Luke Littler Eyeing a Side Hustle to Rival Stephen Bunting
Luke Littler, the young darts sensation whose recent achievements have lit up the dartboard world, is hinting at a new chapter in his career with the potential launch of a side hustle. The 18-year-old world champion has already made waves on social media, and now he’s considering taking the next step by starting his own YouTube channel. Littler revealed his plans during an interview on the Huw Ware podcast, where he discussed the plethora of content ideas he has in mind. "Yeah, I think it’s one for the future," Littler said. "Definitely one for the future but at the minute, it’s a case of just chilling out, seeing the year through. There’s loads of ideas for YouTublikee, ‘Day in the Life of Luke Littler’. Or just filming darts. Playing against fans on the Target Darts counter. There is a lot you can do."
Stephen Bunting’s YouTube Success
Stephen Bunting, who recently defeated Littler en route to winning the Bahrain Darts title in January, has already found success on YouTube. The 39-year-old has amassed over 65,000 subscribers, a significant achievement considering he started his channel fairly recently, with only four videos posted in the last month. Bunting’s platform offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at his life and training, which has resonated well with the darts community. Littler’s foray into YouTube could similarly provide an engaging and personal perspective, allowing fans to connect with him on a more intimate level. With his charismatic personality and recent successes, Littler has the potential to attract a large and dedicated following.
Reflecting on the Premier League and Matchplay
When asked about his goals for the upcoming year, Littler was clear about his ambitions. "Ideally, I want to retain the Premier League," he said. "The Matchplay didn’t go too well for me last year, so I’d like to win at least a game there and go deep into the tournament." Despite his record-breaking win at Ally Pally in January, Littler has had a few setbacks in recent competitions. He was eliminated early in both the Bahrain and Dutch Masters, and suffered a first-round defeat to Michael van Gerwen in the Premier League Darts in Belfast. The teenager also faced a tough loss in the first Players Championship event of the year, where he was knocked out 6-3 by Rob Cross. However, Littler remains optimistic and determined, recognizing that these experiences are part of the learning curve for a young player in the high-stakes world of professional darts.
Dealing with Nervousness on the World Stage
Littler’s journey to the top has not been without its challenges, particularly when it comes to playing on the world stage. During the world championships, he appeared visibly emotional after the first round, a moment that many young athletes might find daunting. When asked about his preparation and how he handles such pressure, Littler shared an insightful approach. "There’s been a few times where I felt nervous, but I just think to myself, just enjoy it and you won’t get nervous," he said. "But I’m pretty sure I was born with no nerves. And when you’re playing, you get the first leg, the first two legs, and you settle in even if the opponent comes back at you, you know, you’ve got the game to come back." This mentality reflects Littler’s resilience and his ability to stay focused and composed under pressure, qualities that have already helped him achieve remarkable success at a young age.
The Evolution of a Young Talent
Despite his early setbacks, Littler’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. His win at Ally Pally, where he set a new record, marked a significant milestone in his career and has positioned him as one of the most exciting young talents in the sport. Littler’s journey from a local darts player to a world champion is an inspiring story of dedication and hard work. However, the transition to the professional circuit has not been easy. The high expectations and intense competition have tested his mental and physical capabilities. Yet, Littler remains unfazed, using each challenge as an opportunity to grow and improve. His future plans, including the potential YouTube channel, show his willingness to explore new avenues and connect with his fans in innovative ways.
A Look Back at Darts World Champions
To put Littler’s recent success into perspective, it’s worth taking a look at the list of all-time darts world champions. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era has seen some legendary names dominate the sport, with Phil Taylor leading the pack with an astounding 14 world titles. Other notable champions include Michael van Gerwen with 3 titles, and John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, and Peter Wright, each with 2 titles. Littler’s name is now part of this prestigious list, having won his first world title in 2025. This achievement marks him as a new generation of darts players who are pushing the boundaries of the sport and setting new standards. As he continues to evolve and adapt, the future of darts looks bright with talents like Littler leading the charge.
