Nathan Aspinall just dropped a bombshell that honestly makes perfect sense when you think about it.
The World No. 2 reckons Luke "The Nuke" Littler will walk away from professional darts within five years to become a full-time social media star. And after watching this kid's meteoric rise since becoming the youngest world champion at 17 back in January, I'm starting to think Aspinall might be onto something here.
Audio Summary of the Article
The Writing's Already on teh Wall
Listen. When you're 18 years old and already complaining about the travel schedule after just 12 months on tour, that tells you everything you need to know about someone's long-term commitment to the sport.
"He's already getting fed up with playing and travelling all the time," Aspinall told talkSPORT, and honestly? Fair enough. The kid's been living out of suitcases since he was basically still in school.
Aspinall continued: "I don't think he'll be around for 16 years, let alone winning 16 world titles. If he does, fair play to him. But I can't see it."
That's a pretty bold statement considering everyone's been comparing Littler to Phil Taylor and predicting he'll smash every record in the book. But maybe we've been looking at this all wrong.
Follow the Money (And the Followers)
Here's where things get interesting. Littler's already sitting on 1.9 million Instagram followers. That's nearly DOUBLE what Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price have combined. Combined!
The Warrington wonderkid has been making regular appearances on YouTube with Angryginge (and nearly lost to him in a game, which would've been hilarious). He's clearly comfortable in front of cameras, naturally charismatic, and already building that online empire.
Why grind it out on the oche for decades when you could be making serious YouTube money from your bedroom?
Smart Kid, Smarter Business Move?
Look, I get it. Darts purists will hate this take.
But think about it from Littler's perspective. He's already achieved what most players dream of their entire careers. World champion at 17. Just set a new Premier League points record last Thursday. Seven-figure social media following. Bank account to match.
The pressure to chase down Taylor's 16 world championships must be absolutely crushing. And for what? To spend the next two decades living in hotels and dealing with the constant scrutiny that comes with being the sport's golden boy?
Meanwhile, content creators are making millions from their living rooms.
Thursday's Semi Could Be a Preview
Littler faces Price in a best-of-19 legs semi-final at the O2 on Thursday, with either Humphries or Aspinall waiting in the final. It's another chance to add to his already impressive prize money haul.
But honestly? Part of me wonders if we're watching the beginning of the end rather than the start of a legendary career.
Maybe Aspinall knows something the rest of us don't. Maybe he's seen the look in Littler's eyes during those long tournament weeks. The kid's been in the spotlight for over a year now, and if he's already showing signs of burnout...
Well, YouTube's always hiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 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 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 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.
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
- The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.
- 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 World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
- The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
- The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
- In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
- Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
External Links
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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!
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