Back to the Junior Ranks! Luke Littler Confirms Surprise Return to World Youth Championship

Fresh from his stunning World Grand Prix victory, newly crowned champion Luke Littler has wasted no time turning his attention to his next challenge, the PDC World Youth Championship, which begins today in Wigan.

Just hours after defeating world number one Luke Humphries 6–1 in the Grand Prix final, Littler revealed he will compete in the youth event as he bids to become World Youth Champion for the second time in his career.

A Surprising Decision 

The decision has surprised many darts fans, especially given that Littler chose not to enter the tournament last year despite still being eligible. 

The World Youth Championship, organised by the PDC, is open to players aged 16–23 and is seen as a key stepping stone for young professionals.

Littler, who lifted the title in 2023 just a month before his breakout run to the World Championship final at Alexandra Palace, will now look to defend that crown. 

This year’s competition begins in Wigan, featuring a 96-player field competing in a group and knockout format. All matches, except the final, will be played as untelevised floor events, with the final taking place at Butlins Minehead ahead of the 2025 Players Championship Finals.

Extra Self-Imposed Pressure? 

At 18, Littler knows all eyes will be on him as the overwhelming favourite, and that the pressure, though self-imposed, could be significant. 

But the teenager insists he’s taking it all in stride, viewing the tournament more as valuable match practice than a must-win occasion.

“Whatever happens tomorrow happens.”

“I said behind the scenes to my family, it will be a day out with my mates, but when I turn up tomorrow, they're not going to be my mates. They’re all gonna want to beat me,” Littler told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

Littler admitted that not everyone close to him agreed with his decision to play, but he remains unfazed. 

He also pointed out a practical reason behind his entry, he currently sits outside the qualification spots for the Players Championship Finals and will need strong results in the upcoming Pro Tours, also taking place in Wigan this week.

“I said to them, win or lose it is what it is, but I think it's good for myself. I'm just keeping on my toes. A bit of practise tomorrow leads on to Tuesday, Wednesday where I need to start picking my ideas up for the Pro Tour.”

Money’s Never the Motivation 

While the £12,000 winner’s prize could be career-changing for many in the field, money is the last thing on Littler’s mind. 

Having already earned over £2 million in prize money in less than two years as a professional, he’s focused purely on performance and preparation.

“Money's money at the end of the day.”

“Like I said, it's just a bit of practise leading up to the Pro Tours and I may as well carry on my good form now and hopefully by Wednesday I can qualify for Minehead and not do the last two Pro Tours.”

Ones to Watch 

Asked who among his peers could pose the biggest threat, Littler was quick to mention one name, a close friend and rising star who recently made headlines himself.

“A good friend of mine, Charlie Manby, who qualified for the world championships today. We played for England together in the WDF. He's one to look out for.”

Littler also highlighted women’s world number one Beau Greaves as another potential challenger, though her participation is still uncertain.

“If Beau [Greaves] plays it, there's another danger tomorrow.”

Potential Scheduling Disaster

A possible scheduling clash looms should Littler reach both the World Youth final and the latter stages of the Players Championship Finals in Minehead, a scenario that could see him contest four matches in one day. 

The demanding final day of the Players Championship Finals already includes the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final. Adding the World Youth decider would make it even more gruelling.

Still, Littler says he’s not looking too far ahead and remains focused on simply earning his qualification first.

“Yeah, as soon as I wanted to enter it I knew that could happen, but then again, I've got to think I've not qualified for Minehead just yet, hopefully I do.”

“But if I do go on and play the final semifinal and the final at Minehead, then that's all down to me and I'll try my very best.”

For Littler, this latest challenge isn’t about money, fame, or headlines, it’s about maintaining his rhythm, enjoying the game, and adding another potential title to his already remarkable résumé.