Stephen Bunting has admitted that the rest of the professional darts circuit is experiencing a collective “deep sigh of relief” as Luke Littler’s seemingly unstoppable run has finally stalled. The 19-year-old phenom looked invincible during the first half of 2026, capturing the first five major titles while chasing the historic distinction of becoming the first player to achieve a clean sweep in a single calendar year. However, that narrative shifted dramatically when Littler crashed out of the World Series of Darts Finals in the quarter-finals, shattering the aura of perfection that had defined his season.
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The momentum continued to dissipate following a first-round exit at the Grand Prix and a subsequent last-eight defeat in the European Championship. These consecutive upsets have provided a crucial breathing space for the rest of the elite field, who had been struggling to find a consistent answer to Littler’s aggressive style and precision. Bunting notes that these recent results have not only boosted the confidence of his peers but have also reinvigorated the competitive balance within the sport, allowing other top-tier players to reclaim their status as genuine contenders for major silverware.
As the Grand Slam of Darts kicks off on Saturday, Littler will be under intense pressure to reverse this trend and reassert his dominance. While the back-to-back world champion remains the favorite on paper, the psychological shift in the locker room is palpable. For the rest of the field, the opportunity to challenge Littler on his own terms has arrived, and the coming weeks will determine whether the 19-year-old can bounce back from this slump or if the era of his absolute supremacy has temporarily paused.
Source: The Independent Sport
