Is Littler the Greatest of All Time After His World Masters Victory?

In a thrilling finale, Luke Littler edged out Luke Humphries 6-5 to win his first World Masters title, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. With this victory, Littler becomes the joint-third most successful player in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era, now boasting 11 major titles, placing him alongside James Wade and behind only Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. Humphries, despite his loss, praised Littler as "the greatest darts player who has ever lived," highlighting the immense talent and pressure the teenager brings to the game.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Luke Littler's recent victory has sent shockwaves through the darts community, particularly as he defeated the world number two, Luke Humphries, in a closely contested final. The win not only showcases Littler's skills but also sets the stage for future competitions, as he now only has the European Championship left to conquer among major PDC titles. This achievement at just 19 years old marks Littler as a significant player to watch in upcoming tournaments.

Key takeaways

Luke Littler has now won 11 major PDC titles, making him one of the most successful players in the organisation's history.
Humphries acknowledged Littler’s talent, calling him the greatest player of all time.
The final featured dramatic lead changes and a high standard of play, with both players averaging over 100.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey leading to Littler's remarkable victory can be traced through several key events in the PDC calendar:

October 2023: Littler wins his first World Masters title on 26 October, defeating Luke Humphries 6-5.
October 2023: Semi-finals on 25 October saw Littler overcome Gerwyn Price 5-4, while Humphries defeated Gian van Veen 5-0.
September 2023: Humphries won the previous major title, highlighting the competitive landscape leading to this final.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Littler's victory represents a significant milestone in his career, marking him as a key contender in the PDC. His performance throughout the tournament was characterised by a mix of skill, composure, and high-pressure play, culminating in his win against Humphries, who was the reigning champion.

What was already established

Prior to this win, Littler was already seen as a rising star in darts, having achieved substantial success at a young age. His ability to handle pressure and perform under critical circumstances has been a hallmark of his play, as evidenced by his semi-final performance against Gerwyn Price.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The excitement surrounding darts, particularly with young talents like Littler, continues to grow, potentially increasing viewership and engagement in the sport. Households may find themselves drawn to upcoming major events, fostering a culture of support around British darts.

Businesses and jobs

As darts gains popularity, it could spur increased investment in related businesses such as event management and sports merchandise. This might lead to job creation within the industry, particularly as major tournaments attract sponsors and media coverage.

Policy and regulation

The PDC is likely to see increased scrutiny and interest from sponsors and media outlets, especially with the rise of younger players like Littler. This could lead to more robust policies surrounding player conduct, tournament regulations, and sponsorship agreements.

Numbers that matter

11 major PDC titles for Luke Littler, tying him with James Wade.
6-5 final score against Luke Humphries in the World Masters.
Average scores: Littler at 104.72, Humphries at 105.51 during the final.
25 maximums were thrown during the final, showcasing the high level of play.
£100,000 prize for the winner of the World Masters.

Definitions and jargon buster

PDC: Professional Darts Corporation, the main organisation governing professional darts events.
Checkout: The process of finishing a leg in darts by hitting the required score.
Maximum: A score of 180 in a single turn, achieved by hitting three treble 20s.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should look forward to the 2026 Premier League starting in Newcastle, where all four semi-finalists will compete. This event will be crucial for maintaining momentum and showcasing emerging talents.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the darts season progresses, Littler's performance will be closely monitored. Expectations will grow for him to compete at the highest levels, particularly in upcoming major tournaments.

Signals to watch

Upcoming results from the Premier League matches.
Player rankings and how they shift in response to performances in major tournaments.
Any changes in sponsorship deals or media coverage trends in the darts landscape.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on upcoming matches and player performances.
Engage with local darts events to support the sport.
Watch for changes in player rankings and potential emerging stars.

Don’t

Assume that past performance guarantees future success; each match can bring surprises.
Underestimate the pressure that young players like Littler face at major events.
Forget to support grassroots darts initiatives that feed into the professional scene.

Checklist

Follow PDC events and news updates regularly.
Engage with online darts communities for insights and discussions.
Support local players and events to bolster the sport's growth.
Keep track of Littler's performance in future competitions.
Stay informed about potential changes in PDC regulations or sponsorships.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The darts landscape is ever-evolving, and while Littler's current form is impressive, the pressures of maintaining such a standard can be unpredictable. Additionally, shifts in player dynamics, such as injuries or changes in training regimes, can significantly affect outcomes in upcoming tournaments. It's essential to remain cautious in making predictions about future successes.

Bottom line

Luke Littler's victory at the World Masters represents a significant achievement in his career and highlights the potential for continued success in the PDC. As he emerges as a top contender, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching his progress in future competitions, especially as he aims to complete his collection of major titles. The darts community is poised for an exciting season ahead.

FAQs

Who is Luke Littler?

Luke Littler is a 19-year-old professional darts player who recently won his first World Masters title, making him one of the most successful players in PDC history with 11 major titles.

What did Luke Humphries say about Littler?

Luke Humphries referred to Littler as "the greatest darts player who has ever lived," acknowledging his exceptional talent and pressure-handling abilities during matches.

What are the upcoming events for these players?

Both Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, along with other top players, will be competing in the 2026 Premier League starting in Newcastle, where they will showcase their skills in front of fans.