Can Luke Littler threaten the records set by the darts immortals? originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Barely had the spotlight dimmed on another monumental night for Luke Littler before the chatter began: how many more times will he hoist the PDC World Championship aloft? So far, he has already secured it twice. However, to even ponder challenging the legendary sixteen titles claimed by Phil Taylor still feels like a distant dream.
Yet, if any player alive today might approach this near-mythical achievement, it’s Littler. At just 18 years old, he has the luxurious advantage of time, a stark contrast to Taylor, who was around double Littler’s age when he celebrated his inaugural world title. While comparing different eras is often riddled with complications, this age disparity forms a significant narrative thread in the dialogue surrounding Littler’s burgeoning career.
Phil Taylor dominated during a competitive era marked by a limited pool of champions. His reign saw the same recognizable names frequently lifting trophies, a stark difference from today’s more extensive field where fresh talent regularly enters the winner’s circle. Whether this broader competitiveness affects perceptions of Taylor’s supremacy is debatable; after all, was his brilliance the reason for this limited competition, or did the sport evolve to become more diverse after his reign?
What stands out about Littler is his seeming class above the competition. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) boasts a multitude of elite players capable of incredible performances, yet Littler consistently emerges as a singular talent. When he’s at his best, it appears he simply cannot be defeated—a statement that highlights his remarkable skill and mental fortitude.
In just two full years on the PDC tour, Littler has virtually swept through the majors, capturing every significant title available to him except for the European Championship, currently held by Gian van Veen. His ambition is clear; he has openly expressed a desire to win at least one of every major title, leaving that lone gap in his impressive resume. Compounding his extraordinary achievements is his recent triumph in the Premier League—an unranked but prestigious accolade in the darting world.
If Littler manages to maintain his electrifying form—which shows no signs of waning—the heights of his potential career are staggering. Sixteen world titles could become attainable by the age of 32, provided he stays active in the sport well into his thirties, much like his contemporaries. This idea, while seemingly absurd to some, aligns perfectly with what Littler has already achieved in his short professional journey.
The prospect of Littler dominating the sport for the next decade and a half can appear far-fetched. Yet it’s this very notion that seems to fuel his ambition. When reflecting on his rapid ascent in 2024, where such a stellar resume was beyond many expectations, it becomes increasingly difficult to dismiss his capabilities or predict his future with certainty.
Should he choose to extend his career longevity, performing into his fifties might make the dream of winning one world title every couple of years feel within reach. There’s a growing belief that if criticism exists regarding Littler’s potential to eclipse records, it may stem from the assumption that he might step away from the sport too soon to challenge them.
At this moment, Littler is firmly established at the pinnacle of the darting universe. Financial security appears guaranteed for him, but his motivations dive deeper than monetary gains. Littler craves dominance, aiming not just to be part of the conversation but to be recognized as the greatest of all time. If greatness is strictly measured by the number of world titles, the final chapters of his legacy are still far down the road.
The narrative surrounding Luke Littler is still unfolding, and what he achieves in the next chapter of his career will undoubtedly shape his legacy and the future of the sport. For extensive stories and coverage of the darting world, exploration of their iconic publications can be found at dartsworld.com.
