Luke Littler has navigated the media attention as skillfully as he has dealt with his competitors in the last year. When he made his impressive debut at the 2023/24 World Championship, he was just 16 and largely unrecognized beyond the darts scene. Along with entertaining 3,000 fans at Alexandra Palace, he also had to manage instant post-match interviews and press conferences, amidst a crowd of journalists and cameras. With everyone vying for his attention, it was natural for him to feel some anxiety. One year later, Littler is growing more at ease with conducting interviews, a remarkable achievement for someone who, until recently, was too young to drink, drive, or vote. “It’s akin to conversing with a 17-year-old,” commented Emma Paton, a darts presenter for Sky Sports, before Littler reached the age of 18. He is quite relaxed. He has a laid-back personality overall, which is quite different from his stage presence, where he transforms into a vibrant showman and performer. Sky Sports host Paton frequently conducts interviews with Littler (Image: John Walton/PA Wire). I believe he has performed exceptionally. Last year, he was catapulted into the spotlight, and it’s a reflection of his character as a great young man and the support from those around him that he has managed everything so effectively. A sportsperson’s real relationship with the media is truly revealed during difficult times, and Littler encountered tough inquiries and unfavorable press after several disappointing early finishes in major tournaments in mid-2024. Paton remarked, “Discussing matters is easy when you’re successful and achieving victories, but you also need to speak up during less favorable moments.” Littler appears on Bullseye with Andrew Flintoff observing (Image: ITV).
