"He inspires me - The only reason I still watch darts is because of Luke Littler": Former World Championship finalist full of praise for teenage superstar

It’s been a year to remember for Luke Littler. With four major titles already to his name in 2025, the 18-year-old sensation seems to be rewriting the limits of the sport with every throw. His latest triumph came at the World Grand Prix, where he thrashed Luke Humphries 6–1 in the final. And it’s no surprise that former PDC World Darts Championship finalist Andy Hamilton – The Hammer – was full of praise when speaking to TalkSport about the teenager taking darts by storm.

“What he’s doing at the moment is unbelievable,” said Hamilton. “He’s putting new records on the map, and that’s exactly what he wants to do. His first goal is to get to number one in the world, and I’m sure that won’t be far away. The lad’s fearless, so relaxed, and just comes across as a proper person."

“I met him when he was 12 years old, and you could already see the ability he had. To see him proving it now – it’s just unreal. He’s relentless. He can play from behind, he can play from in front – he’s a front-runner, and his whole game’s come together now.”

For Hamilton, Littler’s constant brilliance hasn’t lost its shine. “It’s not getting boring, is it? Every time we watch him, we’re gobsmacked by something new he tries. That’s why we tune in – because you never know what he’s going to pull out next. We’re almost expecting a nine-darter every time, and sometimes it’s disappointing when he doesn’t do it! But the lad has no boundaries. It’s all up to him now – how far he wants to go and how many records he wants to break.”

Littler’s fearless approach to finishing has already become part of his legend. Hamilton pointed to a moment from the Grand Prix final that summed him up perfectly.

“He went bull–double eight to win a leg,” he recalled. “That’s not normal – but it’s him testing himself. It’s not being big-headed or cocky, it’s just him being different. If it works, it’s not a wrong shot – and even if it doesn’t, he’s still giving himself a chance. That’s just his way of life.”

Hamilton believes Littler’s flair has given the sport a lift. “He’s brought a great persona to the game. The lad’s different gravy right now, and he can only get better because he’s still learning. He inspires me to enjoy darts again. I’m an old-timer, but honestly, the only reason I still watch darts is because of Luke Littler – and Luke Humphries too.”

Hamilton also reflected on Littler’s 6–1 win over Humphries in the final – a scoreline that didn’t tell the full story.

“It looked like a demolition job, but there were only five legs in it,” he said. “Sometimes you just start missing doubles, and you try that bit harder to hit them – and it just doesn’t happen. That’s darts. Luke Humphries is a great player and deserved to be in that final. Sometimes, when it’s not working for you on stage, there’s nothing more you can do.”

With only around £70,000 separating Littler and Humphries in the race to world number one, Hamilton knows the battle is heating up.

“Of course Luke Humphries will be looking over his shoulder,” he said. “You want both – world champion and world number one. Being world champion’s more important, sure, but wouldn’t you rather have both? It sounds better, doesn’t it?”

Littler’s decision to enter the PDC World Youth Championship has sparked debate, with some questioning whether a reigning world champion should compete against teenagers still finding their feet. Hamilton sees both sides.

“He’s within his rights to play,” he said. “He’s a ProTour player, and if he wants to make history and break records, why not? There are two sides to it. It’s tough for the kids, of course – some will look at it and think, ‘What’s the point?’ But others will thrive on the challenge. That’s just darts. Maybe the rules need to change so Tour players can’t enter other events – but that’s up to the organisers. For now, he’s doing nothing wrong.”

Almost two years on from his breakthrough at the 2023 World Championship, Hamilton remains amazed at Littler’s rise.

“If you’d asked him two and a half years ago where he’d be now, he wouldn’t have believed it,” he said. “He told me in Blackpool that he still can’t believe the position he’s in. For an 18-year-old, he’s handled it unbelievably well – just taken it all on the chin like it’s a normal job."

“He’s a breath of fresh air. Watching him play has got more kids throwing darts again. The academies are buzzing. I do a bit of coaching myself in Stoke-on-Trent, trying to pass on my experience – and you can feel the impact he’s having."

“He’s lifted the whole sport. He’s shown that darts isn’t just about averages and technique – it’s about character, fun, and courage. He’s taking the game to a new level, and it’s brilliant to see.”