LONDON – Rising darts star Luke Littler has publicly denounced what he describes as a “campaign” against him, responding forcefully to online critics and fellow players who have insinuated that his meteoric rise to finals has been aided by cheating or gamesmanship.
The 18-year-old sensation, who burst onto the professional scene with a stunning run to the World Darts Championship final earlier this year, has faced growing whispers and direct accusations on social media and within some corners of the sport. Critics have pointed to his rapid success, unusual composure, and specific match moments to suggest unfair advantages.
“It’s Getting Ridiculous”
In an impassioned statement to reporters after a recent Pro Tour event, Littler did not mince words.
“I’ve tried to ignore it, but it’s getting ridiculous now,” Littler said. “Every week there’s a new comment, a new clip being slowed down trying to ‘prove’ something. There is a campaign against me to try and tarnish what I’ve done. I’m just a lad playing darts, the same way I have since I was a toddler.”
The accusations appear to center on two main areas: alleged subtle violations of the throwing line (the oche) and gamesmanship in his pacing. Several viral videos on platforms like YouTube and X have dissected his foot placement frame-by-frame, while other players have hinted at discomfort with his routine.
The Darts World Reacts
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) issued a brief statement in support of the teenager: “Luke Littler is subject to the same rigorous match officiating as any other player. All major matches are monitored by multiple officials, and we have full confidence in our processes. Unfounded allegations online do a disservice to a remarkable young talent.”
Reaction from fellow professionals has been mixed. Former world champion Raymond van Barneveld came to Littler’s defense on social media, posting: “Leave the kid alone. Jealousy is a disease. He’s a pure talent and the best thing to happen to darts in years.”
However, an unnamed veteran player told The Telegraph that “the pace and the positioning always pushes the limits. It creates an atmosphere. Maybe it’s gamesmanship, maybe it’s not, but it’s raised eyebrows in the locker room.”
A Meteoric Rise Under the Microscope
Analysts suggest Littler’s unprecedented success has made him a target. Sports psychologist Dr. Anya Sharma commented: “When an athlete disrupts the established order this dramatically, it creates cognitive dissonance. For some, it’s easier to attribute his success to an external factor like cheating rather than accept a complete rewriting of what’s possible for a teenager in the sport. The scrutiny is immense and frankly unfair.”
Littler, who has already secured multiple titles and a Premier League Darts spot in his debut year, insists he will not change his approach. “I’m not moving any slower or faster. I’m not standing anywhere different. I’m going to keep throwing my darts the way I always have,” he stated. “The people who matter – the referees, the PDC – they know I’m clean. The rest is just noise.”
The controversy highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny that now accompanies the Warwick-born teenager, as he navigates fame that has transcended the world of darts. For now, Littler’s message to his critics is clear: he intends to let his darts do the talking.