Luke Littler Responds to Critics After Early Exit in Players Championship
Luke Littler, the youngest-ever darts world champion, has seemingly hit back at critics following his third-round exit at the opening Players Championship event. The 18-year-old darts sensation was defeated 6-3 by Joe Cullen in a behind-closed-doors tournament in Wigan. Despite his early exit, Littler’s performance showed glimpses of his potential, though his struggles with doubles were evident as he missed 15 attempts and finished with an average of just 87.8.
Littler, who made history last month by becoming the youngest world champion in darts history, has yet to reach a tournament final since his groundbreaking victory. His recent results, including quarter-finals appearances at the Bahrain Darts Masters, Dutch Darts Masters, and Winmau World Masters, show that he is still finding his footing in the competitive world of professional darts. While his progress has been steady, the pressure of living up to his historic achievement seems to be weighing on him, both on and off the oche.
A Fiery Response on Social Media
After his loss to Cullen, Littler appeared to address his critics directly through a Facebook account named "Luke TheNuke Littler." The account, which boasts nearly 80,000 followers and has been active since 2014 when Littler was just seven years old, responded to a comment on a PDC post. The user had defended Littler, writing, "All you Littler haters make me laugh. Remember what he’s done and won in one year on tour. Hate people who rip into people’s success."
In reply, the account, believed to be Littler himself, fired back, "Still earned a few quid today while these are sat at home charging their phones waiting for me to lose." The comment reflects Littler’s frustration with the constant scrutiny he faces as the sport’s youngest star. While some fans have rallied around him, others have been quick to criticize his performances, leading to a heated exchange on social media.
A Star Still Finding His Feet
Despite the pressure, Littler’s journey since becoming world champion has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2025 alone, he has reached the quarter-finals of several high-profile tournaments, including the Bahrain Darts Masters, Dutch Darts Masters, and Winmau World Masters. His consistent quarter-final finishes demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level, even if he hasn’t yet claimed another title.
However, his inability to progress beyond the quarter-finals has raised questions about whether he can sustain the level of performance that earned him the World Championship. Littler’s recent average of 87.8 in the Players Championship highlights the inconsistencies he’s been struggling with. While his world championship victory was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure, the young star is still learning to navigate the demands of professional darts.
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
Littler doesn’t have much time to dwell on his recent defeat, as he is set to compete in the Players Championship 2 on Tuesday. The tournament offers him a chance to bounce back and regain his confidence ahead of a packed schedule. Later this week, he will take the stage at the second Premier League Darts night in Glasgow, where he will face Rob Cross in the opening match at 7pm.
Cross, who won the opening Players Championship on Monday by defeating Joe Cullen in the final, will be a tough opponent for Littler. The match will not only test Littler’s skills but also his mental resilience, as he looks to prove his doubters wrong once again. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+, with streaming options available via NOW.
The Weight of Expectation and the Road Ahead
Littler’s rise to fame has brought him both adoration and criticism. While his success at such a young age is a source of inspiration for many, it also comes with immense pressure. Every performance is scrutinized, and every loss is magnified. The social media exchange following his defeat to Cullen shows that Littler is not immune to the negativity, and he is beginning to push back against his critics.
As he continues to navigate the challenges of professional darts, Littler’s ability to stay grounded and focused will be key to his long-term success. With a string of upcoming tournaments, including the Premier League and more Players Championship events, Littler has the opportunity to silence his doubters and prove that his world championship victory was no fluke. For now, the darts world will be watching closely to see how this young talent responds to the pressures of fame and competition.
A Lesson in Resilience and Growth
Luke Littler’s journey is a reminder that success, especially at such a young age, is not without its challenges. While his recent results may not have met the expectations of some, they are part of a larger narrative of growth and resilience. Littler’s ability to handle criticism, bounce back from setbacks, and continue compete
