World No. 1 reveals struggles with pressure and crowd hostility amid decision to skip Budapest tournament
Luke Littler has opened up about the mental health challenges he has faced during his meteoric rise in darts, as the nineteen-year-old world champion confirmed he is stepping back from the Hungarian Darts Trophy to prioritise his wellbeing.
The decision comes after an emotionally charged period for the teenage sensation, who recently broke down in tears following his Premier League Darts victory, revealing he had told his partner Faith Millar that he wanted to quit the sport.
‘I Don’t Want to Do It Anymore’
Littler’s absence from the Budapest tournament, which gets underway this weekend at the MVM Dome, marks another instance of the young star managing his demanding schedule. With world No. Luke Humphries arriving as tournament favourite in Littler’s absence, the decision underscores the pressures facing the nineteen-year-old.
“It was a rollercoaster first four weeks, bottom of the table, but then the fifth night I won my first night,” Littler said after his Premier League triumph, reflecting on the difficult campaign. “I had to pick myself up – some tough times.”
The world champion has been subjected to booing from crowds throughout the Premier League season, particularly following a clash with Gian van Veen in Manchester. The incident saw tensions flare between the pair during a deciding leg, with Littler later making a gesture towards the crowd.
“After Brighton and the incident in Manchester, I was sat at home saying to Faith: ‘I don’t want to do it any more, just the crowd every week’,” Littler revealed in an emotional interview. “I said to her: ‘I’m down bad’.”
Schedule Demands Take Their Toll
The relentless nature of the darts calendar has also contributed to Littler’s struggles. The teenager has previously admitted that the constant demands of competing at the highest level have taken a toll on his mental state.
“It’s not that I don’t want to be here – it just seems a chore for me at the moment. It’s just too much darts. I’m playing too much,” he previously confessed. “I think I need a break. I’m emotionless and it is not good for my mental state.”
Littler has also been open about making changes to his game to alleviate psychological pressure, recently switching his dart points from silver to black in an attempt to clear his mind.
“I always want to change… But I just can’t figure it out. Maybe it’s the colour, it’s in my head. Black darts are easier,” he explained.
Humphries Warning: ‘Darts Needs Littler, Littler Doesn’t Need Darts’
Fellow player and rival Luke Humphries has warned that the sport risks losing its biggest star if fans continue to target him with hostility.
“I think darts needs Luke Littler, Luke Littler doesn’t need darts. That’s the truth,” Humphries told SportsBoom. “I think everyone thinks he’s a robot. He’s not, he is a normal person, a good kid as well.”
Humphries, who comforted Littler after his emotional breakdown at the O2 Arena, added: “It’s hard because I’ve had it before… It’s hard because you’re kind of at home and you don’t actually want to go and play darts because it kind of feels like everyone just hates you.”
Looking Ahead
Despite his struggles, Littler remains focused on his goals. He is set to defend his World Grand Prix title later this month, with the tournament providing an opportunity for the young star to find his rhythm.
The decision to skip the Hungarian Darts Trophy – where he had been due to compete alongside Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Van Veen – appears to be a considered step to protect his wellbeing ahead of crucial tournaments.
Littler wrote on Instagram after his Premier League victory: “This Premier League has been one of the toughest tests for me and wouldn’t have this without everyone by my side. Can’t thank you all enough for that. We did it.”
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If you’re struggling with mental health issues, support is available. In the UK, you can contact the Samaritans for free, confidential support at any time.
