Littler hopes his exploits have inspired other kids to try their hand at darts
Luke Littler wants to inspire fellow youngsters to play darts after his historic World Championship campaign.
The 16-year-old debutant has taken the sport by storm by reaching the final at Alexandra Palace, where he was beaten by world No 1 Luke Humphries on Wednesday night.
He was one win away from becoming darts' youngest champion and earning sporting immortality but went down 7-4 in the final.
His performances over the last fortnight have earned him celebrity status and have transcended the world of darts as everyone has wanted a piece of the teenager from Warrington.
And Littler, who left school with just one GCSE in the summer to concentrate on his darts, wants to be an inspiration to other kids.
"I have caught a load of people's attention," he said. "It is just unbelievable, I hope I have caught lots of young people's minds to get on a board and just try it out.
"If they don't like it that's fine but I'd advise them to give it a go because it is a good sport and once you get into it you'll always love it.
"If you love the darts why don't you get on the board and try and be like me or one of the other top professionals."
Life has changed forever for Littler, who pocketed a £200,000 prize for finishing second and has got even more earning power owing to his celebrity status.
"I have just got to be myself and be the Luke Littler I have been here for the last three to four weeks," he added.
"It has changed me a lot, I have broke into the top 32, I have got a bit of money now, which is going to help. Getting into the top 32 will definitely help me qualify for pretty much every event in the year.
"It's a losing start to the year, but it is also a good start to the year. I will take the positives."
In the short-term, Littler says he cannot wait to get back on his Xbox. Despite his newfound fame, his immediate plans revolve around catching up on some gaming time.
He added: “I can’t wait to go back on my Xbox.
“I didn’t bring it because I didn’t think I would get to the final. I only practice for half an hour a day, because I get bored and have my Xbox next to me.”
Littler had one dart at double two to take out 124 for a 5-2 lead but narrowly missed. Humphries took full advantage by hitting double 14 to take the set before going on to win 7-4.
Littler admitted his mind went blank during the combinationfinish which caused him to pause. He added: “I took out a 122 beforehand and my mind went blank and I had to stop my rhythm and I just lost it.
“I think the more you play, you know what you go for, what you set up and what you finish, you get used to it.”
Littler will take a lot from his first experience of playing at Alexandra Palace and does not expect the hype around his exploits to result in more pressure from those close to him.
“I’ll take the experience,” he said. “I’ve got the fans, all the fans that have gathered around me. It’s crazy, it’s non stop, they chant me, the other Luke, they do all sorts. It’s non stop but you’ve got to get on with it. I’ve got a good manager and family who don’t put any pressure on me.”