Luke Littler’s darts semi-final smashes TV record as Eddie Hearn reveals viewership bigger than Ashes and Ryder Cup

EDDIE HEARN has confirmed that Luke Littler vs Rob Cross darts semi-final was the most viewed darts match of all time.

With the nation gripped by Littler-mania, the match overtook the previous record of Phil Taylor vs Bob Anderson in 1995.

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Hearn posted on X to confirm the news and wrote: "BREAKING..the record viewership for darts was 1.65m for Taylor v Anderson in 1995. Last night Littler v Cross smashed the record with 2.32m audience!

"Bigger than the Ashes, bigger than the Ryder Cup let’s break 3m tonight for the final ."

16-year-old Littler has been the story of the tournament with many fans tuning in to the sport for the first time.

Punters were able to get an incredible 300/1 on the teenager to win the tournament at the start of the championships back in December.

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Former pro and commentator Wayne Mardle had tipped Littler for great things at the beginning of the tournament, but Littler largely only had experience in junior competitions.

He has admitted that this level of success was not something he expected prior to the tournament kicking off.

After his victory in the semi-final over former champion Rob Cross, Littler said: "It’s been a crazy ride.

“I’m still standing. I’m in  one  of   the biggest finals in   the world. I was happy winning one game but I could go all the way!

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“I have surprised myself. I have thrown big averages on the floor all year around.

“I’m pleased to bring it on the biggest stage of them all.

“It would be beyond unbelievable to win this. I only set my goal to win one game and then come back after Christmas.

“I have to stay composed and get over that line.”

Littler will play the pre-tournament favourite, 'Cool Hand' Luke Humphries in the final, his toughest test in the tournament yet.

He stands to win £500,000 in prize money if he wins the Sid Waddell trophy tonight - and said he'll treat his friends to a trip to Alton Towers if he secures victory.