''They need to realise that their pockets are being filled off the back of Luke Littler'' - Wayne Mardle sees other players also benefiting from teenage sensation

Wayne Mardle is one of the best and most beloved darts pundits in the UK. From a player who played against some of the greats throughout his career to a trusted and respected expert on the popular sport.

With Darts reaching an entire new generation and new fanbase, down to ‘the Luke Littler Effect’ – arguably making the sport more popular than it has ever been.

Speaking to the MDA Events YouTube channel, Mardle reflects on darts latest headliner and whether he has seen the likes of this before. ''I was a viewer that saw the other players hate what Eric (Bristow), then I was a player that was like, hold on, I’m the second favourite for a World title here, why am I getting no press?' First there was Eric Bristow, then Phil Taylor then Michael van Gerwen and now its Luke Littler. The bottom line is, someone had to be second favourite'', says Wayne Mardle.

After Eric Bristow’s time as the star of darts, followed the iconic Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor – still regarded as the greatest player of all time. ''Phil was the absolute master, and it was like ‘why is he getting all the attention’ – but why wouldn’t he! You realise when you step back.''

After Phil Taylor the attention went to Michael Van Gerwen. ''Again I was a bit of a player – when Michael was…Michael 2.0 it was like ‘why is he getting all the plaudits – theres more than Michael.''

Mardle recognises that ‘the Luke Littler Effect’ is simply a case of history repeating itself, and despite the grumbling about who gets to be the ‘face of darts’ – everyone is right, there is one person who gets the lions share of the media and responsibilities that go with that – now its Luke Littler’s turn to take the baton.

''The sport needs a headliner’ says Mardle. ''But I do feel a bit sorry for Luke Humphries. He’s world number one and world champion – but Littler’s the one that’s gaining the headlines.'' However its not all bad as Wayne explains. ''The others are gaining off the back of it! They need to realise that their pockets are being filled off the back of Luke Littler, and, trust me, they are.''