Teenage Darts Sensation Emerges—And It’s Not Luke Littler
Luke Littler may be the reigning world champion, but his dominance could soon be challenged by another teenage prodigy. ‘The Nuke’ took the darts world by storm when he made his Ally Pally debut at just 17 in December 2023, blazing a trail to the final before falling to Luke Humphries.
Since then, Littler has only solidified his status, claiming the Premier League Darts title on his debut and, this January, securing his first world championship by defeating Michael van Gerwen. His rapid ascent has captivated fans, though those familiar with the PDC Development Tour already knew of his extraordinary talent.
However, another young star is now making waves through the same ranks. Nineteen-year-old Charlie Manby recently delivered a jaw-dropping 130.70 average in a PDC Development Tour match—shattering records in the process.
His opponent, Patrick Williams, could do little to stop the onslaught as Manby stormed to a 4-0 victory. He opened with a 180 and took the first leg in 13 darts—his slowest effort of the match. What followed was even more remarkable: a 10-dart leg, then two consecutive 12-dart finishes.
Manby’s staggering one-match average is the highest ever recorded in the 15-year history of the Development Tour, surpassing Littler’s previous best of 115.22. The closest anyone had come before was 120.24, a mark achieved by Bradley Brooks, Gert Nentjes, and Owen Bates—putting Littler’s record only seventh on the all-time list.
Of course, Littler is no stranger to setting records himself. During his opening match at the latest World Championship, he stunned audiences with a set average of 140.91 against Ryan Meikle—the highest ever in tournament history. Overcome with emotion, he broke down in tears after the victory.
At this rate, though, he may soon have company on the big stage. Manby, already a tour title winner, currently sits sixth in the PDC Development Tour rankings. With nearly £12,000 in career prize money to his name—and plenty more on the horizon if his form continues—his rise could be just beginning.
