 |newspaper=The Irish Times}}</ref> Littler became the youngest ever World Darts Champion, breaking the record previously held by van Gerwen, who had been 24 when he won his first world title in ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 January 2025 |title=World Darts Championship Final 2025 LIVE: Luke Littler wins title – result, stats & reaction |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/live/c4gwz153e7et |access-date=3 January 2025 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Levison |first=Jack |date=4 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler is the youngest World Darts champion ever how did he get here? |url=https://news.sky.com/story/luke-littler-is-the-youngest-world-darts-champion-ever-how-did-he-get-here-13036290 |access-date=4 January 2025 |website=Sky News}}</ref> Littler also won the Ballon d'Art for the most 180s scored in the World Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=4 January 2025 |title=Luke Littler wins another major trophy at PDC World Darts Championship in addition to Sid Waddell Trophy |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-wins-another-major-trophy-at-pdc-world-darts-championship-in-addition-to-sid-waddell-trophy |access-date=5 January 2025 |work=Darts News}}</ref> He broke £1,000,000 on the PDC Order of Merit for the first time and moved up to a career highest ranking of second in the world, behind ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=4 January 2025 |title=PDC Order of Merit Update: Luke Littler passes Michael van Gerwen but World Number One out of reach for now |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/pdc-order-of-merit-update-luke-littler-passes-michael-van-gerwen-but-world-number-one-out-of-reach-for-now |work=Darts News |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref>


==== World Masters ====
Littler defeated Meikle 3–1 in sets, breaking the record for the highest set average in a World Championship match, by averaging 140.91 in the fourth and final set, missing double 12 for a nine-darter in the second leg of set 4.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 December 2024 |title=Tearful Littler hits record 140 set average in win |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cgq1lpyn24lo |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=21 December 2024}}</ref>
Littler will make his ] debut at the ].<ref name=Sky2025Calendar>{{cite web |date=3 January 2025 |title=Darts 2025 schedule and dates: Premier League Darts, World Matchplay and more with Luke Littler among those in action |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13282459/darts-2025-schedule-and-dates-premier-league-darts-world-matchplay-and-more-with-luke-littler-among-those-in-action |publisher=] |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref>


==Playing style==
In the ] final, Littler defeated three-time world champion ] 7–3 in sets. Littler became the youngest ever World Darts Champion, at 17 years old.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 January 2025 |title=World Darts Championship Final 2025 LIVE: Luke Littler wins title - result, stats & reaction |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/live/c4gwz153e7et |access-date=3 January 2025 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> Following the conclusion of the final Littler was also awarded the Ballon d'Art, the award for most 180's scored in the World Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 January 2025 |title=Luke Littler leads the way in battle for Ballon d'Art at 2025 PDC World Darts Championship |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-leads-the-way-in-battle-for-ballon-dart-at-2025-pdc-world-darts-championship |access-date=3 January 2025 |website=Dartsnews.com |language=en}}</ref>
Littler has been noted for his heavy scoring during matches, frequently hitting the maximum score of 180,<ref>{{cite web |last=Chiu |first=Nigel |date=4 January 2025 |title=Luke Littler: What makes youngest ever world darts champion so special after Alexandra Palace triumph |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13283241/luke-littler-what-makes-youngest-ever-world-darts-champion-so-special-after-alexandra-palace-triumph |publisher=] |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref> Using darts manufactured by Target with characteristically long 45mm points,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mirza |first=Raz |date=23 February 2024 |title=Why is Luke Littler experimenting with his technique? Will it help him win a Premier League night? |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13078975/luke-littler-why-is-teenage-darts-star-experimenting-with-his-technique-will-it-help-him-win-a-pl-night |access-date=5 January 2025 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> Littler plays at a quick pace<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chu |first=Nigel |date=4 January 2025 |title=Luke Littler: What makes youngest ever world darts champion so special after Alexandra Palace triumph |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13283241/luke-littler-what-makes-youngest-ever-world-darts-champion-so-special-after-alexandra-palace-triumph |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> and is known for his efficiency in checking out on the double 10 segment.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Keogh |first1=Francis |last2=Oxley |first2=Sonia |date=4 January 2025 |title=Teenage kicks – what makes history-making Littler so good? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/cn087q8y542o |publisher=] |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=O'Dell |first=Liam |date=4 January 2025 |title=Luke Littler's 'double 10' sparks memes following historic World Darts Championship win |url=https://www.indy100.com/sport/luke-littler-world-darts-championship |publisher=Indy100 |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McCrum |first=Ben |date=3 January 2025 |title=Fans spot Luke Littler's 'cheat code' that no other player in darts can do |url=https://www.sportbible.com/darts/luke-littler-pdc-world-darts-championship-cheat-code-597043-20250103 |publisher=Sport Bible |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref>


== Personal life== == Personal life==
As Littler rose to public prominence during the ], he and his then-girlfriend Eloise Milburn, who plays darts on the ],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eloise Milburn - Mastercaller.com |url=https://mastercaller.com/players/eloise-milburn |website=Mastercaller}}</ref> received backlash for their age difference. During the tournament, he was 16 while Milburn was 21.<ref>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Charlotte |date=2 January 2024 |title=Who is Luke Littler's girlfriend, 21, as 16-year-old champ in semi-final |url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/celebs-tv/who-luke-littlers-21-year-9009275 |access-date=4 January 2024 |website=Nottinghamshire Live}}</ref> Milburn's mother defended her after she received abuse online and was called a "]".<ref>{{cite news |last=Corless |first=Blathnaid |date=3 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler's girlfriend isn't a gold-digger, insists her mother |newspaper=]|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/03/luke-littler-darts-girlfriend-world-championship/ |via=telegraph.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Coleman |first=Tom |date=3 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler's girlfriend gets vile abuse over age gap as mum furious |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/mum-luke-littlers-girlfriend-furious-28383045 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=3 January 2024 |title=Mum of Luke Littler's girlfriend defends age gap and slams 'money grabber' trolls |url=https://www.sportbible.com/other/luke-littler-girlfriend-world-darts-championship-723102-20240103 |access-date=4 January 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Littler told '']'' at the time that he would "stick with whether people like it or not".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Jeremy |last2=Corless |first2=Blathnaid |date=4 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler: I am going to stick with my girlfriend whether people like it or not |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/darts/2024/01/04/luke-littler-girlfriend-world-darts-championship-final/ |access-date=4 January 2024 |work=The Telegraph |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> However, Littler and Milburn ended their relationship in July 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Glen |last2=Watson |first2=Fraser |date=2024-07-21 |title=Luke Littler breaks silence on split from 21-year-old girlfriend with public plea |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/luke-littler-breaks-silence-split-29583420 |access-date=2024-12-28 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> As Littler rose to public prominence during the ], he and his then-girlfriend Eloise Milburn (who played darts on the PDC Women's Series in ] and ])<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eloise Milburn - Mastercaller.com |url=https://mastercaller.com/players/eloise-milburn |website=Mastercaller}}</ref> received backlash for their age difference, as he was 16 and she was 21.<ref>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Charlotte |date=2 January 2024 |title=Who is Luke Littler's girlfriend, 21, as 16-year-old champ in semi-final |url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/celebs-tv/who-luke-littlers-21-year-9009275 |access-date=4 January 2024 |website=Nottinghamshire Live}}</ref> Milburn's mother defended her after she received abuse online and was called a "]".<ref>{{cite news |last=Corless |first=Blathnaid |date=3 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler's girlfriend isn't a gold-digger, insists her mother |newspaper=]|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/03/luke-littler-darts-girlfriend-world-championship/ |via=telegraph.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Coleman |first=Tom |date=3 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler's girlfriend gets vile abuse over age gap as mum furious |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/mum-luke-littlers-girlfriend-furious-28383045 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=3 January 2024 |title=Mum of Luke Littler's girlfriend defends age gap and slams 'money grabber' trolls |url=https://www.sportbible.com/other/luke-littler-girlfriend-world-darts-championship-723102-20240103 |access-date=4 January 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Littler told '']'' that he would "stick with whether people like it or not",<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Jeremy |last2=Corless |first2=Blathnaid |date=4 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler: I am going to stick with my girlfriend whether people like it or not |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/darts/2024/01/04/luke-littler-girlfriend-world-darts-championship-final/ |access-date=4 January 2024 |work=The Telegraph |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> though they ended their relationship in July 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Glen |last2=Watson |first2=Fraser |date=21 July 2024 |title=Luke Littler breaks silence on split from 21-year-old girlfriend with public plea |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/luke-littler-breaks-silence-split-29583420 |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref>

A supporter of ] and the ],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/which-football-team-does-darts-prodigy-luke-littler-really-support-after-arsenal-and-tottenham-visits |title=Which football team does darts prodigy Luke Littler really support after Arsenal and Tottenham visits |first=Steven |last=Chicken|date=3 January 2024 |website=]}}</ref> Littler planned to go on a stadium tour of ] after the 2024 World Championship final.<ref name=PL3Jan24>{{cite web |date=3 January 2024 |title=Littler: I'm doing Old Trafford tour after World Championship final! |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/3848225 |access-date=19 March 2024 |website=]}}</ref> As runner-up in the tournament, he won £200,000. With his winnings he also planned to pay for his friends to go with him to Blackpool or ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/luke-littlers-net-worth-16-28376138|title=Luke Littler's net worth at 16 as life-changing prize money emerges|first=Dylan|last=James|date=2 January 2024|website=Wales Online}}</ref> Following Littler's victory over ] in the last 16 of the event, Spurs player ] invited him to watch ] play ] in a Premier League match at the ].<ref name="PL3Jan24" /><ref>{{cite video |title=Luke Littler joins James Maddison for Spurs match! |url=https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/darts/13040045/luke-littler-joins-james-maddison-for-spurs-match |work=] |date=31 December 2023}}</ref>

Littler announced on ] that he gained inspiration for his walk-on song from his time with his dad at ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=12 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler receives recognition from WWE and legendary wrestler John Cena after World Darts Championship run |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-receives-recognition-from-wwe-and-legendary-wrestler-john-cena-after-world-darts-championship-run |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> ] later reached out on social media platform ], inviting him to a non-televised live event at ] in April, where Littler accepted the invitation, saying "sounds good with me".<ref>{{cite web |last=Howse |first=Lewis |date=8 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler Accepts Invitation To WWE House Show |url=https://cultaholic.com/posts/luke-littler-accepts-invitation-to-wwe-house-show |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=Cultaholic Wrestling}}</ref> Multi-time world champion ] posted a cryptic picture of Littler on his ], honouring him after Littler admitted to being a fan.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jenkins |first=Tom |date=10 January 2024 |title=John Cena has baffled people with his Luke Littler post on social media |url=https://www.sportbible.com/wrestling/wwe/john-cena-luke-littler-darts-wwe-instagram-116356-20240110 |access-date=14 January 2024 |work=SPORTbible}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Calcutt |first=Robert |date=10 January 2024 |title=John Cena posts Luke Littler tribute after darts sensation's throwback post |url=https://talksport.com/sport/1707460/john-cena-instagram-post-luke-little-wwe-throwback/ |access-date=14 January 2024 |work=]}}</ref>


A supporter of ] and the ],<ref>{{cite web |last=Chicken |first=Steven |date=3 January 2024 |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/which-football-team-does-darts-prodigy-luke-littler-really-support-after-arsenal-and-tottenham-visits |title=Which football team does darts prodigy Luke Littler really support after Arsenal and Tottenham visits |website=]}}</ref> Littler planned to go on a stadium tour of ] after the 2024 World Championship final.<ref name=PL3Jan24>{{cite web |date=3 January 2024 |title=Littler: I'm doing Old Trafford tour after World Championship final! |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/3848225 |access-date=19 March 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> As runner-up in the tournament, he won £200,000. With his winnings, he also planned to pay for his friends to go with him to ] or ].<ref>{{cite web |last=James |first=Dylan|date=2 January 2024 |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/luke-littlers-net-worth-16-28376138|title=Luke Littler's net worth at 16 as life-changing prize money emerges|website=Wales Online}}</ref> Following his victory over ] in the last 16 of the event, Spurs player ] invited him to watch ] play ] in a ] match at the ].<ref name="PL3Jan24" /><ref>{{cite video |title=Luke Littler joins James Maddison for Spurs match! |url=https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/darts/13040045/luke-littler-joins-james-maddison-for-spurs-match |work=] |date=31 December 2023}}</ref>
Littler signed a deal with fashion brand ], allowing him to help promote the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mata |first=William |date=3 February 2024 |title=Darts sensation Luke Littler wins BoohooMAN modelling contract |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/darts-luke-littler-boohooman-modelling-contract-b1136814.html |access-date=5 February 2024 |work=]}}</ref> In February 2024, Littler also signed a multi-year professional contract with Target Darts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Killen |first=Stephen |date=21 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler lands 'biggest deal in darts' after signing multi-million-pound pro contract |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/luke-littler-lands-biggest-deal-28678717 |work=]}}</ref>


In March 2024, Littler made an appearance on the 232nd episode of '']'' alongside comedian ], singer-songwriter ] and actress ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Jonathan Ross Show Series 21, Episode 3 - Millie Bobby Brown, Rob Beckett, Luke Littler, Liam Gallagher, John Squire, Raye |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/the_jonathan_ross_show/episodes/21/3/ |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=British Comedy Guide}}</ref> He was involved in a ] challenge where he played Brown, Raye and Beckett in a three-on-one ] challenge.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kenmare |first=Jack |date=10 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler playing darts against Millie Bobby Brown on Jonathan Ross show is going viral |url=https://www.sportbible.com/darts/darts-luke-littler-millie-bobby-brown-jonathan-ross-677962-20240310 |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=SPORTbible}}</ref> The three celebrities scored a total of 83, while Littler hit a score of 140.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=10 March 2024 |title=VIDEO: Luke Littler takes on all-star trio in darts challenge on The Jonathan Ross Show |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/video-luke-littler-takes-on-all-star-trio-in-darts-challenge-on-the-jonathan-ross-show |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> The clip went viral after viewers of the show were amused by Littler's nonchalant reaction to Brown admitting to being a huge fan of him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nair |first=Joshua |date=10 March 2024 |title=Jonathan Ross show viewers think Millie Bobby Brown slipped up and revealed character's fate in Stranger Things finale |url=https://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/celebrity/millie-bobby-brown-stranger-things-138083-20240310 |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=LADbible}}</ref> In January 2024, Littler revealed on ] that he was inspired to choose "]" by ] featuring ] and ] as his walk-on song after he and his father attended the 2017 ] event ], which featured "Greenlight" as its theme song.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Samuel |date=12 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler receives recognition from WWE and legendary wrestler John Cena after World Darts Championship run |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/luke-littler-receives-recognition-from-wwe-and-legendary-wrestler-john-cena-after-world-darts-championship-run |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> WWE later ] an invitation to Littler for their upcoming ] at ] in April, which he accepted,<ref>{{cite web |last=Howse |first=Lewis |date=8 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler Accepts Invitation To WWE House Show |url=https://cultaholic.com/posts/luke-littler-accepts-invitation-to-wwe-house-show |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=Cultaholic Wrestling}}</ref> and ] posted an uncaptioned picture of Littler on his famously cryptic ] after Littler admitted to being a fan.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jenkins |first=Tom |date=10 January 2024 |title=John Cena has baffled people with his Luke Littler post on social media |url=https://www.sportbible.com/wrestling/wwe/john-cena-luke-littler-darts-wwe-instagram-116356-20240110 |access-date=14 January 2024 |work=SPORTbible}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Calcutt |first=Robert |date=10 January 2024 |title=John Cena posts Luke Littler tribute after darts sensation's throwback post |url=https://talksport.com/sport/1707460/john-cena-instagram-post-luke-little-wwe-throwback/ |access-date=14 January 2024 |work=]}}</ref> Later that year, he was given a tour of WWE's headquarters ] by ] ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Jeremy |date=3 January 2025 |title=Luke Littler interview: If I win World Darts Championship I'll hide away no one will find me |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/darts/2025/01/03/luke-littler-darts-world-championship-game-of-throws/ |access-date=6 January 2025 |website=The Telegraph}}</ref>


In February 2024, Littler signed a deal with fashion brand ] to allow him to help promote the ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mata |first=William |date=3 February 2024 |title=Darts sensation Luke Littler wins BoohooMAN modelling contract |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/darts-luke-littler-boohooman-modelling-contract-b1136814.html |access-date=5 February 2024 |work=]}}</ref> and signed a multi-year professional contract with Target Darts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Killen |first=Stephen |date=21 February 2024 |title=Luke Littler lands 'biggest deal in darts' after signing multi-million-pound pro contract |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/luke-littler-lands-biggest-deal-28678717 |work=]}}</ref> In March, he made an appearance on the 232nd episode of '']'' alongside ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Jonathan Ross Show Series 21, Episode 3 – Millie Bobby Brown, Rob Beckett, Luke Littler, Liam Gallagher, John Squire, Raye |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/the_jonathan_ross_show/episodes/21/3/ |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=British Comedy Guide}}</ref> He was involved in a darts challenge where he played against Beckett, Brown, and Raye in a three-on-one ] challenge.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kenmare |first=Jack |date=10 March 2024 |title=Luke Littler playing darts against Millie Bobby Brown on Jonathan Ross show is going viral |url=https://www.sportbible.com/darts/darts-luke-littler-millie-bobby-brown-jonathan-ross-677962-20240310 |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=SPORTbible}}</ref> The three scored a total of 83, while Littler hit a score of 140.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=10 March 2024 |title=VIDEO: Luke Littler takes on all-star trio in darts challenge on The Jonathan Ross Show |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/video-luke-littler-takes-on-all-star-trio-in-darts-challenge-on-the-jonathan-ross-show |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=Darts News}}</ref> The clip went ] after viewers of the show were amused by his nonchalant reaction to Brown admitting to being a huge fan of him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nair |first=Joshua |date=10 March 2024 |title=Jonathan Ross show viewers think Millie Bobby Brown slipped up and revealed character's fate in Stranger Things finale |url=https://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/celebrity/millie-bobby-brown-stranger-things-138083-20240310 |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=LADbible}}</ref> That same month, he made an appearance on '']'' alongside ].<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Littler |first=Luke |user=LuketheNuke180 |number=1768685340980617638 |date=15 March 2024 |title=Buzzing to meet @RealMattLucas and the guys on the fantasy football league show, thanks for having me 10pm tonight on Sky Max if you wanna watch |url=https://twitter.com/LukeTheNuke180/status/1768685340980617638 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite video |date=15 March 2024 |title=Watch Luke Littler and Stuart Broad recreate famous pie celebration!
Also in March 2024, Littler made an appearance on '']'', alongside former England cricketer ].<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Littler |first=Luke |user=LuketheNuke180 |number=1768685340980617638 |date=15 March 2024 |title=Buzzing to meet @RealMattLucas and the guys on the fantasy football league show, thanks for having me🙌🏻⚽️ 10pm tonight on Sky Max if you wanna watch❤️ |url=https://twitter.com/LukeTheNuke180/status/1768685340980617638 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite video |date=15 March 2024 |title=Watch Luke Littler and Stuart Broad recreate famous pie celebration!
|url=https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/cricket/13095378/watch-luke-littler-and-stuart-broad-re-create-famous-pie-celebration |access-date=19 March 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> |url=https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/cricket/13095378/watch-luke-littler-and-stuart-broad-re-create-famous-pie-celebration |access-date=19 March 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref>


Following Littler's unexpected run to the final at the 2024 PDC World Championship, an unprecedented number of new fans began to both play and watch darts,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ledwith |first=Mario |date=5 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler inspired darts mania, but grassroots venues are closing |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/luke-littler-inspired-darts-mania-but-grassroots-venues-are-closing-wwttrnjl8 |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Wellens |first1=Megan |last2=Chiu |first2=Nigel |name-list-style=and |title=Walking in a Littler wonderland |date= |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/story-telling/12288/13041979/luke-littler-how-teenage-sensation-took-2024-world-darts-championship-by-storm-at-alexandra-palace |access-date=25 December 2024 |website=Sky Sports News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Byrne |first1=Paul |last2=Orme |first2=Daniel |name-list-style=amp |date=2 April 2024 |title=Pub chief to hang dartboards in 171 venues as Luke Littler mania grips Britain |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/darts/luke-littler-premier-league-pub-32497122 |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=The Mirror}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Darts has gone ballistic since Littler's success coach |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce4qwv5qzqxo |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> and a record high of 3.7 million viewers watched the 2024 world final.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 November 2024 |title=Luke Littler: Darts hits the bullseye with teenager's rapid rise |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/articles/crmzy2ye18no |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 December 2024 |title=Littler-mania driving record darts audiences in UK, Germany |url=https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/littler-mania-driving-record-darts-audiences-in-uk-germany/ |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=SportBusiness}}</ref> The president of the Professional Darts Corporation, ], attributed this phenomenon to Littler's success and described it as "Littlermania".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Kieran |date=2 December 2024 |title="There will be envy" towards Luke Littler from other players according to Barry Hearn: "'Littlermania' is spreading everywhere" |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/there-will-be-envy-towards-luke-littler-from-other-players-according-to-barry-hearn-littlermania-is-spreading-everywhere |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=Dartsnews.com}}</ref>
=== Littlermania ===
Following Littler's unexpected run to the final at the 2024 PDC World Championship, an unprecedented number of new fans began to both play and watch darts;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ledwith |first=Mario |date=2024-01-05 |title=Luke Littler inspired darts mania, but grassroots venues are closing |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/luke-littler-inspired-darts-mania-but-grassroots-venues-are-closing-wwttrnjl8 |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Wellens |first1=Megan |last2=Chiu |first2=Nigel |name-list-style=and |title=Walking in a Littler wonderland |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/story-telling/12288/13041979/luke-littler-how-teenage-sensation-took-2024-world-darts-championship-by-storm-at-alexandra-palace |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=Sky Sports News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Byrne |first1=Paul |last2=Orme |first2=Daniel |name-list-style=amp |date=2024-04-02 |title=Pub chief to hang dartboards in 171 venues as Luke Littler mania grips Britain |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/darts/luke-littler-premier-league-pub-32497122 |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=The Mirror |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Darts has gone ballistic since Littler's success - coach |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce4qwv5qzqxo |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> a record high of 3.7 million viewers watched the 2024 world final.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-29 |title=Luke Littler: Darts hits the bullseye with teenager's rapid rise |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/articles/crmzy2ye18no |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-03 |title=Littler-mania driving record darts audiences in UK, Germany |url=https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/littler-mania-driving-record-darts-audiences-in-uk-germany/ |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=SportBusiness |language=en-GB}}</ref> The president of the Professional Darts Corporation, ], attributed this phenomenon to Littler's success and described it as "Littlermania".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-02 |title="There will be envy" towards Luke Littler from other players according to Barry Hearn: "'Littlermania' is spreading everywhere" |url=https://dartsnews.com/pdc/there-will-be-envy-towards-luke-littler-from-other-players-according-to-barry-hearn-littlermania-is-spreading-everywhere |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=Dartsnews.com |language=en}}</ref>


==World Championship results== ==World Championship results==
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===PDC=== ===PDC===
* 2024: Runner-up (lost to ] 4–7) * 2024: Runner-up (lost to ] 4–7)
* 2025: Winner (Won against ] 7-3) * 2025: '''Winner''' (beat ] 7–3)


==Career finals== ==Career finals==
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! style="width:190px;"|Championship ! style="width:190px;"|Championship
! style="width:180px;"|Opponent in the final ! style="width:180px;"|Opponent in the final
!width="70"|Score<ref group=N name=score>(l) = score in legs, (s) = score in sets.</ref> !width="70"|Score<ref group=N name="score">(l) = score in legs, (s) = score in sets.</ref>
!width="30"|Ref. !width="30"|Ref.
|- style="background:#e5d1cb;" |- style="background:#e5d1cb;"
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| {{flagicon|ENG}} ] | {{flagicon|ENG}} ]
| 16–3 (l) | 16–3 (l)
|<ref name="BBCF"/>
|<ref name=BBCF>{{cite web |last=Matthews |first=Callum |date=17 November 2024 |title=Littler wins Grand Slam to go fifth in world rankings |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/c4g72n4d1kno |access-date=17 November 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref>


|- |-
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| {{Flagicon|ENG}} ] | {{Flagicon|ENG}} ]
| 7–11 (l) | 7–11 (l)
|<ref name="auto"/>
|<ref>{{cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=Players Championship Finals: Luke Humphries beats Luke Littler in thrilling final to retain title |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13260297/players-championship-finals-luke-humphries-beats-luke-littler-in-thrilling-final-to-retain-title |work=Sky Sports |access-date=25 November 2024}}</ref>
|- |-
|- style="background:#e5d1cb;" |- style="background:#e5d1cb;"
|style="background:#98fb98;"|Winner |style="background:#98fb98;"|Winner
| | 4.
| ] | ]
| ] | ]
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===PDC world series finals: 4 (2 titles, 2 runners-up) === ===PDC world series finals: 4 (2 titles, 2 runners-up) ===

{| class="sortable wikitable" {| class="sortable wikitable"
!width="80"|Outcome !width="80"|Outcome
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! style="width:190px;"|Championship ! style="width:190px;"|Championship
! style="width:180px;"|Opponent in the final ! style="width:180px;"|Opponent in the final
!width="70"|Score<ref group=N name=score>(l) = score in legs, (s) = score in sets.</ref> !width="70"|Score<ref group=N name="score"/>
!width="30"|Ref. !width="30"|Ref.
|- style=" |- style="
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| 1. | 1.
| ] | ]
| ] | ]
| {{PDCFlag|Michael van Gerwen}} | {{PDCFlag|Michael van Gerwen}}
| 8–5 (l) | 8–5 (l)
|<ref name=BDM24BBCFinal/><ref name=BDM24SkyFinal>{{Cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=20 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler: Teenage darts sensation hits nine-darter on way to beating Michael van Gerwen to win Bahrain Masters |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13051892/luke-littler-teenage-darts-sensation-hits-nine-darter-on-way-to-beating-michael-van-gerwen-to-win-bahrain-masters |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smart |first=Ryan |date=19 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler wins the Bahrain Darts Masters with 8-5 victory over Michael van Gerwen |url=https://www.sportbible.com/other/luke-littler-bahrain-darts-masters-michael-van-gerwen-188332-20240119 |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=SPORTbible}}</ref> |<ref name=BDM24SkyFinal>{{Cite web |last=Wellens |first=Megan |date=20 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler: Teenage darts sensation hits nine-darter on way to beating Michael van Gerwen to win Bahrain Masters |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13051892/luke-littler-teenage-darts-sensation-hits-nine-darter-on-way-to-beating-michael-van-gerwen-to-win-bahrain-masters |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref name=BDM24BBCFinal/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smart |first=Ryan |date=19 January 2024 |title=Luke Littler wins the Bahrain Darts Masters with 8–5 victory over Michael van Gerwen |url=https://www.sportbible.com/other/luke-littler-bahrain-darts-masters-michael-van-gerwen-188332-20240119 |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=SPORTbible}}</ref>
|- |-
| style="background:#ffa07a| Runner-up | style="background:#ffa07a| Runner-up
| 1. | 1.
| ] | ]
| ] | ]
| {{PDCFlag|Michael van Gerwen}} | {{PDCFlag|Michael van Gerwen}}
| 6–8 (l) | 6–8 (l)
|<ref name="DDM24BBC"/><ref name="DDM24Sky">{{Cite web |last=Stafford |first=Ali |title=Michael van Gerwen beats Luke Littler 8-6 to claim World Series win in Dutch Darts Masters final |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13057825/michael-van-gerwen-beats-luke-littler-8-6-to-claim-world-series-win-in-dutch-darts-masters-final |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> |<ref name="DDM24BBCFinal"/><ref name="DDM24SkyFinal">{{Cite web |last=Stafford |first=Ali |title=Michael van Gerwen beats Luke Littler 8–6 to claim World Series win in Dutch Darts Masters final |url=https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13057825/michael-van-gerwen-beats-luke-littler-8-6-to-claim-world-series-win-in-dutch-darts-masters-final |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=Sky Sports}}</ref>
|- style=" |- style="
| style="background:#98FB98| Winner | style="background:#98FB98| Winner
| 2. | 2.
| ] | ]
| ] | ]
| {{PDCFlag|Rob Cross}} | {{PDCFlag|Rob Cross}}
| 8–3 (l) | 8–3 (l)
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|2 |2
|] |]
|] |]
|{{PDCFlag|Gerwyn Price}} |{{PDCFlag|Gerwyn Price}}
|1–8 (l) |1–8 (l)
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| {{TournRU|2024 PDC World Darts Championship|F}} | {{TournRU|2024 PDC World Darts Championship|F}}
| {{TournW|2025 PDC World Darts Championship|W}} | {{TournW|2025 PDC World Darts Championship|W}}
|-
| style="background:#efefef;"| {{nowrap|]}}
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center; color:#ccc;"|DNQ
|
|- |-
| style="background:#efefef;"| {{nowrap|]}} | style="background:#efefef;"| {{nowrap|]}}
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|- |-
|- bgcolor="efefef" |- bgcolor="efefef"
| align="left" |'''Year-end ranking''' | align="left" |'''Season-end ranking (PDC)'''
| style="text-align:center;|– | style="text-align:center;|–
| style="text-align:center;|164 | style="text-align:center;|31
| style="text-align:center;|4 | style="text-align:center; background:thistle;"|2
| |
|} |}
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*{{commons category-inline}} *{{commons category-inline}}
*{{DartsOrakel|Luke Littler}} *{{DartsOrakel|Luke Littler}}
*{{Dartsdatabase|id=73951}}
*


{{#ifexpr:{{#invoke:DartsRankings|rankOnly |PDC Rankings|Luke Littler}}<21|{{PDC Top 20}}}} {{#ifexpr:{{#invoke:DartsRankings|rankOnly |PDC Rankings|Luke Littler}}<21|{{PDC Top 20}}}}
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] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
]
]
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]
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Revision as of 22:08, 6 January 2025

English darts player (born 2007)

Darts player
Luke Littler
Littler in May 2024
Personal information
NicknameThe Nuke
Born (2007-01-21) 21 January 2007 (age 17)
Home townWarrington, England
Darts information
Playing darts since2017
Darts23g Target
LateralityRight-handed
Walk-on music"Greenlight" by Pitbull featuring Flo Rida and LunchMoney Lewis
Organisation (see split in darts)
BDO2019–2020
PDC2023–
(Tour Card: 2024–)
WDF2019–2023
Current world ranking2 Increase 2 (3 January 2025)
WDF major events – best performances
World Ch'shipLast 16: 2022
World MastersLast 64: 2022
PDC premier events – best performances
World Ch'shipWinner (1): 2025
World MatchplayLast 32: 2024
World Grand PrixLast 32: 2024
UK OpenQuarter Final: 2024
Grand SlamWinner (1): 2024
European Ch'shipLast 32: 2024
Premier LeagueWinner (1): 2024
PC FinalsRunner Up: 2024
World Series FinalsWinner (1): 2024
Other tournament wins
British Classic 2023
British Open 2023
Irish Open 2021
Isle of Man Classic 2023
Romanian Classic 2022
Welsh Open 2022
MODUS Super Series 3 2023
MODUS Super Series 4 2023

European Tour Events

Austrian Darts Open 2024
Belgian Darts Open 2024

Players Championships

Players Championship (MK) 2024
Players Championship (WIG) 2024 (x2)

World Series of Darts

Bahrain Darts Masters 2024
Poland Darts Masters 2024

Youth events

British Classic 2021
England Open 2021, 2022
Isle of Man Open 2019, 2020,
2022, 2023
Welsh Open 2021, 2022
JDC Tour 2020 (x2)
Medal record
Men's Darts
Representing  England
WDF Europe Cup
Gold medal – first place 2022 Gandía Men's team
Gold medal – first place 2022 Gandía Men's overall
WDF Europe Cup Youth
Gold medal – first place 2022 Budapest Boys singles
Gold medal – first place 2022 Budapest Boys team
Gold medal – first place 2022 Budapest Boys overall
Bronze medal – third place 2022 Budapest Boys pairs

Luke Littler (born 21 January 2007) is an English professional darts player who competes in Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events, where he is currently ranked world number two. He is the reigning PDC World Champion after winning the 2025 World Championship, defeating Michael van Gerwen in the final, where he became the youngest world champion in darts history, at 17 years and 347 days old. Littler has won 11 senior PDC titles and is the reigning Premier League, Grand Slam and World Series Finals champion. He has also won two World Series of Darts titles and the 2023 PDC World Youth Championship.

He was the runner-up at the premier events PDC World Championship and Players Championship Finals in 2024, losing to Luke Humphries in the final on both occasions.

In his youth career, Littler also won five PDC Development Tours, the 2022 World Youth Masters, and both the JDC World Darts Championship, and JDC Super 16 twice each.

Having played in BDO and WDF events since he was 12, Littler won his first senior title at age 14. He competed in the 2022 WDF World Darts Championship, becoming the youngest player to win a match at a WDF World Darts Championship, before losing out in the last 16. After qualifying for the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship through his placement on the Development Tour, he became the youngest player to win a match at a PDC World Darts Championship. A 66/1 outsider before the tournament, he defeated six opponents—including former world champions Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross—en route to the final, where he was defeated by Luke Humphries. In 2025, Littler reached the final for a second consecutive time, where he defeated Michael van Gerwen to win the title.

Littler is the youngest player to hit a televised nine-dart finish, which he achieved at the 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters two days before his 17th birthday. He is also the youngest to hit two televised nine-darters, having hit a second in the 2024 Premier League Darts final at age 17. Littler is the youngest player to hit a broadcast nine-darter, having achieved the feat in 2021 at age 14. Named the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2024, he was also runner-up for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, behind Keely Hodgkinson. His rise to prominence at age 16 led to an increased interest in the sport, a phenomenon dubbed Littlermania.

Littler has been noted for his scoring power, hitting a large number of maximum 180 scores, and his proficiency on the double 10 section of the board's outer ring.

Early life

Born on 21 January 2007, Littler spent his early childhood in Runcorn before moving to nearby Warrington. He has two brothers and a sister. He began playing darts when he was 18 months old, after his father bought him a magnetic dart board from a pound shop. He scored his first 180 at the age of six and a nine-dart finish at the age of 13. When he was 10, he joined the St Helens Darts Academy and began playing in under-21 leagues. He was educated at Padgate Academy in Warrington.

Career

Early career

In 2019, Littler won the England Youth Grand Prix and the Isle of Man Masters youth competition, where he was able to defend his title in 2020. The 2020 JDC tour featured two titles from Littler. Littler won the youth title at the England Open in September 2021 and finished second in the British Pentathlon.

In November 2021, Littler won his first seniors title at the Irish Open defeating Barry Copeland 6–2 in legs. This qualified Littler for the 2022 WDF World Darts Championship, at the age of 14. At the end of November, during the JDC MVG Masters tournament, he hit a nine-dart finish.

2022

Littler won the JDC Super 16 in Milton Keynes at the end of January 2022, beating Eleanor Cairns in the final. In March 2022, he won the youth competition at the Isle Of Man Open and advanced to the finals of the Isle of Man Classic. At the 2022 WDF World Darts Championship, Littler started as a seeded player from second round and won his first match against Ben Hazel 3–2 in sets. He was then beaten 3–0 in sets by Richard Veenstra, who set a record average for a World Championship match at Lakeside.

During the Welsh Open warm-up tournament, Littler hit a 121.86 average in one of his matches. A day later, he won the final for another senior tournament win in his career. In June 2022, he also won the Romanian Classic, beating Jelle Klaasen in the final by 5–1 in legs. At the 2022 WDF Europe Cup Youth, he won the gold medal in three men's competitions (singles, team and overall). His best achievement was defeating Archie Self in the finals of the singles competition, 6–1 in legs. In the pair competition, together with Archie Self, he lost in the semi-finals, 4–1 in legs to Thomas Banks and Charlie Manby.

At the end of September 2022, Littler was selected by the national federation to participate in the 2022 WDF Europe Cup. On the second day of the tournament, he advanced to the quarter-finals of the pairs competition where he played alongside James Hurrell. They lost to Sam Canket and Nick Kenny from Wales, 4–1 in legs. On the third day of the tournament, he advanced to the quarter-finals of the singles competition, where he lost to Andy Baetens 5–4 in legs. In the team competition, he won the gold medal. In the points classification, as a representative of England, he contributed to winning a gold medal.

Littler won the JDC World Darts Championship in London at the end of December 2022, beating Harry Gregory 5–0 in legs.

2023

Littler continued to play on the World Darts Federation circuit in 2023. He won the British Classic. Littler defeated Cameron Crabtree 4–2 in the last 16 and then achieved three consecutive ton+ averages in his final 3 games of the tournament, averaging 101.54 in victory over Dylan Quinn, averaging 113.34 in a whitewash 4–0 win against Tavis Dudeney and 105.85 in a 5–0 whitewash of Carl Wilkinson in the final. On the same weekend Littler also won the British Open, defeating Peter Jacques 5–2 in the final.

Littler made his debut at a PDC major event at the 2023 UK Open, after qualifying for the tournament via an amateur qualifying event organised by Rileys Sports Bars. A first-round 6–0 whitewash defeat of Nick Fullwell was followed by a 6–2 victory against Rusty-Jake Rodriguez in the second round and a 6–5 victory over Ritchie Edhouse in the third round. This meant that Littler had reached the fourth round at the tournament, the best showing of a Rileys qualifier alongside Thomas Banks. Littler lost his fourth-round match to eventual semi-finalist Adam Gawlas 10–8. For his showing Littler acquired £2,500 in prize money, which ranked him on the PDC Order of Merit for the first time.

Littler competed in the 2023 PDC Development Tour series. He reached the final at event two, losing to Dylan Slevin 5–4 in a deciding leg. He then won event three, defeating Jurjen van der Velde 5–1 in the final, event five, defeating Kevin Troppmann 5–3 in the final, and event sixteen, defeating Bradly Roes 5–2 in the final. At event twenty, Littler, averaged 115.22 in his last-32 win against Lewy Williams, hit a nine-dart finish in his last-16 win against Rune van Damme and defeated Gian van Veen 5–4 in the final to win the tournament. Littler reached the final at event 23, losing to Gian van Veen 5–4 in a last-leg decider. At Development Tour 24 (DT24), the final Development Tour event of the year, Littler won his fifth Development Tour title, defeating Cameron Crabtree 5–1 in the final. Littler finished second on the 2023 Development Tour Order of Merit with £20,175.

On 26 November, Littler beat Gian van Veen 6–4 in the 2023 PDC World Youth Championship final.

On 17 December, Littler retained his JDC World Darts Championship title, defeating Álmos Kovács 5–3 in the final.

In May 2023, Littler won the third season of the MODUS Super Series, defeating Jacob Taylor 4–1 in legs in the final. In August 2023, he won the fourth season of the MODUS Super Series, defeating Colin Osborne 4–2 in the final.

2024

World Darts Championship

Littler made his debut at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship qualifying as a result of his placement in the PDC Development Tour, where he started off as a 66/1 outsider in the odds. He whitewashed former world champion Christian Kist in the first round. He also broke two records, one for the highest three-dart average (106.12) for a debutant at the World Darts Championship and the other for being the youngest winner. In the second round, he defeated 2023 UK Open champion Andrew Gilding 3–1; In the fourth round, he beat five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld 4–1. Littler then defeated Brendan Dolan 5–1 and former world champion Rob Cross 6–2 in the semi-final. Littler lost 7–4 in the final against newly crowned world number one Luke Humphries. He is the youngest player to reach the PDC World Darts Championship final, aged 16 years and 347 days. Following the tournament, Littler was announced to be part of the 2024 Premier League Darts as one of the four chosen wildcards by the PDC.

Players Championships and Players Championship Finals

As he had gained a PDC Tour Card for 2024, Littler played at his debut 2024 PDC Players Championship series. In Players Championship 1 (PC1), hit a nine-darter in the final leg of his third round match. Littler reached the final, and had a three-dart average 109.64 in defeating Ryan Searle 8–7, who averaged 111.71, to win his first Players Championship on his debut. Before the second event, Littler was awarded a silver pin for his nine-darter in event one.

Following the 2024 World Matchplay, Littler won his second Players Championship title at PC15, defeating Wessel Nijman 8–6 in the final.

Following the World Series Finals, Littler won his third Players Championship title at PC20, defeating Stephen Bunting 8–7 in a last-leg decider in the final.

Littler qualified for the 2024 Players Championship Finals as the 8th seed and whitewashed 57th seed Rob Cross 6–0 in debut match, averaging 112.73. Littler then defeated Ritchie Edhouse 6–2, missing double twelve for a nine–darter for the match, and Danny Noppert 10–3. Littler defeated Mike De Decker 10–3, and Ross Smith 11–9 to reached his third-ranked PDC Major final. He lost the final to Luke Humphries 11–7.

UK Open

In the fourth round of the 2024 UK Open, Littler defeated three-time UK Open champion James Wade 10–7, hitting a maximum finish of 170 en route. Littler defeated Dave Chisnall 10–5 to reach his second PDC major quarter-final. He lost there 10–8 to Damon Heta.

European Tour and European Championship

Littler qualified for the 2024 Belgian Darts Open (ET1) at the Tour Card Holder qualifiers, which was thus his first European Tour event. Littler defeated de Sousa 6–5 in his debut match. Littler then achieved wins over Krzysztof Ratajski, Damon Heta, Jermaine Wattimena, and Ricardo Pietreczko. Littler defeated Rob Cross 8–7 in the final, to win his first PDC European Tour event on debut. Littler hit third nine-dart finish of the year enroute to his victory.

Littler qualified for the 2024 German Darts Grand Prix (ET4), winning his first round game to setup a rematch of that year's World Championship final, against Luke Humphries in the second round. Littler lost to Humphries 6–5 in a last leg decider.

At the 2024 Austrian Darts Open (ET5) Littler won his second European Tour title In the final Littler won 8–4 against Joe Cullen.

At the 2024 German Darts Championship (ET9) Littler achieved a three-dart average of 107.88 in his 7–2 semi-final victory over Daryl Gurney to book a place in the final. In the final Littler averaged 106.87 but it was not enough to defeat Peter Wright, who took the title with an 8–5 win.

At the 2024 Czech Darts Open (ET13), Littler set his highest PDC average of his career to date, averaging 116.51 to defeat Damon Heta 6–3, who himself averaged 105.59. Littler's first nine dart average of 131.48 eclipsed the 130.33 he recorded in his 6–2 win in the Premier League against Michael van Gerwen while his three-dart average eclipsed the 115.22 he hit at a Development Tour event in 2023. In his quarter-final match against van Gerwen Littler achieved a three-dart average of 110.57 with a first nine dart average of 132.10 in a 6–1 win. van Gerwen put in a 112.19 average, the highest losing average in European Tour history. In his semi-final match against Luke Humphries Littler had a three-dart average of 106.73 with a first nine average of 122.42 but lost 7–4, with Humphries having a three-dart average of 108.56.

Littler qualified for the 2024 European Championship as the number 3 seed as a result of his performances on the 2024 European Tour but lost 6–4 to Andrew Gilding in the first round.

Premier League Darts

Littler won his debut match at the 2024 Premier League Darts beating Luke Humphries 6–2, but lost his semi-final match 6–5. Littler reached the final in week two, with two deciding leg wins before losing to Michael van Gerwen 6–5. On night four at the Newcastle Arena, Littler hit the maximum check-out of 170 in a 6–5 victory, before losing to van Gerwen 6–5 in the semi-finals. On night seven at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, Littler achieved a three-dart average of 114.00 to defeat van Gerwen, who averaged 110.94, 6–2.

Night nine saw Littler win a Premier League for the first time in his career, beating Nathan Aspinall 6–4 in the night's final. Littler then won night ten, achieving a 6–3 victory over Gerwyn Price in the final for back-to-back-night wins. Littler made a third-consecutive-night final on night eleven, but only achieved a three-dart average of 88.12 in a 6–3 loss to Michael van Gerwen who only averaged 90.38 himself.

Littler picked up his third night win in the Premier League on night thirteen, coming back from 5–2 down to defeat Aspinall in the semi-finals, with Aspinall missing five match darts. Littler secured the night win with a 6–2 victory over Cross. This saw him finish night thirteen top of the table on 31 points, five points clear of second-place Humphries. Littler won Night 14, beating Michael Smith 6–1 with a three-dart average of 110.1, to reach the final where he beat Rob Cross 6–4.

After sixteen nights, Littler topped the table in the league phase. This meant that in the play-offs Littler would play Smith, who he defeated 10–5 in the semi-final. He then won his first major title, and first Premier League title on debut, beating Humphries 11–7 in the final. He became the youngest player to win a major PDC tournament. Littler also hit a nine-darter in the final.

World Series of Darts

Littler made his World Series of Darts debut at the second staging of the Bahrain Darts Masters, where he defeated Man Lok Leung 6–3 in the first round. In the quarter-finals of the event, he beat Nathan Aspinall 6–3, hitting his first televised nine-dart finish enroute, becoming the youngest player to do so. In the semi-finals, Littler defeated Gerwyn Price 7–3 to be in his first World Series of Darts final on debut, which he won 8–5 against Michael van Gerwen. Littler was also awarded a gold pin for his nine-darter against Aspinall.

Littler made a consecutive world series final at the Dutch Darts Masters. In a re-match of the Bahrain event's final, Littler was defeated by van Gerwen 8–6. At the World Series Finals Littler won the event on debut, defeating Michael Smith 11–4 in the final.

World Matchplay and World Grand Prix

Qualifying as a result of his ranking on the ProTour Order of Merit, Littler made his debuts at the World Matchplay, where he lost 10–6 to Michael van Gerwen in the first round, and the World Grand Prix where he was defeated by 4th seed Rob Cross 2–1 in sets.

Grand Slam of Darts

At the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts Littler won his first major ranking title. In his group, he began with a 5–0 win over Keane Barry, completing the match in six minutes averaging 112.16. He then defeated 2024 UK Open champion Dimitri Van den Bergh 5–1, securing his place in the knockout stages. In his final group match, Littler defeated Lourence Ilagan 5–3, missing Double 12 for a nine-dart finish in the last leg of the match.

In the second round, Littler came back from 8–4 down to defeat Mike De Decker 10–9 in a last-leg decider. He then beat Jermaine Wattimena 16–2, with the widest margin of victory in a Grand Slam quarter-final. Littler faced Gary Anderson in the semi-finals and led 7–4 after 11 legs. He then lost seven consecutive legs to trail 11–7, but took the match to a deciding leg and won 16–15. In the final, Littler defeated Martin Lukeman 16–3, securing the Grand Slam of Darts title on debut.

2025

World Darts Championship

Littler qualified for the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship as the fourth seed. He received a bye to the second round as a top-32-seeded player. In the second round, Littler defeated Ryan Meikle 3–1 in sets, breaking the record for the highest set average in a World Championship match, by averaging 140.91 in the fourth and final set, missing double 12 for a nine-darter in the second leg of set 4. Littler qualified for the final by defeating Meikle, Ian White, Ryan Joyce, Nathan Aspinall and Stephen Bunting. In the final, Littler defeated three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen 7–3 in sets. Aged 17 years and 347 days, Littler became the youngest ever World Darts Champion, breaking the record previously held by van Gerwen, who had been 24 when he won his first world title in 2014. Littler also won the Ballon d'Art for the most 180s scored in the World Championship. He broke £1,000,000 on the PDC Order of Merit for the first time and moved up to a career highest ranking of second in the world, behind Luke Humphries.

World Masters

Littler will make his PDC World Masters debut at the 2025 event.

Playing style

Littler has been noted for his heavy scoring during matches, frequently hitting the maximum score of 180, Using darts manufactured by Target with characteristically long 45mm points, Littler plays at a quick pace and is known for his efficiency in checking out on the double 10 segment.

Personal life

As Littler rose to public prominence during the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, he and his then-girlfriend Eloise Milburn (who played darts on the PDC Women's Series in 2023 and 2024) received backlash for their age difference, as he was 16 and she was 21. Milburn's mother defended her after she received abuse online and was called a "gold digger". Littler told The Daily Telegraph that he would "stick with whether people like it or not", though they ended their relationship in July 2024.

A supporter of Manchester United FC and the Warrington Wolves, Littler planned to go on a stadium tour of Old Trafford after the 2024 World Championship final. As runner-up in the tournament, he won £200,000. With his winnings, he also planned to pay for his friends to go with him to Blackpool or Alton Towers. Following his victory over Raymond van Barneveld in the last 16 of the event, Spurs player James Maddison invited him to watch Tottenham Hotspur FC play AFC Bournemouth in a Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In January 2024, Littler revealed on BBC Radio 1 that he was inspired to choose "Greenlight" by Pitbull featuring Flo Rida and LunchMoney Lewis as his walk-on song after he and his father attended the 2017 WWE event WrestleMania 33, which featured "Greenlight" as its theme song. WWE later tweeted an invitation to Littler for their upcoming house show at the O2 Arena in April, which he accepted, and John Cena posted an uncaptioned picture of Littler on his famously cryptic Instagram after Littler admitted to being a fan. Later that year, he was given a tour of WWE's headquarters Titan Towers by Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

In February 2024, Littler signed a deal with fashion brand BoohooMAN to allow him to help promote the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and signed a multi-year professional contract with Target Darts. In March, he made an appearance on the 232nd episode of The Jonathan Ross Show alongside Rob Beckett, Millie Bobby Brown, Liam Gallagher, Raye, and John Squire. He was involved in a darts challenge where he played against Beckett, Brown, and Raye in a three-on-one scoring challenge. The three scored a total of 83, while Littler hit a score of 140. The clip went viral after viewers of the show were amused by his nonchalant reaction to Brown admitting to being a huge fan of him. That same month, he made an appearance on Fantasy Football League alongside Stuart Broad.

Following Littler's unexpected run to the final at the 2024 PDC World Championship, an unprecedented number of new fans began to both play and watch darts, and a record high of 3.7 million viewers watched the 2024 world final. The president of the Professional Darts Corporation, Barry Hearn, attributed this phenomenon to Littler's success and described it as "Littlermania".

World Championship results

WDF

PDC

Career finals

PDC major finals: 6 (4 titles, 2 runners-up)

Legend
World Championship (1–1)
Premier League (1–0)
World Series of Darts Finals (1–0)
Grand Slam (1–0)
Players Championship Finals (0–1)
Outcome No. Year Championship Opponent in the final Score Ref.
Runner-up 1. 2024 World Darts Championship England Luke Humphries 4–7 (s)
Winner 1. 2024 Premier League England Luke Humphries 11–7 (l)
Winner 2. 2024 World Series of Darts Finals England Michael Smith 11–4 (l)
Winner 3. 2024 Grand Slam of Darts England Martin Lukeman 16–3 (l)
Runner-up 2. 2024 Players Championship Finals England Luke Humphries 7–11 (l)
Winner 4. 2025 World Darts Championship Netherlands Michael van Gerwen 7–3 (s)

PDC world series finals: 4 (2 titles, 2 runners-up)

Outcome No. Year Championship Opponent in the final Score Ref.
Winner 1. 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters  Michael van Gerwen 8–5 (l)
Runner-up 1. 2024 Dutch Darts Masters  Michael van Gerwen 6–8 (l)
Winner 2. 2024 Poland Darts Masters  Rob Cross 8–3 (l)
Runner-up 2 2024 Australian Darts Masters  Gerwyn Price 1–8 (l)

Performance timeline

Tournament 2022 2023 2024 2025
PDC Ranked televised events
World Championship DNQ F W
World Masters DNQ
UK Open DNQ 4R QF
World Matchplay DNQ 1R
World Grand Prix DNQ 1R
European Championship DNQ 1R
Grand Slam of Darts DNQ W
Players Championship Finals DNQ F
PDC Non-ranked televised events
Premier League Darts DNQ W
World Series of Darts Finals DNP W
World Youth Championship DNQ W DNP
WDF Ranked televised events
World Championship 3R WD PDC
World Masters 3R NH PDC
Career statistics
Season-end ranking (PDC) 31 2

PDC Premier League Darts

Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
2024 CAR
SF
BER
F
GLA
QF
NEW
SF
EXE
SF
BRI
SF
NOT
SF
DUB
QF
BEL
W
MAN
W
BIR
F
ROT
QF
LIV
W
ABD
W
LEE
SF
SHF
SF
LON
W

PDC European Tour

Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
2024 BDO
W
GDG
DNQ
IDO
DNQ
EDG
2R
ADO
W
BSD
1R
DDC
DNP
EDO
WD
GDC
F
FDT
3R
HDT
WD
SDT
3R
CDO
SF

PDC Players Championships

Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
2024 WIG
W
WIG
2R
LEI
QF
LEI
1R
HIL
DNP
HIL
DNP
LEI
4R
LEI
3R
HIL
DNP
HIL
DNP
HIL
DNP
HIL
DNP
MIL
1R
MIL
2R
MIL
W
MIL
3R
MIL
DNP
MIL
DNP
MIL
DNP
WIG
W
WIG
4R
MIL
DNP
MIL
DNP
WIG
SF
WIG
QF
WIG
4R
WIG
2R
WIG
2R
LEI
DNP
LEI
DNP

PDC World Series of Darts

Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2024 BAH
W
DUT
F
USA
SF
NOR
DNP
POL
W
AUS
F
NZE
SF

PDC Development Tour

Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
2023 MIL
QF
MIL
F
MIL
W
MIL
QF
MIL
W
WIG
QF
WIG
4R
WIG
QF
WIG
4R
WIG
QF
HIL
QF
HIL
4R
HIL
6R
HIL
5R
HIL
3R
LEI
W
LEI
5R
LEI
QF
LEI
1R
LEI
W
MIL
4R
MIL
QF
MIL
F
MIL
W
Performance Table Legend
W Won the tournament F Finalist SF Semifinalist QF Quarterfinalist #R
RR
L#
Lost in # round
Round-robin
Last # stage
DQ Disqualified
DNQ Did not qualify DNP Did not participate WD Withdrew NH Tournament not held NYF Not yet founded

Nine-dart finishes

See also: Nine-dart finish
Luke Littler's televised nine-dart finishes
Date Opponent Tournament Method Ref.
19 January 2024  Nathan Aspinall 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12
23 May 2024  Luke Humphries 2024 Premier League Darts 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12

Notes

  1. ^ (l) = score in legs, (s) = score in sets.
  2. Before the start of the 2023 WDF World Darts Championship Littler had to choose between playing in the 2023 WDF World Darts Championship or the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship. He choose the latter.

References

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  3. "Hodgkinson named BBC Sports Personality of the Year". Rte.ie. 17 December 2024. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
  4. Colman, Jonty (2 January 2024). "Luke Littler – the 16-year-old who is changing darts at PDC World Championship". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  5. Jones, John (3 January 2024). "Luke Littler confirms real age as he tells radio host 'you've lost money' in bet". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  6. Jones, John (21 December 2024). "Luke Littler's glamorous cheerleader sister tipped for reality TV show success". Wales Online. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
  7. Woodage, Paul (24 November 2021). "Little by Littler". Darts World. Archived from the original on 3 January 2024.
  8. Cunningham, Conal (2 January 2024). "Luke Littler playing from the age of 10 at St Helens Darts Academy". St Helens Star. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  9. Murray, Jessi (2 January 2024). "North-west goes darts mad for Luke Littler – the boy with world at his fingers". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  10. "Littler, 15, becomes youngest player to win senior game at WDF World Darts Championship". insidethegames.biz. 4 April 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  11. Gill, Samuel (26 November 2021). "14-year-old Luke Littler produces stunning nine-dart finish at JDC MVG Masters". dartsnews.com. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  12. ^ Wellens, Megan (20 March 2024). "Luke Littler vs Michael Smith: Will the nine-dart kings strike again in the Premier League in Dublin?". Sky Sports. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  13. Allen, Dave (30 January 2022). "Teenage star Littler wins JDC Super 16 final". Professional Darts Corporation. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  14. Verbeek, Pieter (11 March 2022). "Hurrell, Littler, Hedman and Greaves move into finals at Isle of Man Classic". dartsnews.com. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  15. "14-year-old Luke Littler qualifies for Lakeside after WDF Irish Open win". dartsnews.com. 14 November 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  16. Shaw, Jamie (6 April 2022). "Richard Veenstra sets new record Lakeside average at the WDF World Championship". live-darts.com. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  17. Gill, Samuel (7 May 2022). "Littler hits incredible 121.86 average during WDF Welsh Open weekend". dartsnews.com. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  18. "WDF Europe Cup Youth Results". World Darts Federation. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  19. "WDF Europe Cup Men Pairs". World Darts Federation. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  20. "WDF Europe Cup Men Singles". World Darts Federation. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  21. "WDF Europe Cup Men Teams". World Darts Federation. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  22. Gorton, Josh (19 December 2022). "Littler whitewashes Gregory to become JDC World Champion". Professional Darts Corporation. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  23. "Results of British Classic Men 2023". World Darts Federation.
  24. "Results of British Open Men 2023". World Darts Federation.
  25. "British Open & Classic 2023". DartConndct TV.
  26. Allen, Dave (20 January 2023). "2023 Rileys Amateur Qualifiers set to begin this weekend". PDC. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  27. "PDC UK Open 2023". DartConnect.
  28. "Ranking summary (Order of Merit) | Luke Littler Tour Card". dartsrankings.com.
  29. Gorton, Josh (31 March 2023). "Toonders & Slevin prevail on opening day of 2023 Development Tour". Professional Darts Corporation.
  30. Gorton, Josh (2 April 2023). "Littler secures second Development Tour crown at Event Five". Professional Darts Corporation.
  31. Gorton, Josh (14 July 2023). "Littler and Van Veen continue Development Tour domination in Leicester". Professional Darts Corporation.
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External links

Top 20 PDC darts players in Order of Merit
   
  1.  Luke Humphries Steady
  2.  Luke Littler Increase
  3.  Michael van Gerwen Steady
  4.  Rob Cross Increase
  5.  Stephen Bunting Increase
  1.  Dave Chisnall Steady
  2.  Jonny Clayton Steady
  3.  Damon Heta Increase
  4.  Gerwyn Price Increase
  5.  Chris Dobey Increase
  1.  Nathan Aspinall Increase
  2.  Peter Wright Increase
  3.  Danny Noppert Steady
  4.  Gary Anderson Steady
  5.  James Wade Increase
  1.  Josh Rock Increase
  2.  Michael Smith Decrease
  3.  Dimitri Van den Bergh Decrease
  4.  Ryan Searle Increase
  5.  Andrew Gilding Increase
Rankings as of 3 January 2025 with movement in rank since 24 November 2024 indicated.
PDC Roll of Honour
Premier tournament winners
World Series event winners
World Cup winners
PDC World Darts Championship winners
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