Luke Littler — the reigning PDC World Champion and youngest-ever world No. 1 — has reportedly put darts on pause to explore another sport game, citing frustration over limited activity options and scheduling conflicts.

Luke Littler — the reigning PDC World Champion and youngest-ever world No. 1 — has reportedly put darts on pause to explore another sport game, citing frustration over limited activity options and scheduling conflicts.

 

 

At just 18 years old, Littler’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of legendary: two World Championships (2025, 2026), 11 major titles, and a total of 24 PDC victories already. But behind the trophies, sources close to the player indicate he’s growing restless with the structure of the darts calendar — particularly the lack of meaningful competition outside the big televised events.

Littler recently withdrew from the European Darts Grand Prix in Germany, citing “scheduling” as the official reason — but insiders suggest deeper dissatisfaction with how few tournaments actually fit his availability and desire for regular play ². He’s been vocal about missing “real competition” beyond the handful of Premier League nights and major championships, which often leave long gaps without meaningful matches.

Adding fuel to speculation, Littler hasn’t been seen practicing regularly — even skipping practice for days before crucial World Championship matches — and has openly admitted to feeling “lazy” about setting up a board at home ³. While some interpret this as superstition or routine, others read it as disengagement from the sport’s current rhythm.

So what’s pulling him away? No official announcement names the alternative sport yet, but multiple outlets report Littler is testing waters in football — the game he originally wanted to pursue before his dad steered him toward darts at age 9 ⁴. He remains a Manchester United fan and still plays recreationally, suggesting the pull of ball sports hasn’t faded.

The timing feels symbolic: after dominating darts for three years, Littler may be seeking fresh challenges — or simply needing space to breathe outside the relentless spotlight. His withdrawal from the European Grand Prix left him as the _only_ top‑20 player not competing — a stark statement about priorities.

Darts fans are divided: some worry this signals burnout or loss of focus; others see it as healthy recalibration for a teenager thrust into global stardom overnight. Either way, Littler’s decision underscores a broader issue in modern darts: too few regular tournaments for rising stars to stay engaged between majors.