In a groundbreaking move, 16-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler has been granted a Premier League debut following his remarkable journey to the World Darts Championship final. Littler, who captured global attention with his outstanding performance at Alexandra Palace, breaking records and achieving the highest viewing figures in tournament history, will join the elite lineup for the 2024 Premier League Darts season.
Littler, the youngest player to win a World Darts Championship match, expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s unbelievable. No more development tour. This is it. Playing in the Premier League and comfortably in the top 32.” His inclusion comes after Luke Humphries, who called for Littler’s participation, defeated him in the thrilling final.
The Premier League, set to run from February 1 to May 23 with Play-Offs at London’s O2 Arena, promises an exciting season with a challenging lineup. Luke Humphries, fresh from winning four major titles, headlines the competition alongside defending champion Michael van Gerwen and last year’s runner-up Gerwyn Price.
Notably, seven-time Premier League winner Michael van Gerwen seeks redemption after his unexpected quarter-final exit at the World Championship, while other top-ranking players like Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross, and Peter Wright add to the competition’s intensity.
PDC chief executive Matthew Porter emphasized the “obvious decision” to include Littler in this prestigious event, citing the young player’s historic achievements. Porter stated, “What Luke [Littler] has achieved over the last three weeks has rewritten the history books. It’s unprecedented, not only in darts but across sport. It was an obvious decision.”
On the other side of the darts world, Littler, despite his loss to Luke Humphries in the championship final, remains confident and views his runner-up status as a significant accomplishment. Speaking about his journey, he attributed his success to dedicated practice during Covid lockdowns, showcasing his talent and proving himself in various online tournaments.
As Littler embraces his newfound fame and prepares for the Premier League, the darts community eagerly anticipates the 2024 season, expecting a fierce competition among these top-tier players.
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