At a local darts tournament in Chester in 2023, amateur player Dan Stapleton found himself facing off against the then up-and-coming Luke Littler after making it past the first round. Littler, who was only 16 at the time, was already gaining recognition before his explosive debut at the PDC World Championship.
Stapleton, who had previously encountered Littler at a tournament the year before, was surprised by the match-up but also intrigued by the challenge. Despite Stapleton’s anticipation, Littler showcased his talent by dominating the game with an impressive 3-0 victory, boasting the highest average of any player in the round of 16.
Reflecting on the match, Stapleton acknowledged Littler’s extraordinary skills and dedication to the sport, even in smaller tournaments. Littler’s exceptional performance that day, including an 11-darter leg, left a lasting impression on Stapleton, who recognized Littler’s potential to achieve great success in the future.
Looking back, Stapleton always believed Littler would reach the pinnacle of the sport, comparing his talent to established champions like van Gerwen and Klaasen. Littler’s remarkable journey to a world title at just 17 years old continues to impress and inspire, setting a high standard for future players in the darts world.