‘Alien’ Luke Littler a ‘generational talent’ and only two men can beat him at World Championships, says practice partner
Luke Littler has been described as an “alien or a unicorn” — a once-in-a-generation phenomenon — with only two players capable of stopping him from retaining his World Darts Championship crown, according to practice partner Haupai Puha.
The 18-year-old returns to Alexandra Palace as the defending champion and new world No.1, having leapfrogged Luke Humphries in the rankings. Already the favourite to kick off 2026 with another world title, Littler begins his campaign on Thursday against Darius Labanauskas.
Puha, who regularly practises with the teenager, believes the Warrington superstar is on track to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for a second time — but says there are only two realistic threats.
“He’s just an alien or a unicorn — a generational talent,” said Puha, 40. “I practise with him and it’s crazy. He’s the one guy on the Pro Tour who doesn’t look like he’s even trying. Everyone else is grinding away and he’s backstage on his phone… then he goes up there and does what he does.
“If he gets bored up there, he’s going to run riot.
“I don’t see many people beating him. Probably only two or three could do it — maybe Humphries or Gerwyn Price if Gezzy turns up. But it’s likely just those two.”
Littler could meet ninth seed Price in the quarter-finals and Humphries in a potential final, mirroring the same route he took two years ago.
Puha, currently world No.97, also backed another rising English star to shine.
“Beau Greaves is very good and she’ll have the crowd behind her. I don’t know if that helps her or not, but it definitely doesn’t help the opponent. If she gets past Daryl Gurney in the first round, she can go deep.”
He also warned of potential early drama: “Maybe Richie Edhouse might be a shock first-round exit because he’s playing the other Kiwi, Jonny Tata!”
Puha’s Own Ally Pally Test
The New Zealander, who quit his job as a roofer two-and-a-half years ago to pursue darts professionally, is preparing for his third World Championship appearance.
He faces Niels Zonneveld in the opening round and could meet 2023 champion Michael Smith if he progresses.
“I don’t tend to look too far ahead in the draw — I’m at the bottom of the rankings,” Puha admitted. “But I’ve been practising well and I beat Niels the last time we played, so I’m confident.
“My first World Championship was during Covid with no crowd — really tough. The last time I played, against Martin Lukeman, the crowd was unreal. I even caught myself turning around to watch them mid-game.
“The acoustics make it unbelievably loud. Not the biggest crowd, but easily the loudest.”
Puha says UK fans create an atmosphere unlike anything back home.
“I feel like supporters here are much more passionate than in New Zealand. I’ve been to rugby games where I couldn’t hear the person next to me. The supporters here are second to none.”
