Darts sensation Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler, despite only three years in the PDC, is rapidly rewriting the record books. Fresh off his 11th major triumph and 9th major title win at the recent Masters, Littler is demonstrating unprecedented consistency. His remarkable ability to hit high averages in televised tournaments has put him just one 105+ average away from equaling darts legend Gary Anderson, and he’s now firmly setting his sights on the all-time records held by Michael van Gerwen and the legendary Phil Taylor. For this young prodigy, it’s not a question of if he’ll break these benchmarks, but when.
Littler’s Explosive Ascent: A Prodigy’s Journey
When Luke Littler burst onto the darts scene at just 16 years old, he instantly captured the world’s attention. While it might feel like he’s been a fixture in the sport for ages, his professional journey with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) spans a mere three years. Yet, in this short period, Littler has not just made waves; he’s created a tsunami, achieving milestones that typically take decades.
His recent victory at the Masters marked his 9th major title and 11th major triumph overall. This impressive feat has not only solidified his position but also given him significant breathing room at the top of the PDC Order of Merit, signalling a potential era of dominance.
Masters Glory: A Thrilling Display of Skill
The Masters final in Milton Keynes was a testament to Littler’s exceptional talent. In a thrilling encounter, he edged past fellow darts star Luke Humphries with an average of 104.72. This win wasn’t just another trophy; it was a statement, showcasing his composure and clutch performance under immense pressure.
The Mark of Greatness: The 105+ Average
While his final average of 104.72 was impressive, Littler’s true consistency and elite status are best reflected in a specific metric: averaging over 105 in a single match during televised ranking tournaments. This isn’t just a good performance; it’s a benchmark for absolute top-tier darts, demonstrating sustained accuracy and scoring power.
To put this into perspective: Littler has already achieved this incredible feat in 31 separate matches. This staggering number highlights the consistent brilliance we are witnessing from ‘The Nuke’.
Chasing Legends: Littler’s Record Pursuit
What makes Littler’s achievement even more remarkable is how closely he is trailing some of the sport’s all-time greats. Consider the following:
- Gary Anderson: A two-time World Champion and a PDC veteran of 17 years, Anderson has recorded 32 matches with a 105+ average. Littler, with his 31, is now just one away from equalling ‘The Flying Scotsman’ – a truly astonishing feat given Anderson’s vast head start.
- Michael van Gerwen (MVG): Still very much active and one of the most dominant players of his generation, MVG currently stands at 73 such averages. While a larger gap, Littler’s trajectory suggests this is a target within his reach.
- Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor: Widely considered the greatest darts player of all time, Taylor retired after the 2018 World Darts Championship with an astounding 96 matches averaging 105+. This is the ultimate benchmark, a number that once seemed insurmountable.
For many, Taylor’s record might seem like a distant dream. But for Littler, it’s merely a number, a challenge that fuels his ambition. His rapid progression and unwavering confidence suggest that it’s not a matter of *if* he will surpass these legends, but simply *when* he will rewrite the history books entirely.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
