Luke Littler Hits the Bullseye Again (By Ella, 13 and Josh, 13)
By Ella, 13 and Josh 13, Good News Room at WCSA
At the beginning of January, Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler smashed Gian van Veen 7–1 in a final full of suspense and an epic comeback, starting off the new year with a bang. The win came with a massive prize pot of one million pounds.
Luke is 18 years old, and this year he didn’t have school to set him back.
He is the fourth person to retain the title of World Champion in this underestimated sport. Additionally, he is the youngest athlete ever to receive the trophy, having been handed it along with the fame at just 17.
Luke has played darts ever since his parents bought him a magnetic dartboard when he was only eighteen months old. He has had a long journey since then and has developed his skills hugely.
Dutch runner-up Gian van Veen is just a fraction older at twenty-three.
This year marked his first time playing at the esteemed Alexandra Palace in London. Gian has experienced several highs and lows in his career, having improved rapidly in recent years. When he was thirteen, the darts player thought he was never going to make it onto the leaderboards; however, due to his hard work and determination, he has rightfully proved himself wrong.
Gian barely made it into the PDC finals after a rough match against Gary Anderson in the previous rounds.
Littler and van Veen are living proof that darts isn’t just for ‘older age groups’ and has now emerged as a sport full of young people who are inspired by Luke and Gian.
Hopefully, because of these prospering players, darts will continue as a competitive yet inclusive sport.
In support of this, many young people have begun darts clubs in their local areas, which could create a whole thriving generation of dart champions.
