"People were wondering if that run was a fluke": Luke Littler ready to return as darting king in Bahrain two years on from breakout

The 2026 World Series of Darts officially gets underway this week with the Bahrain Darts Masters, and all eyes are once again on one man: Luke Littler. The 18-year-old Englishman makes his first public appearance on Thursday since underlining his status as the best player in the world earlier this month by becoming world champion for the second time. Littler opens against Paul Lim, who is no less than 53 years his senior.

The field in Bahrain features sixteen players and, as usual, is packed with big names from the darts world. Still, Littler attracts most of the attention. The teenage sensation made darts history in Bahrain two years ago by winning the title on his debut. In the 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters final he defeated none other than Michael van Gerwen, having also thrown a nine-darter earlier in the event. It earned him not only the title, but also the now iconic date trophy, a unique symbol of the tournament.

A year later, Littler was unable to retain his crown. His run was halted by a rampant Gerwyn Price, who produced an extraordinary 115.31 average in the semi-finals. The Welshman went on to take the title. Even so, Littler looks ahead with confidence and is determined to strike again in the Middle East in 2026.

As the current world number one, Littler begins his hunt for another title with a special meeting. In the first round he faces the legendary Paul Lim, a player a full 53 years older than the young Englishman and still competing at the highest level. The clash symbolizes the sport’s generation gap, as well as darts’ unique charm.

“I’ve been chilling out, throwing a few darts and I’ll be ready for tomorrow,” insisted Littler ahead of his first tournament of the year.

The young world champion is clearly eager to return to the stage. The memories of his earlier success in Bahrain play a major role. “When I came here two years ago I was coming here after the defeat to Luke [Humphries], and people were wondering if that run was a fluke, so that was a big moment for me,” Littler reflected.

Although he didn’t defend his title last year, Littler doesn’t see that as a failure, but as extra motivation. “I couldn’t defend my title last year, but hopefully I can start the new 2026 season with a win.”

With his confidence, form, and status as reigning world champion, Littler is again one of the leading favorites for the title. The Bahrain Darts Masters traditionally serve as an important barometer for the rest of the World Series season, and a strong start would only further underline his dominance.