KEEP IT AT ALLY PALLY! — Luke Littler Refuses Saudi Switch for World Darts Championship

Teenage sensation Luke Littler has made a statement on the oche in Leicester this week, finally finding his rhythm in the unique ‘double in, double out’ format of the World Grand Prix. After a first-round exit last year, it’s a completely different story this time around as the 18-year-old prepares for his semi-final showdown with Jonny Clayton tonight.

Darts Heads to Saudi Arabia

But while all eyes are currently on the action in Leicester, the future of darts is also a major talking point, especially following the PDC’s announcement that the World Series will head to Saudi Arabia for the first time next year.

The tournament, part of the annual Riyadh Season, will take place from January 19–20 at the Global Theater in Riyadh. The venue recently hosted the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship and will now welcome some of the biggest names in darts, marking a significant step in the sport’s global expansion.

“The Worlds Must Stay at Ally Pally” 

The move has sparked plenty of discussion among fans about the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in sport, and whether darts could eventually follow the path of other major competitions by shifting away from its traditional venues. 

One of those venues under debate is Alexandra Palace, the home of the World Darts Championship.

However, Littler made his stance crystal clear when speaking to SportsBoom, there’s no replacing Ally Pally.

“I definitely wouldn't go over there for the worlds [championships]. I think you've got to keep it at Ally Pally,” he told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“I Won’t Be Going for Nothing”

While firm on that point, the teenage star was also full of praise for Saudi Arabia’s sporting influence, particularly the work of His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, who has made a major impact in boxing through his collaboration with Matchroom.

“It's very good what Turki Al-Sheikh is doing for boxing wise, but obviously now he wants the darts and obviously we're going in January. I'm sure he'll put the money on the table for whoever plays in it.”

Littler, undoubtedly the golden boy of darts right now, admitted he has already received some early details about the Saudi invitational event, but not everything has been revealed just yet.

“It's been announced but for us players we get emails about players brief, how many guests were allowed and all that stuff.”

And while financial terms haven’t been discussed, the young star hinted that he won’t be travelling for free.

“I've not seen any money yet but I'm sure I won't be going over there for nothing.”

Like many in the sport, Littler sees the potential for Saudi Arabia to become a major hub for darts, provided the debut event is a success.

“If it goes well then, I'm sure we'll be over there very often.”

Golden Ideas for the Gulf

And when it comes to adding a bit of spectacle, something Turki Al-Sheikh has done in other sports, like the £1 million ‘golden ball’ challenge in snooker, Littler has a few creative ideas of his own.

“I’ve only seen the golden ball on the Matchroom documentary when I was watching it, I didn’t have a clue about it before. Obviously a million pound to do a 147, then a 167, so maybe he comes up with a golden nine darter or something.”

“Make the double 12, double 15 or double 18 golden. Could even do a golden 170 and make the bullseye golden. I’m sure he’ll come up with something.”

From Leicester to Riyadh, darts continues to expand its reach, but for the 18-year-old, one thing is non-negotiable. The sport’s biggest prize must stay right where it belongs: under the iconic roof of Alexandra Palace.