God. Nothing quite prepares you for what it's like watching thousands of drunk dart fans screaming your name. I was scrolling through my socials last night when I stumbled on Luke Littler's latest Instagram post from Norwich, and it hit me just how bizarre this kid's life has become at just 18.
The "Nuke" (still can't believe that nickname stuck) shared some pretty wild footage from his exhibition match in Norwich where he was playing alongside absolute legends like Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor. Talk about keeping elite company before you're even old enough to legally buy a pint in America.
What 10,000 Screaming Dart Fans Sounds Like
The video Littler posted is honestly jarring. Epic Studios in Norwich was absolutely heaving - wall-to-wall fans belting out his walk-on song like their lives depended on it. I've been to rock concerts quieter than this. The teenager captured teh moment on his phone, posting it with the understated caption: "Last session in Norwich yesterday afternoon. Some fans."
Some fans? That's like saying the ocean has "some water."
I remember back in 2018 when I first covered a PDC event. The atmosphere was electric even then, but nothing compared to the Littler mania we're seeing now. My editor bet me £50 that darts would never attract the kind of mainstream attention that snooker was getting. Poor guy. I should probably remind him he still owes me that money.
When Fame Shows Its Ugly Side
But here's where the story takes a nasty turn.
While Littler was inside entertaining thousands, some absolute lowlife decided to smash the back window of his van. The teenager later shared a photo of the damage on his Instagram story with the caption: "Just trying to do an exhibition in Norwich and this happens absolute scum of the earth."
I feel for the kid. Imagine being 18, at the absolute top of your game, and having to deal with this kind of nonsense. One minute you're being treated like royalty, and the next you're standing in a parking lot looking at your vandalized vehicle.
£275,000 on the Line (No Pressure, Kid)
Despite the Norwich drama, Littler's professional momentum hasn't slowed. He's already locked up the top spot in the Premier League Darts table heading into finals night at London's O2 Arena. Not bad for someone who probably still gets ID'd buying energy drinks.
Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price have also secured their semi-final spots, while the fourth position will be decided this week between Nathan Aspinall and Michael van Gerwen. The stakes? A cool £275,000 for the champion.
Littler's already got one Premier League title under his belt after beating Humphries 11-7 in last year's final. I watched that match with my dad who kept saying, "When I was his age, I couldn't even organize my sock drawer." Same, Dad. Same.
The Weird Reality of Teenage Stardom
There's something fascinating and slightly uncomfortable about watching someone navigate fame before they've even fully grown up. One day you're a normal teenager playing darts in your bedroom, and suddenly you're filming thousands of people singing your name.
And then dealing with vandals targeting your vehicle.
Littler's next appearance comes Thursday in Sheffield for the penultimate Premier League week. I'm planning to be there... assuming my car window remains intact, unlike some people's I could mention.
The contrast between the adoration inside the venue and the mindless destruction outside feels like the perfect metaphor for fame in 2025. Glorious and brutal in equal measure.
Listen. Whatever happens next week in Sheffield and then at the O2, this kid has already accomplished more at 18 than most of us manage in a lifetime. Though I still think he should invest in better vehicle security.
Or maybe just a really good car insurance policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Wait, so how exactly do you score in darts? I always get confused.
Dart scoring is straightforward once you get the hang of it! The standard game (501 or 301) starts with that number, and you subtract whatever you hit with each throw. The goal is to reach exactly zero, with your final dart landing in a double.
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.
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.
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.
Statistics
- 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.
- Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
- A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
- The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
- Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
- Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
- In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
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.
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