Littler targets second consecutive BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year crown 7 hours ago HamHigh Luke Littler bidding to emulate Phil Taylor with back-to-back title
Luke Littler is aiming to cap off another extraordinary year by retaining his BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year title, as the teenage darts prodigy continues to rewrite the sport’s history both on and off the oche.
The 18-year-old made headlines in 2024 when he became the first darts player ever to win the prestigious BBC award. Now, just 12 months later, he is bidding to do something only a handful of young athletes have achieved — claim the honour in back-to-back years.
Driving for More History
Littler’s rise from rising talent to global star has been nothing short of spectacular. His breakthrough World Championship win, followed by a string of major titles and record-breaking performances, saw him dominate the sporting conversation throughout 2025.
With his profile exploding across mainstream media and his matches drawing some of the highest TV figures in darts history, the teenager has become one of Britain’s most influential young athletes.
Retaining the BBC Young Sports Personality crown would mark yet another high point in his meteoric journey.
Following in Phil Taylor’s Footsteps
While the BBC honour is outside the PDC circuit, Littler’s pursuit of consecutive awards mirrors his ambitions within the sport.
The teenage star has repeatedly spoken about wanting to emulate Phil Taylor, the 16-time world champion and the sport’s most decorated figure. Taylor, known for his long periods of dominance, is the model of consistency Littler hopes to follow — and the HamHigh report highlights the teenager’s belief that he can build his own era.
Winning the Young Sports Personality award for the second year running would further cement his growing legacy and underline his standing as darts’ biggest modern icon.
A Front-Runner Once Again
Littler heads another strong shortlist for this year’s award, but his achievements both statistically and culturally give him a commanding position.
His influence stretches beyond pure results. From sold-out arenas to viral walk-ons, record youth participation levels and soaring PDC viewership, Littler has done something rarely seen in sport — spark a generational shift.
BBC editors have described him as one of the most transformative young British athletes in years.
Focus Remains on the Oche
Despite the spotlight and the accolades, Littler insists his primary focus is on defending his World Championship title at Alexandra Palace later this month.
But the possibility of collecting a second successive BBC honour adds another layer to what could become one of the defining months in his early career.
If he succeeds, Littler will join a very select group of athletes who have managed to retain the Young Sports Personality of the Year crown — and take another huge step toward the legendary status he craves
