Former world champion Stephen Bunting has credited “megastar” Luke Littler with taking darts to new heights as he prepares for the start of another raucous world championship at Ally Pally.
Bunting admits the sport's popularity is a far cry from when he won the now-defunct BDO title in 2014, and says the 17-year-old's extraordinary rise has rubbed off on his rivals.
Such is the sport's current popularity that last year's final, in which Littler was beaten by Luke Humphries, was the most-watched non-football event in Sky Sports' history.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Bunting says he is targeting a return to the Premier League in the future and praised the impact Littler has had on the sport
“What Luke has done for our sport in such a short time is nothing short of incredible, and his name is on everyone’s lips,” Bunting said.
“He is a megastar and has taken our sport to the highest echelons. We were already among the best in terms of viewing figures behind Premier League football, but now we are on another level.
“I notice it when I'm shopping and young kids ask me for autographs and photos, which never really happened before. It shows how Luke's success is driving down the demographic of darts fans. “
“Sad to be moving away from Ally Pally”
Bunting warned against moving away from Ally Pally
Bunting goes into this year's tournament as a contender after winning the Masters in Milton Keynes last February, although he could meet defending champion Humphries in the quarter-finals.
A long-time favorite with Ally Pally audiences, the St Helens-born star has warned against suggestions from sports supremo Barry Hearn of a future move away from the venue which has hosted every world championship since 2008.
“In my eyes it would be sad to move away from Ally Pally because it’s an incredible place for darts,” Bunting said.
“You go there every year and there are people dressed as Christmas trees and as Batman and Robin. It's a special place for the players and the officials and the fans and it's just a special place.”
Watch the World Darts Championship on Sky Sports?
Luke Humphries will aim to defend the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace
Live darts returns to Aerial sports to the PDC World Darts Championship 2025starting on December 15 as Luke Humphries defends his title with Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Michael Smith all in action from Alexandra Palace – and you can catch the best here.
Stream Sky Sports live contract-free with a 1-month or 1-day subscription NOW. Instant access to live action from the Premier League and EFL, plus darts, cricket, tennis, golf and more.
#Luke #Littler #darts #level #world #champion #Stephen #Bunting #Darts #News
News Story ,
