Luke Littler named alongside Lando Norris and Jude Bellingham in presitigious list as darts success recognised

Luke Littler has been recognised along with sport stars such as Lando Norris and Jude Bellingham as one of the best 30 young starlets in Europe.

It's been a whirlwind few months for Littler, who's rise to the top of professional darts at 17 years of age has seen the sport bring in record TV figures in 2024.

The teenager's remarkable run to the World Darts Championship final saw celebrities and sport stars attend his matches such as Romeo Beckham, James Maddison and Derek Chisora among others.

That final against Luke Humphries was the most viewed non-football event in Sky Sports history with 3.7 million people tuning in to watch.

Littler has gone from strength to strength since his display at Alexandra Palace and currently sits top of the Premier League table above players such as Michael van Gerwen and Humphries.

He's already seen as the new face of darts with Littler attracting a whole new audience to the sport.

And Littler can tick a new achievement off his list after being included in Forbes' 30 Under 30 Europe list in the category for 'sports and games'.

The list recognises the best young 30 stars in their respective field with Littler named in esteemed company.

Real Madrid and England sensation Bellingham is also included along with McLaren driver Norris.

Alessia Russo and Aitana Bonmati led the way for women's footballers while two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka was also included.

A panel of four judges, including Sir Mo Farah and FIFA chief women's football officer Sarai Bareman helped compile the list.

Littler has been in the spotlight ever since his run to the final of the World Championship, but he's taken everything in his stride.

"The world's gone mad [for darts]," he said.

"It's always been a pub game, an old game.

"It's one of 'em sports where you're standing there throwing some tungsten into a board and you're winning yourself some money and you creating yourself some legacy.

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He added: "I know the expectations of me going into every tournament will be high, but I just want to do well, go deep into every competition I play in.

"If you're not focused then no one wins."

Littler is back in action on Thursday as he looks to improve his lead at the top of the Premier League.