Luke Littler might walk away from darts before he's 23 – former No1 sounds the burnout alarm

By Lewis Barnett 7 May, 2025 5 mins read 37 Views

I watched Littler's rise with my jaw on the floor. Kid's barely old enough to buy a pint, and he's already got the darts world wrapped around his finger. But here's the thing nobody's talking about – he might not stick around long enough for us to see his prime.

That's not me being dramatic. That's the warning from someone who's actually been there.

Listen to the Content

When a former champion speaks, maybe listen?

Linda Duffy – remember her? She absolutely dominated women's darts back in the 80s. From '82 to '87, nobody could touch her. And unlike most retired athletes who disappear into obscurity or awkward commentary gigs, Duffy went and became a chartered psychologist. Talk about a career pivot!

She's looking at Littler's situation with both perspectives, and what she sees has her worried.

"It's absolutely crucial he receives proper support. Otherwise there's a risk he'll walk away from the game within five years because he's completely burned out," Duffy told Tungsten Tales.

Five years. That's it.

The pressure cooker of instant fame

I was at the Premier League finals back in May. The crowd around Littler was... intense. Like, couldn't-move-without-someone-shoving-a-phone-in-his-face intense. And this kid is EIGHTEEN. When I was 18, I could barely handle my first job interview without having a meltdown in my car afterward.

Littler's gone from playing in his bedroom to becoming teh most recognizable face in darts practically overnight. World Championship runner-up, then Premier League champion a few months later. Sponsorships. Media. Expectations.

God. It's exhausting just typing all that out.

Why today's young stars face different demons

Duffy points out something I hadn't considered. "Years ago players were older, had more life experience and were more able to cope with the pressures," she explained. "They maybe had some more stability behind them, already had their family, a house, that type of thing."

Back in 2018, I interviewed a former sports psychologist who worked with young tennis players. His take: "These kids haven't developed the emotional toolkit to process fame. It's like handing someone keys to a Ferrari before they've learned to drive."

Littler hasn't even had time to figure out who he is as a person, let alone as a professional athlete with the weight of expectations crushing down.

The invisible monster: burnout

"There needs to be far more attention paid to psychological support. Burnout is a clear sign of stress and anxiety," Duffy warned. "The pressure can become overwhelming. Players are expected to perform at their very best every single time but that's just not realistic."

I've seen burnout up close with other athletes. It's not pretty. One day they're on top of the world, the next they're staring at their equipment wondering why they ever loved the sport in the first place.

Thankfully, Duffy did spot one positive: "Fortunately he has a good manager who understands the importance of giving him time to rest."

What happens when the novelty wears off?

Here's what keeps me up at night (well, this and my neighbor's terrible taste in 3am music choices). What happens when Littler isn't the shiny new thing anymore? When the narrative shifts from "teenage prodigy" to "established player who should be winning everything"?

I spent $400 on tickets and travel to watch him play in London last month. The crowd's energy was electric. But crowds are fickle... I've witnessed how quickly adoration can turn to criticism.

The kid can clearly handle the oche pressure. But can he handle everything else that comes with being Luke Littler for the next decade?

Let's hope Duffy's warning doesn't become prophecy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

What weight darts should beginners use?

For beginners, I generally recommend starting with medium-weight darts between 21-24 grams. This range offers enough heft to fly straight without requiring too much force, but isn't so heavy that it becomes tiring during longer practice sessions.

What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?

The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.

What are "flights" and "stems" and do they really matter?

Flights and stems (also called shafts) are the components that stabilize your dart during flight, and yes, they absolutely matter—though perhaps not in the way beginners often think.

How often should I replace my dartboard?

A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.

Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?

The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.

Statistics

A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.

External Links

How To

Mastering Your Grip & Stance

There's no single "correct" way to hold a dart, but there are definitely wrong ways. Most players use 3 fingers (thumb, index, middle) with the dart resting primarily on the middle finger. Some pros use 4 or even 5 fingers, but I'd suggest starting with 3.