In a bombshell development that has rocked the world of professional darts, four top players have submitted a formal petition to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), accusing teenage sensation Luke Littler of gaining an unfair advantage through alleged “cheating.”
The petition, confirmed by PDC officials to have been received, is spearheaded by former World Master Stephen Bunting and world number two Luke Humphries, alongside two other stars whose names have not yet been officially disclosed. Sources close to the situation suggest the allegations are not related to match-fixing or dart-tampering, but instead centre on the use of an unauthorised substance on his darts flights.
The specific claim, as detailed in the document, is that Littler has been applying a microscopic, resin-based coating to his flights—the fins at the back of a dart—to allegedly reduce air resistance and increase stability mid-flight. Such a modification, if proven and not pre-approved, would constitute a violation of PDC Rule 5.7, governing “unauthorised equipment modifications.”
“This isn’t about sour grapes,” a source close to one of the petitioning players stated. “This is about the integrity of equipment. If there’s a tech advantage that isn’t available to all, it undermines every result. The feeling is that the governing body needs to scrutinise this immediately.”
Luke Humphries, who has faced Littler in multiple high-profile finals this year, including the World Championship, declined to comment directly but released a brief statement through his management: “I have always competed with fairness as my core principle. I fully support the PDC’s processes and trust they will investigate any matter pertaining to the sport’s integrity thoroughly.”
Stephen Bunting was similarly reserved, telling reporters, “The petition speaks for itself. It’s in the hands of the PDC now.”
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the sport. Luke Littler, 17, has taken the darts world by storm since his historic run to the World Championship final, becoming a global phenomenon. His management team issued a fierce rebuttal.
“This is a categorically false and defamatory accusation born out of desperation and envy,” said a spokesperson for Team Littler. “Luke’s talent is natural and immense. His equipment has always passed every inspection. We welcome the PDC’s full and transparent investigation, which we are confident will clear his name. We are also considering our legal options regarding the serious implications of the word ‘cheating’.”
The PDC has confirmed an investigation is underway. “We can confirm receipt of a formal petition from multiple players regarding equipment compliance,” a PDC statement read. “The PDC maintains strict equipment regulations, and all player gear is subject to spot checks. A thorough investigation into these specific allegations is now ongoing. No further comment will be made until it is concluded.”
The darts community is divided. Some fans and pundits have expressed scepticism, calling it a tactical move to unsettle the sport’s new kingpin. Others argue that in a sport where margins are measured in millimetres, any potential equipment advantage must be policed ruthlessly.
As the PDC’s technical committee begins its examination, the spotlight now falls not only on Littler’s darts but on the high-stakes pressure cooker of professional sport, where extraordinary success can often attract extraordinary scrutiny. The outcome could have significant implications for Littler’s recent results and the atmosphere within the dressing room.