LUKE LITTLER has been named one of the most influential figures in world sport this year – in recognition for the way he has “shaken the foundation” of darts.
In an incredible two-year rise, , 19, has won 13 PDC televised majors since turning professional in January 2024.
Luke Littler has been named as one of sport’s most influential stars Credit: Sargeant/ProSports/Shutterstock
Littler has continued to score success on the oche this year Credit: Every Second Media/Shutterstock
So far this calendar year, he has claimed the World Championship for a second time, the World Masters, UK Open and Premier League titles.
Beyond the stage,, with more than two million followers on Instagram, and thousands of products with his face on them sold by Target Darts.
He and his family have through commercial and sponsorship deals.
And last month, the world No.1 from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.
It is for those reasons why respected US publication TIME Magazine has placed him on their list for “The 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026”.
TIME say the list covers “athletes and coaches to advocates and investors – these are the people shaping sports today”.
The Warrington teenager, who only left school with one GCSE, appears in the Leaders section alongside the likes of Fifa boss Gianni Infantino, who is busy this month with running the men’s football World Cup.
Notable names on the list include Argentina’s World Cup winner, Portugal footballer , Norway and Manchester City striker , tennis stars Jannik Sinner, and Aryna Sabalenka.
Man City’s Erling Haaland featured on the list Credit: Alamy
Argentina legend Lionel Messi featured TIME Magazine’s list too Credit: Getty Images
From a US perspective, basketballers LeBron James and Stephen Curry, skier Lindsey Vonn and Rory McIlroy are the top stars being acknowledged.
In their citation, TIME Magazine said: “Luke Littler, the 19-year-old darts player from England, has shaken the foundation of his sport, shattering records and exploding to global fame.
“It’s no wonder his nickname is ‘the Nuke’.
“He reached the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) world championship final at 16 and won his first title the following year.
Cristiano Ronaldo made the cut in Time Magazine’s most influential list of sports stars Credit: Getty Images
“He then became the youngest player to earn a world No.1 ranking and promptly defended his championship.
“Coming off those back-to-back triumphs, Littler is the face of a growing game, featured everywhere from an Xbox commercial to an MBE ceremony at Windsor Castle.
“His rise comes at a time of ascendant viewership and increasingly big business for darts.
“Littler’s 2026 PDC world-championship title was the first to come with a grand prize of more than $1million (£750,000).”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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