World number one Luke Littler insists that his recent decision to be selective about the darts tournaments he enters is a deliberate and justified choice. At just 19 years of age, the prodigious Englishman has already demonstrated an extraordinary level of control over his career, opting to compete in only two Players Championship floor events, three European Tour stops, and opting out of the latest World Series legs in both New Zealand and Australia. This measured approach reflects a broader strategy for the 2024 season.
Rather than filling his calendar with every available competition, Littler has consciously reduced his participation in lower‑profile events, allowing him to manage his workload and protect his wellbeing. The move comes amid a recent admonition from PDC chairman Barry Hearn, who warned the sport’s elite that habitual absences could undermine the tour’s credibility.
Littler, however, feels his position at the summit of the rankings grants him the latitude to set his own timetable. "It really comes down to what’s best for me and my family – having those crucial days off," he told the Press Association. "I expect we’ll see more of those rest periods as the year goes on.
It’s simply a matter of balancing the schedule and giving myself the time to recharge." Littler’s confidence stems from the sizeable gap that currently separates him from the world number two. That cushion, he believes, permits him to step back from the relentless grind of chasing every tournament on the calendar. By doing so, he can preserve his physical health, maintain mental sharpness, and enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle – all while remaining firmly entrenched at the top of the sport.
The young star’s selective participation is not a sign of complacency, though. He has announced that the only Players Championship events he will contest this year are those that will give him a chance to complete a clean sweep of major titles. Having already secured the first six major championships of the season, Littler has set his sights on capturing all ten, a feat that hinges on qualifying for the Players Championship Finals in November. To achieve that, he must win the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam later this week.
A victory there would keep his dream of a full‑season major sweep alive and would also open the door to a final push for qualification to the Minehead Players Championship. Conversely, a loss would likely see him abandon any attempt to chase the remaining titles, as the schedule would no longer support such an ambitious run. "I can’t look beyond what’s next – the World Series in Amsterdam is my immediate focus," Littler explained, referring to his partnership with KP Nuts, which has launched the ‘Hit the Bullseye’ campaign, offering fans a chance to win a £20,000 prize. "If I win in Amsterdam, I’ll head to Den Bosch for the Pro Tours on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then try to qualify for Minehead.
We’ll see how the weekend unfolds." Littler’s decision to sit out the first 26 floor events of the year was a calculated gamble. He re‑entered competition in Leicester a fortnight ago, using that appearance as a springboard to regain match rhythm before the crucial World Series showdown.
The pause has also given him an opportunity to work on specific aspects of his game, such as refining his checkout percentages and sharpening his mental resilience under pressure. Beyond the immediate tournament considerations, Littler’s approach signals a broader shift in how elite darts players may manage their careers moving forward. The sport has traditionally demanded a grueling travel schedule, with players often competing week after week across continents. By prioritising rest and selective participation, Littler is challenging the notion that success requires constant competition.
His method could inspire other top‑ranked players to adopt similar strategies, potentially leading to a healthier, more balanced professional environment. Fans can continue to follow Littler’s journey via Sky Sports, which will broadcast the World Grand Prix live from September 28 through October 4.
The network also offers streaming through NOW, with flexible, no‑contract options for viewers who prefer digital access. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on the young champion, watching to see whether his carefully curated schedule will indeed allow him to etch his name in darts history by completing a historic sweep of major titles.