A bizarre scene unfolded at Team England’s official World Cup of Darts photoshoot on Tuesday, as teenage sensation Luke Littler appeared to nod off mid-session, sparking widespread criticism and calls for him to be dropped from the squad.
The 19-year-old, who skyrocketed to fame after his runner-up finish at the PDC World Championship, was seen leaning against a promotional backdrop with his eyes closed for nearly two minutes while teammates Michael Smith and Rob Cross posed alongside him. Photographers at the Manchester studio said Littler had to be gently nudged awake twice.
“At first we thought he was joking—maybe recreating that iconic ‘sleeping’ darts celebration,” said one freelance photographer, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “But he was genuinely out. Snoring lightly. The England manager finally had to walk over and shake his shoulder.”
The incident took place ahead of next month’s World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, where England will be seeking to reclaim the title. Littler, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2024, was named to the three-man squad alongside world champion Humphries and former winner Smith.
However, the sleepy episode has not been taken lightly by former professionals and fans alike.
“If he lacks the interest or energy to even stay awake for a team photoshoot, how is he going to handle the pressure of a World Cup final?” said ex-PDC world champion John Part during a Sky Sports analysis segment. “Representing your country is a privilege, not a nap break. If his head isn’t in it, England should replace him immediately.”
Social media erupted within hours of the leaked behind-the-scenes footage, with the hashtag #WakeUpLuke trending on X. One user wrote: “Littler sleeping on the job while two legends smile next to him – embarrassing. Give his spot to Nathan Aspinall.” Another added: “He’s a generational talent, but that’s disrespectful. You wouldn’t see Phil Taylor dozing off for England.”
Team England officials attempted to downplay the incident, citing Littler’s grueling exhibition schedule. “Luke has played over 40 non-tournament matches in the last month alone,” a spokesperson said. “He’s a 17-year-old still adjusting to the non-stop demands of professional darts. A quick micro-sleep during a break in a lengthy photoshoot is hardly a crisis.”
Littler’s manager also defended the teenager, telling the media: “He had been up since 4 a.m. traveling from an event in the Netherlands. He’s committed to England 100%. Falling asleep for 90 seconds during a lighting setup is not ‘lack of interest’—it’s exhaustion.”
But the damage to public perception may already be done. A poll conducted by Online Darts magazine found that 58% of more than 5,000 fans believed Littler should be dropped if he cannot demonstrate “full commitment” ahead of the tournament.
England’s selectors are reportedly due to hold an emergency meeting later this week. While no official decision has been made, one unnamed PDC official told the BBC: “There are senior players on the reserve list who would kill for that jersey. You can’t fall asleep wearing the three lions.”
Littler himself has yet to comment publicly, but a cryptic post on his Instagram story—showing a cup of espresso with the caption “Still grinding”—did little to quell the controversy.
The World Cup of Darts begins on June 12. For now, England’s golden boy finds himself fighting a very different battle: to prove he’s awake, aware, and worthy of his place.
