Darts chiefs reckon the sport can now rule the world thanks to 16-year-old Luke Littler

Matthew Porter, CEO of Professional Darts Corporation, believes 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler can bring darts into the mainstream.

Darts bosses believe everyone can play darts, so the sport could take over the world thanks to teenager Luke Little.
World Darts organizers are following the story of 16-year-old Luke’s tournament to highlight the sport’s global growth in markets such as South East Asia. The Kebab Boy took home £200,000 after coming in second place. He says anyone can emulate their superstar with practice and focus. Matthew Porter, CEO of Professional Darts Corporation, said Luke’s performance was a “transformational” moment. “Dart is something that people can relate to and Luke is a very relatable character,” he said. “You don’t watch a Premier League game and think, ‘Oh, I can do that too.’

Porter, 43, said Luke’s run in the finals helped broaden the fan demographic and attract new, younger fans. Around five million people in the UK watched Wednesday night’s final, in which Littler lost to world number one Luke Humphreys. It was also broadcast live in several countries where darts are popular, including Germany, the Netherlands and Australia. Porter’s company plans to use Luke’s success to raise the international profile of Darts, which has reached saturation point in the UK’s mainstream market.