Luke Littler on track to rival Anthony Joshua’s superstardom as Eddie Hearn hails darts champ’s ‘meteoric rise’
Luke Littler’s Meteoric Rise Puts Him on Track to Rival Anthony Joshua’s Superstardom
Luke Littler is fast becoming one of Britain’s biggest sporting icons, with his meteoric rise in darts drawing comparisons to Anthony Joshua’s ascent in boxing.
The 17-year-old sensation first made headlines as a 16-year-old outsider at the PDC World Championship, where he shocked the world by reaching the final. Though he fell short against Luke Humphries, just a year later, Littler made history by becoming the sport’s youngest world champion.
Eddie Hearn: “Littler Is the Most Recognisable Face in UK Sport”
Eddie Hearn, who played a key role in Joshua’s journey to the top, is also the chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)—putting him in the unique position of working with two of Britain’s biggest sports stars.
Speaking to SunSport, Hearn hailed Littler’s incredible rise:
“I think right now, Luke Littler is probably the most instantly recognisable face in sport in the UK. I mean, there isn’t anyone that doesn’t know who he is or what he’s doing.”
“He won again in the Premier League in Brighton, and he’s just going from strength to strength. He’s performing under immense pressure and keeping his composure. It’s incredible to watch.”
Littler’s Record-Breaking Year
Littler has been unstoppable since bursting onto the scene. After his sensational debut at the World Championship, he’s gone on to dominate the PDC circuit, winning multiple events—including the Premier League title, where he defeated world champion Luke Humphries at the O2 Arena in May.
He also finished his first season in the World Series as the No.1 ranked player, cementing his status as darts’ new megastar.
His success extends beyond the oche, too. Littler has:
✅ Made Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list (alongside Jude Bellingham)
✅ Turned down an invite from WWE
✅ Launched a fitness empire
✅ Become the face of a new cereal brand
✅ Built a lucrative Instagram side hustle
However, the teenage darts prodigy also made headlines for splitting from his girlfriend Eloise Milburn after a 10-month relationship—a sign that the pressures of fame are already creeping in.
Hearn Warns Littler About the Rollercoaster of Fame
At 35, Joshua has experienced the highs and lows of fame—becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion while also facing public scrutiny. Hearn believes Littler will soon have to navigate the same challenges.
“I’m sure there’s going to be a time when Luke Littler isn’t liked as much as he is now,” Hearn admitted. “That just comes with success. It’s the rollercoaster of fame.”
“But he’s got a level head and a great support team, and the PDC is doing a great job of preparing him for what’s ahead.”
From breaking records on the oche to building a brand outside of darts, Littler is proving he’s not just a rising sports star—he’s a future global icon.
