“For a long time I was the hunter – now I’m the one everyone’s trying to beat”: Luke Littler settles into life as world number one
Luke Littler says he is finally adapting to life as the world’s top-ranked darts player, admitting the shift from underdog to frontrunner has changed the way he approaches every match.
The 18-year-old sensation, who has taken the sport to unprecedented levels of global attention, revealed that becoming World No.1 has brought a new kind of pressure — but also a new level of motivation.
From Chaser to Target
Speaking ahead of his latest tournament outing, Littler reflected on how quickly the narrative around him has changed:
“For a long time I was the hunter. I was the one chasing the top guys.
But now I’m the one everyone’s trying to beat — and I have to be ready for that every single night.”
Littler spent his breakthrough years hunting down established names, but now finds himself in the position once held by greats like Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries.
Every opponent is raising their game in hopes of claiming the scalp of the world’s best, and he knows it.
Handling the Pressure of Number One
Littler admits that the ranking comes with expectations, intensity, and scrutiny that didn’t exist before — yet he insists he’s enjoying the challenge.
“People expect me to be the best every time,” he said. “That means I have to keep improving, keep practicing, and keep proving why I’m number one.”
Those close to him say he has become more focused, more disciplined, and more aware of the psychological side of competitive darts. His walk-ons, demeanor, and on-stage body language now reflect a player who knows he’s the standard others measure themselves against.
Growing Into a Leadership Role on the Tour
Despite his age, Littler is increasingly seen as a leader of the new generation, inspiring young players across the world and pushing the sport further into the mainstream.
His presence at tournaments generates bigger crowds, louder atmospheres, and more global attention than the PDC has ever seen from someone so young.
Still Hungry for More
Even with the number one ranking, Littler has made it clear he’s not satisfied:
“Being world number one is special, but staying number one is even harder.
I want big titles, I want long runs — I want to make this count.”
With more majors ahead and the pressure of the top spot on his shoulders, Littler is stepping into a new chapter of his career — one where he’s no longer chasing the giants of the game,
but standing alongside them as the man to beat.
