Luke Littler won the hearts of the nation throughout his incredible run to the 2023/24 World Darts Championship final at Alexandra Palace. And the 16-year-old sensation was just as popular among his fellow competitors behind the scenes, according to his quarter-final opponent, Brendan Dolan.
Littler’s story in north London didn’t have the fairytale ending that millions hoped for as he lost 7-4 to pre-tournament favourite and world No 1 Luke Humphries in the final last weekend.
But the awe-inspiring teenager pocketed a sweet £200,000 and booked the eighth spot in the Premier League Darts 2024, pipping Chris Dobey.
Littler’s fame rocketed by the round. First, he put viewers on notice with a dominant 3-0 win against Christian Kist in the first round. Then, UK Open champion Andrew Gilding was no match, falling 3-1.
Canadian Matthew Campbell, riding high after dumping out James Wade, was next. Littler won 4-1. He beat five-time world champion and darts icon Raymond van Barneveld by the same scoreline.
The Warrington-born arrowsmith also only dropped one set against Dolan in a 5-1 victory before cruising past 2018 champion Rob Cross 6-2 in the semi-finals.
In the aftermath, Dolan has discussed his quarter-final conqueror and how the experienced roster of darts stars took to the next big thing off the Ally Pally stage.
“Everyone seemed to like him backstage. It’s great to see youth coming through, and it’s brilliant to see someone fulfil their potential in that way, although obviously not against yourself,” Dolan explained.
“It’s great. It brings more youngsters into the game and a lot of media attention, and in the long run, it’s all just very beneficial for the sport.
“I would say people were surprised by his composure on such a big stage at a massive event. He handled himself very well, so he did.”
Littler is already the most-followed darts player on Instagram, accumulating almost one million followers in recent weeks.
His influence has motivated a wave of Brits to clear space in their living rooms and purchase darts sets in the New Year.
The Nuke’s signature darts have frequently sold out on Amazon since his World Championship exploits as the ‘Project Littler’ trend makes its way across the internet.
All eyes will be on Littler for the next few decades, and Dolan has told the prodigy to keep his feet on the ground.
He added: “It is a tough sport, and he will go through great times and bad times, and he just has to keep working, keep his composure the way he has done, and I think he’ll have a long and successful career.”
