The Nuke Does It Again: Littler Smashes His Own 180s Record in Premier League Darts

By Lewis Barnett 2 May, 2025 4 mins read 49 Views

God. I was literally mid-sip of my lukewarm coffee when I saw it happen. That moment when an 18-year-old kid - who wasn't even legally allowed in most venues last year - just casually broke his OWN record on Night 13 in Birmingham.

Luke Littler, the teenage sensation who's making the rest of us feel like underachievers, just hit his 129th 180 of the Premier League season during his quarter-final against Stephen Bunting. Let that sink in for a second.

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Breaking Records Like They're Nothing

The previous record? 128 maximums. Set by... himself. Last season. And he's already smashed it with four nights still to go, including the big finale at London's O2.

I watched teh replay three times just to make sure I wasn't seeing things. This kid is rewriting the darts history books faster than I can keep up with my notes.

That Nail-Biter Against Bunting

His quarter-final against Bunting was proper edge-of-your-seat stuff. Went all the way to a deciding leg with Littler eventually scraping through 6-5.

Remember when we thought young players needed years to develop mental toughness? Yeah, throw that theory out the window.

What The Bullet Said (Before Getting Shot Down)

Before their match, Bunting had some interesting comments about facing the teenage phenom. "I don't want to wind him up too much because I've got him in that first game!" he said, probably knowing exactly what was coming his way.

Smart man.

Bunting went on to praise Littler's impact: "He's such a fantastic player, he's brought a new breath of fresh air to darts. You can see it now with the demographic of the fans that are following our sport."

I was at a local tournament back in February and the change is obvious. Three years ago, the average age was somewhere north of 45. Now? Kids everywhere. Teenagers asking for autographs. Families making it a day out.

The Littler Effect Is Absolutely Bonkers

Bunting shared this story that honestly blew me away. "I did a Bullseye Maths session the other day and the teacher at the start of the session asked how many people had picked up darts, and this was a group between 8 and 9, and everyone apart from one person had picked up darts."

One kid. ONE KID in an entire class hadn't tried darts. When I was that age in 2003, we were all obsessed with PlayStation 2 and nobody I knew played darts except when forced to at family gatherings.

This is what a genuine cultural shift looks like, happening right in front of us.

Where Does He Go From Here?

After dispatching Bunting, Littler moved on to face Nathan Aspinall in the semis. I've watched Aspinall's game evolve over the past 18 months, adn even with his improvements, you just get the feeling Littler has his number.

The scary part? Littler is still improving. Still finding new gears. Still breaking records that he himself set.

I spent $120 on tickets to see the Premier League night in Manchester earlier this season. Best money I've spent all year. The atmosphere when Littler walks out is like nothing else in darts - part rock concert, part sporting event, part witnessing history.

We're watching something special unfold. Like watching the early days of Taylor, but with TikTok and instant fame thrown into the mix.

The kid is just getting started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I practice darts effectively if I'm playing alone?

Solo practice doesn't have to be boring—in fact, it's often more productive than casual games with friends. The key is having structured practice routines that target specific skills rather than just throwing randomly at the board.

Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?

Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.

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.

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.

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'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.

Statistics

The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
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.
Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.

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Final Thoughts From a Passionate Amateur

As I'm writing this in late 2023, I'm still working on improving my own game. My current challenge is mastering the triple 19 as an alternative to the triple 20 when one gets blocked by previous darts. It's like trying to teach an old dog new tricks—my muscle memory fights me every step of the way!