"MvG is back – He's the second greatest player of all time" - Luke Littler full of respect for Michael van Gerwen

Manchester recently played host to a darts first: in the heart of the city, Target Darts opened a pop-up store where fans could explore the brand’s latest innovations and equipment. Among the star names present was reigning world champion Luke Littler, who took time out to speak at length with Online Darts. The result was an open conversation about technology, form, rivalries and the pressure of carrying his crown. Littler already looks geared up for his World Championship title defence later this year at Alexandra Palace.

Littler was visibly enjoying the occasion. For the teenager, the pop-up in Manchester felt like more than just a promotional exercise – it was also recognition of the close collaboration with his equipment partner. “It’s brilliant, the work that Target put into us players. Obviously we just do our job, but behind the scenes they’re making sure the pixels are right, the length, the points, the K-Flex – just everything. And this is what it turns out to be. Pretty much all the Target players are here, and it’s been a good day.”

The young world champion underlined how fast the sport’s technology has advanced. Where once most players threw with simple straight barrels, the equipment on display today shows extraordinary engineering. “What Target can do these days is just incredible. I don’t even know what some of the darts over there are called – they’re mental. But even with Barney’s darts, and the new Taylor darts out again, they can do it all.”

Littler has tried different models in recent years, but he always returns to his trusted Gen 1 darts. “I always want to change, especially with the gold darts at the World Championships – I wanted to do well with them because they’re a nice dart. But I just can’t get my head around it. Maybe it’s the colour, it’s in my head. The black darts are just simple. Obviously I won the World Championships with them, the Premier League, the Matchplay – I’ll always go back to them.”

For Littler, the distinction is largely psychological. Even with near-identical specs, the smallest differences matter to players. He now uses black points instead of silver ones. “I’ve gone from a silver point to a black point now. As a dart player, you know what’s right. I threw with silver points for years, but the black point just feels better for me. It might just be in my head, but it feels a bit heavier than the silver. At the end of the day, it’s all down to me and what I use.”

The youngest world champion in history is enjoying another strong season. While not every tournament has yielded silverware, his level has remained consistently high.

“I’m definitely playing really well at the minute. Obviously it didn’t happen in Amsterdam, but Michael – like I said – he averaged 101, 102 across the tournament. He played his part and the crowd were there for him. For myself, I don’t know what the other players say, but I hope MVG is back.”

Littler believes Van Gerwen is returning to form after a patchy spell. “Like Michael said, he’s never been away, he’s just been struggling – like we all know. Hopefully he can come back and we can have more good battles.”

The rivalry with Luke Humphries is warm and respectful, but facing Van Gerwen carries a different edge. “Obviously me and Luke don’t really celebrate after a big checkout or anything. But when it’s Michael and I see him do it, I’m like, ‘Okay, Mike, I can give some back.’ Same with Gezzy – he’s known for it. When I hit a big checkout, I’ll always give it too. Hopefully Michael is back now.”

Asked whether victories over Van Gerwen carry extra weight, Littler was clear. “I think it’s just because of how much he’s won. Obviously Phil isn’t around now, so Michael is the second-greatest darts player. Everyone always wants to beat him. Everyone wants to beat me, they want to beat Luke. But yeah, hopefully the good battles continue.”

With fewer than 100 days to go until the start of the World Championship, Littler admits his title defence is never far from his thoughts. “It’s hard not to think about it. But I’ve got to focus on the Grand Prix, the Grand Slam, the Players Championships. The Worlds will always be in the back of my mind though. I can’t wait to get started, but there are still plenty of tournaments to play first.”

Defending his crown would put him in very select company. “I’d love to go back-to-back. Only three players have done it, and I like breaking records, adding myself to the roll of honour in whatever competition it is. Hopefully I can do it again.”

Life as reigning champion, however, comes with its own demands. “Even from last year, there was a target on my back since my first World Championship, but now as world champion it’s even bigger. Everyone wants to beat you. They’ll always perform their best against you. I think I said a few months ago, I’ll know from the first leg if someone’s not playing that well normally, but they’ll raise it against me. I’ve always got to be on my A-game.”

Despite his rapid success, Littler hasn’t yet taken the chance to properly reflect. “No, I’ve not properly sat down and gone, ‘I’ve done this, I’ve done that.’ It’s just constant – competition, then you’re back home, then you’re back on another flight for the Europeans or the World Series. Even after the Worlds, I think I had a week off, maybe ten days, then the World Series started again. Hopefully one day I can sit down and look back on it all.”

And there’s been no chance for a proper holiday either. “I didn’t have the chance this year. Last year I managed to, but this year has just been full-on. That comes with winning the Worlds – more to do, more people to talk to. But in 2026, there’ll definitely be a few holidays for me. I’ll take the time to go away with my girlfriend and family, without even thinking about darts.”