Luke Littler is aiming for the top of the world rankings as he prepares for a decisive knockout test in his Grand Slam of Darts title defence. The 18 year old, already one of the most impactful talents the sport has seen in a generation, says becoming world No 1 before the tournament concludes is a realistic target if he maintains the level he has shown across the season.

Littler enters the elimination rounds with strong form behind him. His group stage run included high checkout percentages, clinical finishing under pressure, and averages consistently hovering in the mid to high 90s. Analysts at Sky Sports note that his scoring power is now matched by a maturity in match management that belies his age, particularly in tight legs where he slows his rhythm and shifts momentum at will.

Reaching world No 1 would require outperforming rivals who have accumulated ranking points over several seasons. But Littler, boosted by titles and deep runs across 2025, has closed the gap significantly. If he pushes through to the semifinals or final, the standings could shift dramatically. His challenge now is navigating a competitive knockout field that includes seasoned major winners and players well known for thriving in high pressure rounds.

The defending champion acknowledges that the Grand Slam format, with its longer legs and multi-stage demands, exposes weaknesses quickly. He has focused training on maintaining stamina through extended matches, increasing his treble consistency late in sets, and sharpening his doubling accuracy in legs that swing decisively on one missed dart.

Fans and commentators continue to track his trajectory closely. Littler has become a headline attraction not only for his fast rise but for the way he carries top level composure. His growth over the past year has redefined expectations for emerging players in the sport, and a run to the No 1 spot at such an early stage in his career would make him one of darts’ most significant breakthrough stories.

As he enters the knockout phase, the equation is simple. Win, and the possibility of topping the world rankings stays alive. Lose, and the wait continues. For a player driven by targets and unaffected by the weight of his own hype, the opportunity is exactly what he has been preparing for.