Luke Littler should think about taking a break from darts in order to avoid burning himself out, according to two-time world champion Dennis Priestley. The teenage superstar has emerged as the new face of darts over the last 18 months, playing at nearly all major tournaments and lifting plenty of trophies. He also faces another gruelling Premier League campaign as he looks to defend the title he won in 2024.

The Nuke is already six points clear of Luke Humphries at the top of the table and hit a nine-darter against Michael van Gerwen in Cardiff last week. Speaking afterwards, Littler revealed that he had not practiced in the build-up to the event after taking a short break.

“I had a week off to chill,” he explained. “But to come here and win and be six points clear, I am comfortable. All players have to have a rest and after the performance tonight, I will have another week off.”

Priestley, who achieved world domination in 1991 and 1994, believes Littler may need an extended spell away from the oche to make sure he does not suffer from burnout.

“Luke Littler says he didn’t pick up his darts for a week, but he probably doesn’t have the time to practice,” Priestley told OLBG. 

“They have such a full schedule with midweek and weekend competitions usually, he has been racing around hotels in different cities and he probably doesn’t have the time.

“He is playing so often that might mean he doesn’t need to practice, but he does need to be careful he doesn’t burn out. Maybe at some point he will need to take a break.”

The many hours of travelling around the world can take a toll on players, particularly those who are involved in as many big events as Littler. He will certainly be hoping to avoid the effects of burnout, with his hectic schedule unlikely to slow down any time soon.

Last year, Littler admitted that he was taken aback by the busy nature of his calendar but vowed not to wear himself down, making it clear that he was aware of the risks.

“We are coming home after whatever Premier League, waking up at stupid o’clock to go to a Euro Tour,” he explained. “If I win on the Friday and Saturday I can focus then on the Sunday. I didn’t realise how big darts was in multiple countries.

“It’s breathtaking travelling to all these places. I’ve learnt a lot over the first four or five months of the season. I now know what else is coming. I’ll just relax myself and then the Euro Tour, but I won’t burn myself out.”