UPDATE: Darts prodigy Luke Littler has captured international attention, receiving personal congratulations from football legend David Beckham following his impressive victory at the 2024 World Darts Championship. Just 18 years old, Littler’s rise in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has been meteoric, and Beckham’s message underscores the profound impact he’s making in the sport.
In an emotional exchange, Beckham reached out to Littler after his stunning win at Alexandra Palace, stating, “Wow, well done!” Littler, who has already transformed the face of darts in just two years, reflected on the moment: “It goes to show what I have done for the sport.” The young star also shared that Beckham messaged him before the championship final, saying, “Good luck, Luke – once a Red, always a Red.” This personal touch from the Manchester United icon highlights Beckham’s class and support for emerging talent.
The final match on January 6, 2024, between Littler and Luke Humphries drew an astounding peak audience of 3.71 million viewers on Sky Sports, making it the network’s most-watched non-football event in history. When accounting for streaming platforms like NOW TV, the total audience surged to an impressive 4.8 million viewers, a staggering increase of 143 percent from the previous year.
In recognition of this growing popularity, the PDC has doubled the total prize fund at Alexandra Palace to £5 million, with the championship winner now taking home £1 million, up from £500,000. This increase not only rewards Littler but also raises the stakes for all participants in the tournament, cementing the significance of the event.
Littler’s journey in the 2024 championship has been nothing short of remarkable. He advanced to the third round with ease, defeating Darius Labanauskas and then ousting David Davies in a tense match. Littler’s next challenge will come against Mensur Suljovic on January 13, 2024. As he continues to dominate, the anticipation builds around whether he can secure back-to-back titles, attracting even more celebrity support.
With Beckham’s endorsement, Littler’s influence on darts has reached new heights, inspiring not only fans but also fellow athletes. The young champion expressed his disbelief at Beckham’s attention: “Just to see the likes of David Beckham watching it feels crazy.”
As the championship progresses, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how Littler performs and which celebrities will step up to congratulate him if he retains his title. This ongoing narrative adds a layer of excitement to the event, making it a must-watch for sports enthusiasts around the globe.
Stay tuned for further updates as the 2024 World Darts Championship unfolds, showcasing the extraordinary talent and potential of Luke Littler.
