A Rising Star in the World of Darts
The world of darts is no stranger to iconic moments and unforgettable performances, yet the story of Littler has quickly carved out its own place in this storied history. When Littler first emerged on the scene at the PDC World Championship, no one could have predicted the meteoric rise that would follow. Entering as a 66-1 debutant, his journey has been nothing short of spectacular.
From Debutant to Darts Darling
It's not every day that a newcomer in any sport manages to challenge and captivate an audience like Littler has. Stepping onto the stage at Alexandra Palace, he faced off against the world's number one, Luke Humphries, in an intense final. Littler's sheer skill and compelling presence earned him widespread attention, leading to appearances alongside Hollywood stars on popular chat shows. As Littler himself reflected on his debut, he shared, "I have never felt anything like that."
Conquering Challenges with Confidence
Littler continued to demonstrate his prowess by claiming his first televised nine-dart finish, an achievement that only solidified his growing reputation. It wasn't long before he found himself ranked fourth in the world in 2024, a testament to his tenacity and skill. Furthermore, his impressive triumphs, including ten title victories in the same year, underline his dominance on the oche. Littler's confidence was palpable, as he noted after one of his quarter-final victories, "I'll be honest, no nerves. I'm playing with absolute confidence, with freedom."
The Pivotal Showdown with Van Gerwen
As the darts community eagerly anticipated Littler's face-off with Michael van Gerwen in the World Championship final, the atmosphere was electric. Van Gerwen, who once became the youngest PDC world champion at 24 years old back in 2014, represented both a challenge and an inspiration for Littler. However, the weight of the occasion wasn't lost on him. Reflecting on the intensity of the moment, Littler admitted, "It is probably the biggest time it's hit me. Coming into it I was fine, but as soon as [referee] George Noble said 'game on,' I couldn't throw them."
Solidifying His Status
Littler's journey might seem like a whirlwind, but it has undoubtedly established him as a formidable force and a fan favorite. He not only secured a commanding 5-2 win over Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals and a 6-1 victory against Stephen Bunting in the semi-finals, but he also achieved a remarkable three-dart average of 140.91 against Ryan Meikle. Acknowledging the challenges of his rapid ascent, Littler conceded, "It has been a lot to deal with." Yet, this journey seems to be just the beginning for an athlete who's already left an indelible mark.