The recently concluded World Darts Championship final between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries has etched its place in history as the most-watched non-football event on Sky Sports, garnering a staggering 4.8 million viewers. Littler’s remarkable journey to the final captivated audiences, breaking records and drawing attention to the sport like never before.
Historic Showdown on World Darts Championship Final
The clash between the two Lukes became a spectacle, attracting a record-breaking audience of 4.8 million viewers on Sky Sports. The final witnessed an audience peak of 3.71 million, marking a remarkable 143 percent increase from the previous year’s championship. The encounter lived up to its billing, with Littler and Humphries delivering a riveting contest that captivated fans globally.
Littler’s Rise to Stardom
Luke Littler, a 16-year-old prodigy, became the youngest-ever finalist at the World Darts Championship. His semi-final against Rob Cross drew over 2.3 million viewers, setting a new record for the channel’s most-watched darts match. The teenager’s extraordinary performance elevated his status in the sport and brought a surge of new viewers to darts, sparking widespread interest.
Eddie Hearn’s Twitter Revelation
Eddie Hearn, the competition’s promoter, took to social media to announce the historic viewership figures. Hearn emphasized the unprecedented success of Littler’s journey, surpassing viewership records of major sporting events such as the Ashes and the Ryder Cup. The overwhelming response from the audience exceeded expectations, with the nation eagerly following Littler’s fairy-tale run.
Documentary Series Announcement
The wave of interest generated by Littler’s journey has prompted Sky Sports’ documentary arm to commission a three-part series titled ‘Darts.’ The series aims to provide viewers with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the world of darts, covering everything from pre-tournament preparation to the final. Tom Barry, Sky Documentaries’ commissioning editor, expressed excitement about bringing audiences closer to the action and shedding light on the players’ lives.
Littler’s Performance in the Final
Despite the ultimate defeat to Humphries, Littler’s performance in the final was nothing short of sensational. Unbeaten in his last 19 matches, the Runcorn teenager showcased resilience and skill. An early surge by Humphries saw Littler trailing, but a momentary lapse that could have given him a 5-2 lead proved pivotal. Humphries seized the opportunity, turning the tide and securing a barnstorming finish.
Littler’s Reflection on the Championship
In an interview with Sky Sports after the final, Littler expressed his satisfaction with his performance, considering it ‘unbelievable.’ Finishing as the runner-up in his debut at the PDC World Championship and securing a place in the top 32 world rankings, Littler reflected on his incredible journey and the impact it had on his budding career.
The World Darts Championship final not only witnessed an epic battle between two talented players but also shattered records, making it the most-watched non-football event in Sky Sports’ history. Luke Littler’s rise to stardom has not only left an indelible mark on the world of darts but has also sparked a newfound interest in the sport, prompting the creation of an upcoming documentary series. As Littler embraces his status as a national starlet, the legacy of his debut championship run will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the sport of darts.
