THE YOUNGEST world darts champion at the age of 17, Luke “The Nuke” Littler, has made an impact on the sport and here in Ross-on-Wye, a darts league has a lot to thank the teenager for writes Will Luker.
The Ross Darts League could have folded during the pandemic says player Richard Acton, but what Littler has achieved was exactly what the league needed.
Playing in teams at many pubs in and around the town such as the Kings Arms and Crown & Sceptre to name a couple, the completion of the World Darts Championships earlier this month does not mean the darts’ year is over.
More competitions are incoming and more chances for people to be inspired by darts, especially young players.
Richard says that between the ages 18 and 21 there has been an increased turnout wanting to play darts, quite clearly evidence that Littler’s successes are having a big impact.
“I’ve changed my way of playing, focusing on the best way to score points like Luke ‘The Nuke’, Richard said.
“He is so good for darts and I was drawn in during the days of Eric Bristow but this has created a great change for the sport.
“Individual players are coming together to enjoy darts more and what Littler has done is massive for us as the Ross League nearly folded during COVID but he has given us a massive boost,” Richard adds.
“The competition is what makes it great to be a part of at pubs and when you pick up a trophy it means a lot. The youngsters are coming and like Littler they dream big.”
Cecilia Whiteway, also involved with the League, gets stuck in with the ladies’ singles and overall feels proud at how Luke Littler has progressed.
“I just love throwing darts, Cecilia said. “Luke Littler has certainly had an impact on our young players as one of our youngest players has joined Darts Academy over in the Forest of Dean.
“Our League is just fun and we have seen more people interested especially people who used to play before the pandemic and have now returned.”
Cecilia adds: “Luke Littler has brought a new spark to the darts scene and I just like the social side darts brings to people to get a chance and be competitive.”
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler celebrated his 18th birthday last week and told fans he would spend the day playing an online football game.
Littler created history just weeks ago at the age of 17 by becoming the youngest world champion when he beat Michael van Gerwen in the Alexandra Palace final to cap a irst year on the PDC Tour where he also won the Premier League and the Grand Slam of Darts.
Littler has earned over £1.6million in prize money from his achievements at the oche - a figure that has been dwarfed by his income from sponsorship deals with high-profile brands.
He has almost single-handedly dragged darts into the mainstream since he burst on to the scene at the 2024 World Championship.