Darts sensation Luke Littler, known for his meteoric rise, has seen his record as the youngest player on the PDC Pro Tour broken. The new record holder is fellow 18-year-old Yorick Hofkens, who is five months younger than Littler. This marks a significant moment for professional darts, with two under-20 prodigies now making waves on the elite circuit.
A New Youngest Player on the PDC Pro Tour
For two years, Luke “The Nuke” Littler held the prestigious title of the youngest player on the PDC Pro Tour, a testament to his early entry into the professional darts scene. His remarkable talent saw him burst onto the global stage, captivating fans worldwide.
That record now belongs to another exciting talent: **Yorick Hofkens**. While both players are currently 18 years old, Hofkens, born in June, is **five months younger than Littler**, who celebrates his 19th birthday in January.
This slight age difference was enough for Hofkens to claim the title after successfully securing his two-year Tour Card last week, officially making him a full-time professional darts player.
Luke Littler’s Unforgettable Legacy
Littler’s journey to setting this record began before his global explosion at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship. He earned his **PDC Tour Card** through the Development Tour, a pathway for young talent, which granted him access to the professional circuit.
His incredible run to the **final of the PDC World Darts Championship** in his debut appearance captivated millions and solidified his status as a darts phenomenon. Since then, he has continued to defy expectations, winning major titles like the **Bahrain Darts Masters** and the **Austrian Darts Open**, further cementing his position as one of the sport’s biggest stars.
His rapid ascent has made him a **role model for aspiring young players worldwide**, demonstrating what’s possible with dedication and talent at a young age.
Yorick Hofkens: The Next Generation Arrives
Hofkens secured his professional status by reaching the final of the **EU Q-School event** on Saturday. Q-School is a rigorous competition where players battle for one of the coveted PDC Tour Cards, which are essential for competing on the professional circuit.
Earning a **PDC Tour Card** means Hofkens is now a full-time professional, eligible to compete in all Pro Tour events for the next two years. To maintain this elite status beyond 2025, Hofkens will need to perform consistently and be **ranked within the top 64 players** on the PDC Order of Merit, which tracks prize money earnings.
The youngster isn’t entirely new to the professional stage, having made his **PDC debut last year** after qualifying for the Baltic Sea Darts Open. The darts world will get a closer look at Hofkens’ talent when he competes in the **World Masters later this month**, offering him another opportunity to showcase his skills on a significant stage.
Two Teen Prodigies Shaping the Future of Darts
The presence of both Littler and Hofkens as the **only under-20 players on the professional PDC circuit** is a rare and exciting development, highlighting the growing youth talent in darts. They represent the future of the sport, inspiring a new generation to pick up the darts and chase their professional dreams.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
