Luke Littler: The Young Sensation Making His Mark
In the world of Premier League Darts, where legends like Michael van Gerwen reign supreme, 18-year-old Luke Littler has quickly become a household name. Despite suffering a narrow 6-5 defeat to van Gerwen in the first week of the Premier League, Littler’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He posted an astounding average of 113.91, the second-highest average in a defeat in Premier League history, just behind Phil Taylor’s 115.80 in 2015. This performance not only showcased Littler’s exceptional talent but also his ability to compete at the highest level.
Next Up: Rob Cross, A Tough Test
Littler’s next challenge is a formidable one: Rob Cross, a player who has just claimed victory in the first Players Championship of the season. Cross, known for his rapid rise to prominence, has a proven track record, having beaten Joe Cullen 6-3 in the final of the Players Championship. Although Cross defeated Littler in the earlier rounds of the same tournament, it’s worth noting that Littler has a significant edge in their head-to-head record. This meeting promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both players bringing their A-game.
A Dominant Head-to-Head Record
Luke Littler and Rob Cross have crossed paths 10 times, with the teenager holding a commanding 8-2 advantage. Their first meeting was a memorable one, as Littler, then just 16 years old, secured his place in the 2024 World Championship final. Five of their encounters took place during the Premier League last season, with Littler winning four of those, including two back-to-back final victories on nights 13 and 14. Cross’s most recent win came in the World Grand Prix finals in October 2024, but Littler quickly avenged that loss with a resounding 6-0 victory at the Players Championship Finals in November.
Luke Littler: A Rising Star with Major Wins
Luke Littler’s meteoric rise in the darts world is highlighted by his impressive list of PDC major wins. He currently boasts four PDC major titles and two PDC World Series finals wins. Littler has played in six PDC major finals, maintaining a solid 4-2 record. His victories include the 2024 Premier League, the 2024 World Series of Darts Finals, the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts, and the 2025 World Darts Championship. He has also come close to winning more, finishing as the runner-up in the 2024 World Darts Championship and the 2024 Players Championship Finals, both times losing to Luke Humphries. On the PDC World Series stage, Littler has four finals appearances, winning the 2023 Bahrain Darts Masters and the 2024 Poland Darts Masters, while falling short in the 2024 Dutch Darts Masters and the 2024 Australian Darts Masters.
Rob Cross: A Former World Champion with a Strong Legacy
Rob Cross’s journey in the darts world is a testament to his skill and determination. He made headlines by defeating the legendary Phil Taylor in the 2018 World Championship final, a mere year after turning professional. Cross has four major PDC wins to his name, including the 2019 World Matchplay and being a double European Champion in 2019 and 2021. While he has faced some setbacks, including losses in the 2022 Players Championship Finals and the 2023 Masters and Grand Slam of Darts, Cross remains a formidable opponent, currently ranked No. 4 in the world. His career earnings over the past two years amount to £569,250, and his net worth is estimated to be around £1.5 million, according to The Sun.
Financial Success and Future Prospects
Luke Littler’s financial success is a testament to his rapid rise to stardom. Over the past two years, he has earned an impressive £1.9 million, positioning him as one of the most lucrative darts players in the PDC Order of Merit. This financial success not only underscores his talent but also his marketability and appeal to fans and sponsors alike. As Littler continues to compete and excel, his earnings and net worth are expected to grow, further solidifying his place as a future legend of the sport. The upcoming clash with Rob Cross is a pivotal moment in his young career, and the world of darts will be watching closely to see how he performs.
