Luke Littler forced change in darts competition entry rules before becoming world champion
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Luke Littler forced the MODUS Super Series to drop their entry age from 18 to 16 so he could compete – and clinch two titles. The teenage sensation was stopped in his tracks during a world final clash with the current world No. 1 Luke Humphries just over 12 months ago but went one better this time around to claim his first Sid Waddell trophy.
However, Littler's journey to stardom had many stops along the way, including the Junior Darts Corportation, WDF and the Super Series, which started as an online competition during lockdown. Remarkably, the latter were so eager to have Littler on board in 2023 that they adjusted their regulations - and it paid dividends as The Nuke stormed to back-to-back titles, wowing those in attendance.
"Obviously, they changed the age limit, so that allowed me to play," Littler said when asked about the competition. "Massive. Won it back-to-back, which was always massive. But, even on a stage, with fans on a Saturday night, it really got me up for it.".
The Super Series, now hosting weekly tournaments in Portsmouth for players without PDC Tour Cards, plays out their Saturday showpieces in front of 150 spectators. Order your souvenir 48-page publication celebrating Luke Littler's historic World Championship win now. Buy now on our online shop!.
Littler's success on the circuit, where he won seasons three and four, led to CEO Chris Murphy confirming that the rule change was indeed tailored for him, reports the Express. "It did, yeah," Murphy acknowledged when questioned if Littler's rise prompted the adjustment in the age requirement. "It was 18. It had been 18 up until the time Littler played. We reduced it to 16 for him. We've had other players, 16 and 17, since then, too. But, yeah, we did decide to change the age for him.".
