““I always want to be a character! Hit big finishes, do things differently” – Luke Littler confident he'll remain crowd favourite despite dominance

Luke Littler booked his place in the semi-finals of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship in emphatic fashion, producing a ruthless 5-0 victory over Krzysztof Ratajski in the quarter-finals.

Despite the one-sided scoreline, the 18-year-old reigning world champion was far from euphoric about his own performance afterwards. “It didn’t feel good at all,” Littler admitted. “But most importantly, I got the job done.”

That level of dominance was all the more striking given Littler’s admission that his preparation had been far from ideal. “I’ve not been practising for nearly two and a half, three days,” he explained. “We haven’t brought a dartboard down, so I can’t really practise. That’s my own fault, just being lazy in the house.”

The lack of practice meant Littler was still searching for rhythm during the match itself. “I tried changing my throw here, there and everywhere,” he said. “I just didn’t feel comfortable.” Yet little of that uncertainty was reflected on the scoreboard. Averaging around the 100 mark, firing in a stream of maximums and producing a series of high-class finishes, he put Ratajski under pressure from the outset.

The standout moment came in the opening set, when Littler checked out a sensational 170 finish. “It was a sweet finish and it gave me confidence,” he said.

For a moment, a nine-darter even appeared possible, but once again perfection proved elusive. “It’s been a bit frustrating,” Littler admitted. “Tonight was the first time I went back-to-back in this tournament. But tomorrow’s another day, and with the longer format there are plenty of chances.”

While the result suggested total control, Littler felt he has not yet been pushed to his absolute limits at this year’s World Championship. “The biggest test was against Rob,” he said. “I went 3-1 up, then he picked it up again and I just had to get the job done. Tonight I wasn’t really pushed, although Krzysztof has had a great tournament.”

Reaching the semi-finals for the third consecutive year remains a remarkable achievement. Across three World Championship campaigns, Littler has lost just once on the Alexandra Palace stage: the 2024 final. “That still plays on my mind,” he admitted. “If that double two goes in and I’m 5-2 up, it’s a different story. But I came back the year after, won it, and now I’m here again.”

Littler’s growing dominance has inevitably drawn comparisons with greats of the past, with some opponents appearing mentally beaten before the match even begins. He brushed off that suggestion. “If that’s going through their head, that’s going through their head,” he said. “But I always expect everyone to turn up and play their best against me. They have to, otherwise they won’t win.”

That expectation, he insists, is what keeps him sharp. “They always play better than the round before, so I’ve always got to be ready.”

In the semi-finals, Littler will face Ryan Searle, who is yet to drop a set in the tournament. The pair met earlier this year at the World Matchplay, where Littler recorded a one-sided win, and he would welcome a repeat. “I want it to be one-sided again,” he said. “But if Ryan tests me, I’m up for it. He hasn’t dropped a set yet, so hopefully the first set tomorrow is the one he does drop.”

Starting fast will be key once more. “I always want to go one up,” Littler added.

Following the hostile atmosphere during his match against Rob Cross, attention had turned to the crowd inside Alexandra Palace. Littler, however, remained relaxed. “It’s a new year, first day of the year,” he said. “As soon as I got on stage the crowd were unbelievable. I clapped them so they knew I wanted them on my side again.”

He believes that experience has helped him grow mentally. “That Rob Cross game definitely tested me,” he said. “I know now how to deal with it, whether there’s boos or not.”

As world champion and world number one, Littler accepts that his role extends beyond pure results. “I always want to be a character,” he said. “Hit big finishes, do things differently. You can see darts is getting bigger and bigger, and while it’s not just me, I’ve played a big part.”

Suggestions that players are earning more because of the so-called Littler effect are met with perspective. “It’s all of us,” he said. “Different winners, different major champions, more competition. But I’m proud to be part of it.”

With 47 maximums already thrown, Michael Smith’s tournament record of 83 is at least within sight. “Anything’s possible,” Littler said. “The format’s getting longer, so we’ll see.”

Looking ahead to 2026, he expects fresh challengers to continue emerging. “It’s whoever’s performing well and practising well,” he said. “There are different winners all the time. We’ll see who comes along.”