The 18-year-old current world number two has caused an explosion of interest in the sport, which has been evident with over 100,000 junior magnetic dartboards being sold by 'The Nuke's' sponsors Target Darts.

Steve Brown, Junior Darts Corporation chairman, has revealed the number of academies for children under 16 has increased in the last year.

Now, 'The Asp' has admitted that the top players joke about how the Luke Littler effect has impacted their sport.

He is quoted by The Sun newspaper as saying: "We joke about how big the sport has got just because of Luke, but we're seeing the benefits as players as well.

"I don't think the growth is going to stop - darts could be as big as golf and tennis.

"Just keep doing what we're doing and, hopefully, that happens.

"Every year, it gets stronger."

Since bursting into public prominence during the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship at age 16 and being crowned the youngest World Darts champion last month, people have fallen in love with the sport.

Garry Plummer, the boss of sponsors Target Darts, told BBC Sport last December: "This Christmas, the junior magnetic dartboard is selling out, we're talking over 100,000. They're 20 quid and a great introduction for young children.

"All the toy shops want it, they all want him - 17, clean, doesn't drink, wonderful."

Speaking about the impact Luke has had on the younger generation, Brown told the outlet: "We've seen so many inquiries from around the world, it's been such a boom.

"It took us 14 years to get 1,600 members and within 12 months we have over 3,000, and waiting lists."