Top 10 under-17 darts players who could be the next Luke Littler.
Luke Littler (born January 2007) redefined what is possible by dominating junior and WDF circuits as a young teen before exploding onto the PDC stage. These players are the closest current matches: exceptional scoring and finishing against older opposition, major youth titles, strong JDC Advanced Tour or WDF U18 rankings, and clear upward trajectories. Ages are verified as under 17. Data draws from JDC Advanced Tour standings, WDF youth rankings, match reports, and player profiles.
1. Mitchell Lawrie (Scotland, born 4 November 2010 – age 15)
The clearest heir apparent. WDF world No. 1 (youngest ever), reigning WDF Youth World Champion and JDC World Champion (2025). Youngest player to win three senior WDF titles. Reached the 2025 WDF World Championship final. Dominant on the 2026 JDC Advanced Tour (clear No. 1 with massive leg differential, consistent 90+ averages, multiple titles and nine-darters). High-powered scoring and big-stage composure already mark him as the player most frequently compared to Littler.
2. Kaya Baysal (England, born 2 July 2010 – age 16)
Youngest-ever winner of a senior WDF ranking event (2025 Budapest Classic). Multiple senior and youth WDF titles (including Riga Open and numerous England Youth Grand Prix wins). 2026 JDC Winmau Junior World Masters champion and 2025 JDC World Championship finalist. Regular high averages (109+ senior, 113+ in finals) and strong Advanced Tour form. Target-sponsored and a consistent rival to Lawrie.
3. Aaron De Ridder (Belgium – age 12)
One of the youngest players on the JDC Advanced Tour after qualifying via a dedicated event. Made an immediate impact on debut weekend in 2026 by reaching a final (narrow loss to Mitchell Lawrie) and beating established names such as Archie Self. Rapid development from lockdown hobbyist to elite junior competitor. Represents the extreme youth end of the current wave and has already shown he can compete with the very best under-18s.
4. Tergel Khurelkhuu (“Thunder,” Mongolia, born 27 October 2010 – age 15)
2025 JDC Advanced Tour overall champion and world No. 1 (first Asian player to top the rankings). Multiple Advanced Tour titles, high averages, and deep runs in major youth events. Relocated to the UK to accelerate development. PDC figures have publicly praised his ability. A trailblazer whose consistency and mental strength stand out.
5. Archie Self (“The Archer,” England, born November 2009 – age 16)
2024 WDF Boys’ World Champion. 2024 JDC Advanced Tour champion with multiple titles. Recent PDC Challenge Tour winner. Strong MODUS Super Series and England youth international results (multiple golds). Target Elite 1. Combines early senior-tour exposure with proven title-winning ability at junior level.
6. Owen Bryceland (“The Bandit,” Scotland – age 12)
Youngest player to hit a competitive nine-darter (2026). Scottish Open Youth champion (as young as 9), multiple SDA and JDC titles, and a regular on the Advanced Tour (top-10 ranking with solid averages). Target Elite 1 with Europe Cup medals. Started extremely young and already competes successfully against much older juniors.
7. Jayden Walker (England – age 14)
High-profile prodigy with exhibition victories and 100+ averages against professionals (including a noted win over Luke Humphries). Eye-catching finishes (including a famous 145) and MODUS Super Series success. Target Elite 1 and Advanced Tour competitor. Family darts background and early professional-level exposure.
8. Jack Johnson (England – age 14)
Multiple big-stage JDC titles in 2025, including Super 16 and the inaugural Volts National final. Regular high averages and deep runs on the Advanced Tour. Fearless scoring and composure under pressure have already earned him signature darts and significant attention as one of the standout 13/14-year-olds.
9. Lewis Cook (England, born 2009 – age 16/17)
Two-time JDC European Open champion. Strong Advanced Tour presence (high in the 2026 standings with excellent leg differentials and averages). Family darts background and consistent performances against top juniors. Winmau-sponsored; viewed as one of the steadiest high-level performers in the age group.
10. Jack Nankervis (“Jumping Jack,” England – age 15)
Strong WDF U18 rankings (top 10). 2025 Junior Power League Boys Champion (comeback win in the final). Multiple Foundation and Advanced Tour titles, including becoming one of the youngest Foundation Tour winners earlier in his career. Signature darts range and high averages in youth majors. Reliable scorer with proven ability to win titles against the best in his age group.