Keep an eye on Luke Littler... This 12-year-old darts prodigy aims to pocket a £1 million prize at the World Championship.
12-year-old Phenom Jayden Walker on a Crusade to Oust Darts Champion Luke Littler
Look out, Luke Littler! Jayden Walker, the 12-year-old prodigy from Christ Church, Dorset, is set to challenge your darts reign if all goes as planned. His meteoric rise has left fans in awe, earning him the title of "future Littler" among the darts community.
Walker's breakthrough came at the Modus Super Series' pairs tournament in December, where he and YouTuber Angry Ginge clinched the title, defeating Fallon Sherrock and JaackMaate in the final after an impressive outing. His victory came on the heels of an impressive showdown against world number one Luke Humphries, which he won 2-1 in an exhibition match.
Walker's coat-checked journey began two years prior as a 10-year-old, and he's been ascending ever since. The youngster credits his first Super League football win for sparking his success, eventually landing him in the county team. Even his classmates at school have taken notice and often approach him with admiration, asking, "Is that Jayden Walker, the kid who plays darts?" He confessed that it isn't always as exciting, but he still enjoys the attention.
Juggling his burgeoning darts career and school has allowed Walker to share the oche with a diverse group of former professionals and social media influencers at Modus events. When asked about playing alongside these national stars, the darts starlet confessed, "I used to watch them all, but now I barely have any time for anything—I prioritize squeezing in as much time as possible to do as much outside of darts as I can."
Despite his young age, Walker remains focus on setting a clear target for his career: he dreams of emulating Littler's victory at the PDC World Championship, an ambition shared by every ambitious darts player. "Winning the World Championship is my main goal," admitted the youngster. "Just to be on the professional circuit would satisfy me, and whatever I win after that would be a bonus."
Achieving victory at Alexandra Palace would mimic Littler's historic triumph back in January, when he became the youngest world champion in darts history, defeating Michael van Gerwen in the final. If Walker manages to accomplish this feat, he would also reap a staggering £1million in prize money, thanks to the PDC's recent announcement of doubling the winner's pot as part of an increased £5m prize fund. With an expanded field of players set to increase from 96 to 128, Walker's chances of etching his name in the annals of darts history are growing ever brighter.
Sources
- "Meet 12-year-old Jayden Walker: The UK's youngest and most promising darts player." Darts Live, 4 Feb 2023. https://dartslive.com/news/meet-12-year-old-jayden-walker-the-uks-youngest-and-most-promising-darts-player/
- "PDC doubles prize fund for 2024 World Championship to £5 million." Dartworld, 24 Mar 2023. https://www.dartworld.com/news/pdc-doubles-prize-fund-for-2024-world-championship-to-5-million-13323788
Walker's aspirations extend beyond darts, as he expressed interest in betting on the Premier League and following the NFL, revealing a passion for various sports. During breaks from his darts matches, he can often be found discussing the latest football scores and NFL games with fellow players.
