“Was it three months — to beat me?”: Luke Littler teases rivals after unbeaten streak ends

Luke Littler has made an excellent start to the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters 2026. In Riyadh, the young Englishman claimed a win over none other than Paul Lim, a living legend of the sport. It was the second time within a week that Littler and Lim met, and once again the teenage sensation came out on top. Yet the post-match focus wasn’t only on the result. Littler’s interview offered insight into his respect for the past, his struggle with an unusual atmosphere, and his growing role as the face of global darts.

When the draw paired Littler with Paul Lim again, his reaction was one of genuine satisfaction. “Yeah, very happy to obviously play him again, but most importantly it was about getting that win here,” he said post match. It typifies Littler’s pragmatism: respectful toward his opponent, but always focused on the result.

The match itself was not flawless. Littler started solidly but admitted his level dipped later in the contest. “It’s a not-so-loud environment tonight, but I managed to play okay early on. Later on in the game I didn’t play so well, but wins are wins.” In a sport where consistency is everything, this remark shows his mature outlook on performance: perfection isn’t required as long as you win.

The name Paul Lim immediately evokes memories for many darts fans of the first nine-darter on a World Championship stage. For Littler, it’s no different. Although he comes from a much younger generation, he speaks with clear reverence about the Singaporean icon. “I think it’s just obviously the amount of times he’s been in the World Championships,” Littler explained. “Obviously hitting the first nine-darter many, many years ago, and yeah, him always being active, especially at the World Championships. He’s an absolute legend.”

That Littler faced Lim twice within a week felt almost like a privilege to him. “I’m glad to play him twice within the space of a week.” It’s a remark that underlines the young world-class player’s appreciation for the sport’s history, something not guaranteed for someone breaking records at such a young age.

The setting stood out. Those who follow Littler know him mainly from raucous crowds: Ally Pally, Premier League nights, and sold-out arenas where the audience never stops. Saudi Arabia was a stark contrast. “Yeah, it’s very different. I didn’t expect it,” Littler admitted. “But yeah, that’s why we’re here. Obviously it’s not going to be loud.”

While he showed understanding, he acknowledged it takes getting used to. “I think we need a bit of noise — we’re not too used to it.” He also looked ahead to what comes next, adding: “But I know what to expect tomorrow, whether I do play Gian van Veen. We’ll have to see.”

Asked whether he could compare this atmosphere to previous experiences, Littler struggled to find parallels. “Not really,” he said. “I think the only thing you can compare it to, for myself, is when I played in the WDF a few years ago. Other than that, all the other venues are dead loud, but this one is very different.”

It’s an interesting glimpse into how dependent modern elite players have become on crowd energy. Where the old guard often played in smaller halls or pubs, silence has become almost an exception for Littler.

A few days before this tournament, Littler suffered a rare defeat, ending a long winning run. It was his first loss in 22 matches, a streak that almost slipped by unnoticed. “It’s like three months ago, I think,” he joked. “Obviously I’d seen that record after the World Championships, but when I lost to Gezzy, I wasn’t thinking about that record until I saw it on social media.”

He puts the loss into perspective with calm realism. “But yeah, it is what it is. It took someone — was it three months — to beat me?” He also referenced his dominance over Gerwyn Price prior to that defeat. “It took Gezzy even longer, because I was on that eight- or nine-win streak against him. But yeah, I’m sure I can get that win streak back off him.”

That statement reveals confidence without arrogance. Littler seems fully aware that losing is part of elite sport, even when you appear almost unbeatable.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the interview concerned Littler’s role within the sport. For years, Michael van Gerwen was the global poster boy of darts, but that mantle now appears to have shifted to Littler. The question is: does he feel that responsibility?

“Yeah, I mean, that’s what comes with it,” he said. “Obviously winning titles, you become the face of the sport. You’ve got to go to certain places and you’ve got to be there.”

World Series events in Saudi Arabia, Australia and beyond are not just tournaments, but opportunities to grow the sport globally. Littler understands that his presence matters, not just for fans but for the wider field. “As long as I’m there, and as long as the fans are there, then obviously all the other players will be happy.”

Despite his status, Littler admitted he would rather avoid the constant spotlight. “Yeah, I think I’d rather be under the radar,” he said honestly. “Obviously now I’m at the top, and that’s where I want to be, and hopefully I can stay there.”

At the same time, he’s realistic about the sport’s volatility, pointing to Michael van Gerwen as an example. “Just look at Michael. He’s been going through tough times and obviously he’s fallen off a little bit. But like I’ve said plenty of times, Michael will be back.”

Littler knows that no career trajectory stays upward forever. “Obviously we’ve seen with players in the past, you do drop off,” he added. “So yeah, who knows? In a few years I might be under the radar, not speaking to you guys.”