Luke Littler, the darts sensation, has achieved an incredible feat, soaring from world number 31 to the undisputed world number one in just two years. With multiple major titles, including the Premier League and two World Championships, and over £3 million in winnings, “The Nuke” now sits at the pinnacle of the sport. This unprecedented success, however, means he’s now *too good* to compete in the upcoming PDC Winmau Development Tour, as PDC rules prevent top-ranked players from participating.
The darting world has been captivated by Luke “The Nuke” Littler’s meteoric ascent. Just two years ago, in December 2023, Littler was ranked 31st globally. Fast forward to today, and he has not only conquered the Premier League Darts, the Grand Slam of Darts, and secured two World Championship titles, among many other victories, but has also amassed over £3 million in career earnings.
This incredible run has propelled him to the coveted position of World Number 1, a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication.
Why “The Nuke” Won’t Be on the Development Tour
Despite being within the age bracket (16-24) for the PDC Winmau Development Tour, Luke Littler will not be competing. The reason lies in a specific PDC regulation designed to foster new talent:
- Eligibility: The Development Tour is primarily for players aged 16 to 24.
- The “Top 32” Rule: PDC rules explicitly state that players ranked within the top 32 of the PDC Order of Merit are ineligible to participate.
As the current World Number 1, Littler is well within this exclusion zone, meaning he must sit out this particular competition.
Understanding the PDC Order of Merit
The PDC Order of Merit is the official ranking system for professional darts players. It’s calculated based on the total prize money a player has won in ranking tournaments over a rolling two-year period. With an astonishing £2.85 million earned in this timeframe, Littler comfortably tops this leaderboard, solidifying his position as the sport’s leading earner and ranked player.
What is the PDC Winmau Development Tour?
Kicking off in just six days, the Development Tour is a crucial platform for emerging darting talent. It features 24 events spread across five weekends, offering a substantial £20,000 prize fund for each event, with winners taking home £3,000. It’s designed to give younger players valuable experience and the chance to climb the professional ladder.
What’s Next for Luke Littler?
While he won’t be on the Development Tour, Littler’s schedule remains packed. He’s also taking this time to fully recover from a recent bout of flu that impacted his performance at Premier League 2 in Antwerp. Fans can catch him in action at:
- Premier League Night 3 in Glasgow: February 19
- Poland Darts Open: February 20-22
Littler’s absence from the Development Tour highlights his extraordinary journey from a promising junior to an undisputed global superstar, setting new benchmarks in the world of darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
