Luke Littler, the biggest star in darts, has confirmed his participation in the upcoming World Youth Championship. Fresh from his triumphant 6-1 victory over Luke Humphries at the World Grand Prix on Sunday night, the teenager is ready to add another prestigious trophy to his collection. Despite being only 18, Littler has already tasted success in his short but impressive career.
His hunger for more silverware was evident when he announced his intention to compete in the World Youth Championship, which begins on Monday in Wigan. Littler is no stranger to this tournament, having clinched the title in 2023 by defeating Gian van Veen 6-4 in the final and pocketing the £10,000 winner’s cheque. The competition, open to players aged between 16 and 23, imposes no restrictions based on ranking or achievements on the main PDC circuit.
Littler opted out of last year’s competition, which saw Van Veen triumph after a close 6-5 win over Jurjen van der Velde.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Sunday, Littler said: “It’s true, I’ll go to the world youths tomorrow and just have a bit of fun, see everyone.
“I don’t think anyone is going to be my friend tomorrow but it’s 20 minutes up the road and I’ll try my best.”
Littler is now just £70,000 behind Humphries in the PDC Order of Merit and could seize the world No. 1 spot before completing two years on the circuit.
His journey to winning the World Grand Prix was anything but easy, overcoming tough competition to emerge victorious. The young star defeated Van Veen 2-0 in his first match before claiming victory over Mike De Decker.
This was followed by a closely contested 3-2 win over Gerwyn Price and a 5-1 thrashing of Jonny Clayton. Littler then clinched the title with a 6-1 triumph over ‘Cool Hand’ Humphries.
Reflecting on his victory, he said: “Yeah it feels amazing, probably one of the hardest majors to win apart from the World Championships.
“But just to obviously beat three, four previous champions who have won in the past all in a row, and then to pick up the trophy, just feels amazing.”
He added: “Until I get that World No. 1 spot I’ll never call myself the best in the world. Whoever is No. 1, they’re the best.
“But knowing I’m only £70,000 in prize money behind Luke, and then he’s got to defend all of his prize money at the Grand Prix, the Players Championships and the World Championships.
“So yeah, I don’t want to think about it too much, but I could be No. 1 before the World Championships, but I’ve just got to keep chugging away and put as much pressure as I can on Luke.”