Former world champion Gerwyn Price insists that darts is no longer a “working man’s game,” claiming that the era of players rising through the ranks in traditional fashion is coming to an end.
Price believes the sport will soon be dominated by young talents who have been trained from an early age, much like 18-year-old sensation Luke “The Nuke” Littler.
Littler, a fan favorite for his composed demeanor on stage, captured attention this week for his “chill” reaction during a match. However, it wasn’t his strongest tournament, as he was eliminated from the Players Championship by a player whose two-year ban had just been overturned.
Price, who once worked as a professional rugby player before transitioning to darts, says we are unlikely to see more players emerge in the same way he and Rob Cross did—Cross famously won the world title at 27 while still working as an electrician.
Discussing the future of the sport after his 6-3 victory over Littler in the Premier League final on Thursday, the Welshman said:
“All the young kids, they just come in. You might get the odd one or two, but they’re going to be bred from such a young age now. I don’t think we’ll see anyone coming through the way I did. It’s going to be youngsters coming up from an early age.”
Price also believes Littler has the potential to surpass 16-time world champion Phil Taylor’s record, adding:
“There are three or four players that can beat him, but if not, he’ll win every tournament.”
It has now been nearly a year since Littler last managed to defeat Price in a match. When asked whether his on-stage presence plays a role in unsettling the young star, Price told SportsBoom:
“Ask him that. I’m not sure. But he’s a strong kid. He’s got a strong mind.”
