On January 3, at Alexandra Palace in London, Luke Littler played against Dutch Michael Van Gerwen, consecrating himself as a dart world champion. With 17 years, he confirmed that 2024 had not been ‘hype’, becoming one of the stars of a sport that is increasingly popular in many countries. However, just over a month later, criticism has started to rain down on him.
The results from that January 3 are clear in a frantic calendar that has not stopped having appointments throughout the world: Luke Littler, who has already turned 18, has not reached a tournament final in the events he has played since he became the youngest world champion in history last month. His performance has been lackluster, with early exits in several tournaments.
Luke Littler results in 2025 after the World Cup
Since January 3:
- Bahrain Darts Masters – Finals
- Dutch Darts Masters – Semifinals
- Winmau World Masters – Final Fourth
- Premier League Night One – Final Fourth
- Championship Players 1 – Third Round
This has caused criticism of one of the most media players in the PDC circuit. According to ‘Sky Sports’, the British TV chain with the rights of the most important tournaments, Littler himself could have responded to criticism through a Facebook account (‘Luke Thenuke Littler’) that he has had publications since 2014, when Littler was just seven years old.
He responded to a comment that said: “All who hate Littler make me laugh. Remember what he did and won in a year. I hate people who criticize the success of others.” Littler said, “I still won some pounds today while they are sitting at home carrying their phones waiting for him to lose.”
I won some pounds today while they are sitting at home carrying their phones waiting for you to lose
Facebook account ‘Luke Thenuke Littler’
Luke Littler played today at the Championship 2 players (Ante Brooks) before the second day of the Premier League Darts, Thursday in Glasgow.
Rumors of withdrawal?
However, declarations of Littler have also become viral in which his future is rethought. “Once the fire goes out in your stomach, it no longer makes sense to play,” said the young prodigy in the podcast ‘Top and Tales Darts’, citing his former rival in the World Cup final, Michael Van Gerwen.
Once the fire goes out in your stomach, it no longer makes sense to play
Luke Littler
He added: “If I say that I will continue playing darts for 30 years, well, I could wake up tomorrow morning, feeling that the fire has turned off inside me and wanting to retire. I will probably not play until 50. This is how sport is going. It is growing, growing and growing.”