In the electrifying world of professional darts, where razor-sharp precision meets fierce ambition under the glare of packed arenas, one veteran voice has sparked a heated debate about the sport’s brightest young superstar.
At just 19, Luke Littler continues to tear through records and trophies at a breathtaking pace. The teenage sensation added another major moment to his rapidly growing legacy last weekend, successfully defending his UK Open title in Minehead. His victory made him the first player in a decade to win the prestigious tournament back-to-back.
In the final, Littler produced a composed display to defeat James Wade 11–7, collecting a £120,000 prize and further cementing his position at the top of the world rankings. The Warrington prodigy once again showed the calm finishing and fearless scoring that have quickly turned him into the dominant figure on the PDC circuit.
But while many celebrated the achievement, Dutch darts veteran Vincent van der Voort has raised concerns about what Littler’s dominance might say about the rest of the sport.
Speaking on his podcast Darts Draait Door, the former UK Open finalist delivered a blunt assessment of what he believes is happening whenever players face the teenage star. According to van der Voort, Littler’s rivals appear mentally beaten before the match has even begun.
“I’m getting a bit fed up with it now,” the Dutchman admitted. “But it’s not his fault. I find it more worrying that the top players don’t show up against him. That bothers me more.”
Van der Voort suggested that many opponents seem resigned to defeat from the moment they step on stage.
“I don’t know if they’re already lying on their backs thinking: you’ve won,” he said. “But none of them play their best match against him. That is worrying. You should at least feel he’s being pushed to the limit. And if he’s still better, fine. But he doesn’t even have to play that well to win.”
Those comments came after Littler secured the 12th major title of his young career, despite not always reaching his usual explosive scoring levels during the tournament.
In the fourth round against Damon Heta, Littler averaged 94.41 but still advanced comfortably. In the fifth round, he faced Kevin Doets and averaged 93.68 while edging a tense 10–8 victory, even after Doets had broken early to take a 2–0 lead.
Van der Voort believes those moments highlight a bigger problem for the elite players chasing Littler.
“He really wasn’t at his best,” he explained. “They didn’t show up. And when I hear the interviews, Littler gets so many compliments again. Then I think: we need players who genuinely want to beat him.”
The outspoken Dutchman argued that darts needs competitors willing to raise their level and challenge the world No.1 without fear.
“We need more players like that. Players who can bring their best level against him. Otherwise it’s made far too easy for him.”
However, van der Voort did point to one current star who he believes has the mentality to truly challenge Littler—Welsh powerhouse Gerwyn Price.
“He’s got it,” van der Voort said. “He wants to win at all costs. Shame he didn’t reach the final.”
That praise sets up a fascinating storyline, as Littler and Price are scheduled to face off during Night Six of the Premier League Darts in Nottingham. The winner of that clash will progress to a semi-final showdown against either Luke Humphries or Gian van Veen.
For fans, it could provide exactly the kind of fiery battle van der Voort believes the sport needs.
Despite the criticism, Littler’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. His composure under pressure, rapid scoring bursts, and clinical finishing have turned him into one of the most feared players in the game before even reaching his twenties.
At the UK Open, there were brief moments when opponents appeared capable of capitalising on his slightly lower averages. Yet time and again, Littler found the key darts when it mattered most, steadying matches with ruthless doubles and unshakeable confidence.
Van der Voort summed up the situation bluntly.
“He sat around a 90 average for a long time and ended on 97. Littler was only around 93, but even then he couldn’t pull away,” he said. “They can hold themselves accountable for that. He wasn’t even brilliant this tournament. You had the sense he was there for the taking. But if everyone fails to play the game they want against him, he still wins. Then you see he’s so far ahead of the rest.”
For now, Littler remains the undisputed star of the darts world. But with the Premier League continuing and rivals desperate to halt his momentum, the question now is simple: who will finally step up and push the teenage phenomenon to his limit? 🎯🔥