Eric Bristow, the five-time world champion and darts’ original “Crafty Cockney,” has ignited a firestorm with a provocative prediction about Luke Littler’s long-term career. In a no-holds-barred interview on the Darts Daily Podcast, the 67-year-old legend—known for his brash style and 1980s dominance—claimed the 18-year-old prodigy, fresh off a Hungarian Darts Trophy semi-final run, might walk away from the oche as early as age 25. “This may sound weird, but I reckon he’ll quit soon—by 25, tops,” Bristow said, citing burnout risks and the “soul-crushing” grind of the PDC circuit. The bold assertion, coming amid Littler’s meteoric rise (world champion, Triple Crown holder, £1.5 million+ in 2025 earnings), has divided fans and pros, with Phil Taylor dismissing it as “rubbish” while praising Littler’s “Power-like” potential.
Bristow’s Huge Claim: Burnout and a Short Career Arc
Bristow, who won worlds from 1980-1986 before fading amid personal struggles, didn’t mince words on Littler’s trajectory. “The kid’s a freak—youngest world champ ever, averaging 105 like it’s nothing. But this game’s a meat grinder,” he warned. “Tour every week, endorsements piling up, pressure to defend… He’ll burn out. Mark my words: By 25, he’ll have a few Slams—sorry, worlds—and a fat bank account, then poof, gone. Golf or gaming full-time.”
The “weird” angle? Bristow compared Littler to a “spoiled prodigy,” drawing from his own era’s lack of structure versus today’s machine. “We played for beer and glory; now it’s corporate. Luke’s got the talent, but not the stomach for 20 years of this. He’s already talking Xbox deals— that’s his escape hatch.” Bristow, who battled addiction post-retirement, urged Littler to “pace himself,” but his prediction paints a dystopian future: A decorated exit, perhaps after 3-4 more world titles, leaving darts without its golden boy.
Littler’s camp fired back swiftly. Manager Martin Adamson told Sky Sports: “Eric’s entitled to his view, but Luke’s in it for the long haul. He’s 18—plenty of darts left.” Littler himself, posting on Instagram after the Hungarian semis (7-4 loss to Danny Noppert), quipped: “Weird indeed—I’ll see you at 30, Eric! 🎯” The exchange trended on X, with #LittlerQuits amassing 200k posts, split between “Bristow’s spot on—protect the kid” and “Delusional—Nuke’s eternal.”
The Context: Littler’s Relentless 2025 and Warning Signs
Littler’s year has been a whirlwind: World Championship win (7-3 over van Gerwen), Premier League title (11-7 vs. Humphries), World Matchplay (18-13 vs. Wade), UK Open, and three European Tour crowns (Germany, Austria, Hungary semis). But cracks show: The Budapest doubles woes (11 misses vs. Noppert), a Players Championship dip (early exit to Joe Cullen), and off-ocher noise—driving test saga, romance scrutiny with Eloise Milburn. Bristow pointed to these as “red flags,” echoing Taylor’s recent “frightened” warning but flipping it to pessimism.
Pros weigh in: Van Gerwen laughed it off—”Luke’s built different; he’ll bury my record”—while Aspinall, trailing Littler by £15k in the Order of Merit, added: “Burnout? Nah, he’s the future.” Bristow’s history adds edge: His own career peaked early, marred by a 1987 walkout and 1990s decline, making his take a cautionary tale from darts’ wild west.
Why It Resonates: Darts’ Evolving Pressures
Bristow’s claim taps into broader concerns: The PDC’s £25 million 2026 prize boom (Worlds to £5m) amps expectations, while social media amplifies every miss. Littler’s “retirement tease” Xbox stunt post-Hungary fueled speculation, but insiders say it’s hype for EA FC 26. At 18, with a Mercedes dream and McDonald’s deal, Littler’s life is golden—yet Bristow’s “weird” prophecy warns of the cost.
As the Swiss Darts Trophy (Sept 26-28) beckons, Littler leads the field. Quit by 25? Unlikely. But Bristow’s words linger: In darts’ high-wire act, even phenoms fall if they fly too close.
