Luke Littler's 'Littlermania' Sparks Record-Breaking 2025/26 World Darts Championship

As the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship commenced on December 11 at London's Alexandra Palace, the spotlight shines brightly on reigning champion Luke Littler. At just 18, Littler's meteoric rise has not only captivated fans but also propelled the sport into unprecedented popularity and commercial success.

This year's tournament marks the 33rd edition of the prestigious event organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Notably, the championship has expanded to feature a record-breaking 128-player field, with all participants entering at the first-round stage. The total prize fund has been significantly increased to £5 million, with the winner set to receive £1 million, underscoring the event's growing prominence.

Luke Littler, born on January 21, 2007, in Warrington, England, has rapidly ascended the ranks of professional darts. Nicknamed "The Nuke," Littler began playing darts at a young age and achieved significant milestones early in his career. In 2024, at just 16, he reached the final of the PDC World Darts Championship, ultimately finishing as runner-up. The following year, he clinched the title, defeating three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final, becoming the youngest world darts champion at 17 years and 347 days old. His victory earned him £500,000 and propelled him to the number one spot on the PDC Order of Merit.

Littler's playing style is characterized by heavy scoring and efficiency in finishing, often utilizing the double 10 segment. He has been noted for his quick pace and composure under pressure, attributes that have contributed to his rapid rise in the sport.

The phenomenon dubbed "Littlermania" has had a profound impact on the popularity of darts, particularly among younger audiences. Littler's achievements have been credited with a surge in interest in the sport, leading to a doubling of junior darts academies worldwide and a significant boost in media coverage. Littler's marketability has also translated into substantial financial gains, with over £1 million in prize winnings in 2024 alone.

The 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship features a single-elimination format, with all 128 players starting from the first round. Matches are played in sets, with the number of sets required to win increasing in the later rounds. The tournament spans several weeks, culminating in the final on January 3, 2026. This scheduling aligns with the festive season, contributing to the event's status as a highlight of the sports calendar during this period.

The substantial increase in the prize fund to £5 million, with the winner's share doubling to £1 million, underscores the growing commercial appeal of darts. This financial boost is indicative of increased sponsorship, broadcasting rights, and global viewership. The PDC's investment in expanding the tournament and increasing prize money reflects confidence in the sport's continued growth and its ability to attract a diverse and expanding audience.

The expansion to a 128-player field and the increased prize fund set new records for the World Darts Championship. These developments highlight the sport's evolution from a niche pastime to a mainstream competitive event with significant financial and cultural impact. Littler's return as the defending champion adds a compelling narrative, as he aims to build on his historic achievement from the previous year.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Littler to see if he can defend his title and further solidify his place in darts history. His journey continues to inspire a new generation of players and fans, signaling a bright future for the sport.