A new sports phenomenon is sweeping through France, and it’s not football or rugby—it’s darts. The unexpected rise in the sport’s popularity has been attributed to 17-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler, whose impressive performances in the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship have captivated a new audience across the country. With television viewership exceeding 400,000 and a surge in amateur darts clubs, France is experiencing a darts revolution unlike anything seen before.
Luke Littler: The Catalyst of France’s Darts Boom
Luke Littler, a young prodigy from England, gained international recognition during his debut at the PDC World Darts Championship earlier this year. Littler’s fearless performances, combined with his charismatic presence, made him an instant fan favorite. His matches drew record-breaking audiences across Europe, including an unexpected surge of interest in France, a country historically dominated by mainstream sports like football, tennis, and cycling.
French sports network L’Équipe, which broadcasted the tournament, reported a significant increase in viewership, particularly during Littler’s matches. The network’s commentators noted that Littler’s youth and underdog story resonated with a French audience accustomed to supporting emerging talent in global sports.
“Littler has an aura about him that makes you want to watch,” said L’Équipe analyst Julien Bernard. “He’s brought a new level of excitement to darts, and that excitement is spreading across France.”
The Growth of Darts in France
The newfound enthusiasm for darts in France is evident in multiple ways. Sales of darts equipment have spiked in sports stores, and several bars and pubs have reported an increased demand for dartboards. Moreover, amateur darts leagues have been popping up across the country, with players eager to emulate Littler’s rapid rise in the sport.
According to the French Darts Federation, the number of registered players has nearly doubled since the start of 2025. Clubs that once struggled to attract members are now seeing record participation levels, and there are even discussions about introducing darts into school sports programs.
“The response has been overwhelming,” said Marc Leclerc, president of the French Darts Federation. “We are seeing young players who had never considered darts before now taking an interest. Luke Littler’s performances have truly inspired them.”
A New Era for Darts in France
While darts has long been a popular pastime in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, it has struggled to gain mainstream recognition in France—until now. Littler’s success has prompted major French media outlets to increase their coverage of darts, and betting companies have reported a sharp rise in wagers placed on darts tournaments.
The increase in interest has also caught the attention of major darts organizations. The PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) has announced plans to expand its presence in France, with the possibility of hosting a major tournament in Paris next year. Discussions are underway to bring top-tier darts competitions to French audiences, further cementing the sport’s newfound popularity in the country.
“There’s a real opportunity here,” said PDC chairman Eddie Hearn. “We’ve seen how a single player can ignite a passion for a sport in a new market. With France, we believe darts has a chance to become a mainstream event.”
Littler’s Reaction to His Influence
Despite his meteoric rise, Luke Littler remains humble about his impact on the sport. When asked about the growing interest in darts in France, Littler expressed surprise and gratitude.
“It’s amazing to hear that people in France are watching and getting into darts,” Littler said in a recent interview. “I just try to play my best and enjoy the game. If that inspires people to pick up a set of darts and give it a go, then that’s fantastic.”
Littler is currently preparing for upcoming tournaments, including the Premier League Darts competition. His continued success on the professional circuit could further fuel the sport’s growth in France and beyond.
The Future of Darts in France
With the sport experiencing an unprecedented boom, stakeholders in French sports are considering how to maintain the momentum. The possibility of French players rising through the ranks and competing on the global stage is now more realistic than ever.
Experts believe that for darts to sustain its growth in France, there needs to be investment in grassroots programs, more accessible training facilities, and continued media coverage. Several French sports clubs have already started hosting introductory darts workshops, and regional competitions are being planned to encourage participation at all levels.
If this trend continues, France could soon establish itself as a competitive force in international darts, joining the likes of the UK and the Netherlands. With Luke Littler leading the charge, the future of darts in France looks brighter than ever.
Conclusion
What started as a niche sport in France has quickly transformed into a growing phenomenon, thanks in large part to the influence of Luke Littler. His skill, energy, and passion have ignited a newfound appreciation for darts among French sports fans. As participation continues to rise and the sport gains a stronger foothold, the legacy of Littler’s impact on French darts may be felt for years to come.
