Wolverhampton, UK – At just 17 years old, Luke Littler has cemented his place in darting history by clinching the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts title with a commanding 16-3 victory over Martin Lukeman in Sunday’s final at Aldersley Leisure Village.
In a performance that showcased his remarkable skill and composure, the teenage prodigy, known as “The Nuke,” delivered a masterclass to claim his first major title, further establishing himself as one of the brightest stars in the sport.
Lukeman’s Journey to the Final
Martin Lukeman’s path to the final was anything but easy. The 38-year-old dazzled in the group stage with wins over darting legends Peter Wright (5-0), Rob Cross (5-3), and Leonard Gates (5-3).
He carried that form into the knockouts, defeating Ross Smith (10-5) and earning a second victory over Cross in the quarter-finals. Lukeman’s grit was on full display in the semi-finals against Mickey Mansell, where he overcame an early deficit to secure a 16-12 win and a spot in his first Grand Slam final.
The Nuke’s Explosive Campaign
Littler’s journey, however, was nothing short of extraordinary. He stormed through the group stage with emphatic victories, including a 112 average against Keane Barry (5-0) and a 106.98 average in a 5-1 win over Dimitri Van den Bergh.
In the knockouts, Littler’s resilience shone as he edged out Lourence Ilagan 10-9 after surviving an 8-4 deficit. A quarter-final masterclass against Jermaine Wattimena (16-2) and a thrilling decider against Gary Anderson (16-15) in the semi-finals set the stage for a memorable final.
The Final: A Masterclass by Littler
The final began with Lukeman winning the bull and holding his throw to take an early 2-0 lead. Littler quickly found his rhythm, breaking back with a 13-darter and leveling the match with a stunning 124 checkout. By the end of the first session, Littler had surged ahead 3-2.
From there, it was one-way traffic. Littler rattled off an astonishing eight consecutive legs to take an 8-2 lead, hitting 110+ averages and showcasing his relentless scoring power.
The third session saw Littler extend his streak to 13-2, leaving Lukeman with only one dart at double in 12 legs. Even a spirited 65 checkout from Lukeman to stop the rot at 15-3 couldn’t halt Littler’s march to victory. In the 18th leg, Littler sealed the title, bringing the Wolverhampton crowd to its feet.
What They Said
“I was more focused than ever tonight,” Littler said after his historic win. “I felt like nobody could touch me. I’m so happy to get the win and excited to face new challenges ahead.”
A New Era in Darts
Littler’s triumph marks a shift in the darting landscape, with the young star proving he’s ready to dominate the sport for years. For Lukeman, his valiant effort in the tournament showcased his capabilities, and fans will be eager to see him return to the big stage.
What’s Next?
With this historic win, Luke Littler has silenced his critics and firmly established himself as one of the sport’s brightest stars. As the 2024 Grand Slam Champion, all eyes will be on him as he looks to build on this incredible achievement.
Do you think Littler’s dominance is the start of a new era in darts? Let us know in the comments below!
Ben Evans is a passionate darts writer with a keen eye for statistics and news. With years of experience following the PDC scene, Ben brings in-depth coverage of tournaments, player performances, and emerging dart trends. Known for his detailed analysis and love for the game, he keeps fans updated with the latest stats, match insights, and memorable moments. When he’s not covering the action on the oche, Ben enjoys a game of darts, staying sharp on the sport he loves.
Congrats! Luke The Nuke.
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