Introduction
The global darts landscape has been reshaped dramatically in 2025, as a new generation of elite talent has surged through the rankings with unprecedented speed and confidence. While established champions continue to command major stages, it has been the breakout performances of young contenders that have captured headlines across the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), World Darts Federation (WDF), and Junior Darts Corporation circuits. Record-breaking averages, historic youth triumphs, and fearless performances on televised stages have collectively signaled a significant shift in competitive dynamics.
Notably, the meteoric rise of teenage world champion Luke Littler has accelerated interest in emerging players worldwide. However, beyond the headline acts, a broader wave of rising stars has been steadily building momentum—climbing the Order of Merit, dominating development tours, and challenging seasoned professionals in major events. As a result, 2025 has been widely regarded as a transitional year in which youth development pathways have begun to produce fully formed contenders rather than long-term prospects.
In this comprehensive feature, the Top 10 Rising Stars in Darts in 2025 will be examined in detail. Their recent achievements, statistical progression, competitive milestones, and projected trajectories will be analyzed to determine why they are positioned to shape the next era of professional darts.
1. Luke Littler — The Teenage World Champion
At just 18 years old, Luke Littler has not only risen through the ranks but redefined what it means to be a rising star in darts. In 2025, Littler became the youngest-ever PDC World Darts Champion, breaking long‑standing records with exceptional scoring and composure under pressure. His title run included victories over seasoned professionals and cemented him as a generational talent.
In addition to his world title, Littler has been a dominant force on the PDC circuit — claiming major honors including the UK Open, and adding multiple European Tour titles to his résumé. His consistent high scoring, strategic finishing, and ability to rise to the big occasion have made him a fan favorite.
Off the oche, Littler made headlines in early 2026 by signing a record‑breaking £20 million deal with Target Darts, one of the most significant sponsorship deals in the sport’s history, reflecting his global marketability and impact.
2. Josh Rock — Northern Ireland’s Next Big Thing
Josh Rock has steadily carved a formidable reputation on the professional circuit through a potent blend of relentless scoring power and competitive resilience. Often recognized for his explosive 180 hitting and clinical finishing under pressure, Rock’s technical progression has been evident across televised majors and floor events alike. In 2025, his campaign reached a significant milestone when he advanced to the semi-finals of the World Matchplay — one of the sport’s most prestigious ranking events — where his composure against elite opposition was widely praised. Furthermore, multiple appearances in PDC European Tour finals reinforced his growing consistency on the continental stage. As a result, his Order of Merit position continued to strengthen, signaling a transition from promising contender to genuine major title threat. Collectively, these performances have underscored Rock’s upward trajectory and positioned him as one of the most credible emerging forces in professional darts.
His rise up the PDC Order of Merit, breaking into the top ten for the first time, signals a transition from promising talent to established contender. With matchplay consistency and a growing list of deep tournament runs, Rock is widely expected to vie for major titles in the coming seasons.
3. Jenson Walker — The Teen Phenomenon Climbing the Rankings
One of the breakout stories of 2025 is Jenson Walker, whose rapid ascent through the World Darts Federation (WDF) rankings has captured global attention. Balancing academic pursuits in accountancy with a burgeoning darts career, Walker claimed significant victories, including the Romanian Open Classic, and climbed to the world No. 1 position in the WDF standings.
His trajectory is noteworthy not only because of his results but also because of what it represents — a new generation seamlessly combining elite competition with personal development off the stage. Having only taken up darts at age 13 during the Covid pandemic, his rise has been exceptionally swift. The 2025 campaign further strengthened his credentials, highlighted by a semi-final run at the WDF World Championship at Lakeside, a final appearance at the Romanian Open Classic, and consistent performances across WDF and Modus Super Series events. Meanwhile, his studies at Coventry University on a sports scholarship demonstrate a disciplined and holistic approach to growth, reflecting maturity beyond his years and reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s most compelling young talents
4. Gian van Veen — A Dutch Star With Power Scoring
Gian van Veen has continued to strengthen his reputation as one of the Netherlands’ most promising young talents, with his explosive scoring power and fearless stage presence drawing increasing attention across the professional circuit. Widely recognized for his heavy 180 hitting and rapid rhythm at the oche, van Veen produced a landmark moment in early 2026 when he delivered a televised nine-dart finish — the sport’s perfect leg — on the European Tour stage, a rare and technically flawless achievement that underscored his elite scoring ceiling.
The nine-darter not only highlighted his clinical finishing under pressure but also reinforced his growing comfort in high-stakes environments against established PDC contenders. Throughout 2025, he had already demonstrated consistent progression with multiple deep runs in ranking events and strong averages that regularly exceeded the 100 mark, signaling that his breakthrough at major level may only be a matter of time. As a product of the Netherlands’ rich darts tradition, van Veen is widely viewed as part of the next wave expected to follow in the footsteps of former Dutch world champions, and his trajectory suggests sustained upward momentum within the Professional Darts Corporation circuit.
Although still chasing his first European Tour title, van Veen’s consistent appearances in finals and deep tournament runs showcase his growth and potential for major success. His ability to push top players and produce highlight finishes positions him as one of the most exciting young prospects in the game today.
5. Tergel Khurelkhuu — Mongolia’s Rising Star
From Asia, Tergel Khurelkhuu has emerged as one of the most compelling youth prospects in global darts, topping the standings on the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) Advanced Tour in 2025 — a landmark achievement within one of the sport’s most competitive development circuits. The Advanced Tour is widely regarded as a proving ground for future professional stars, making Khurelkhuu’s consistency across multiple events particularly significant. Throughout the season, strong three-dart averages, confident finishing percentages, and composure in deciding legs were repeatedly demonstrated against elite youth opposition from Europe and the UK.
His rise has also carried symbolic importance, as he became the first player from Mongolia to reach the summit of the JDC rankings, thereby expanding the sport’s geographic footprint beyond its traditional strongholds in the United Kingdom and Western Europe. Moreover, his success reflects the accelerating globalization of darts, where structured youth pathways and international tournaments are enabling emerging regions to compete at a high technical level. With continued exposure to elite competition and potential transition opportunities toward senior circuits, Khurelkhuu represents a broader shift toward diversified international representation within the modern darts landscape.
6. Mitchell Lawrie — Scotland’s Youth Champion
Scottish standout Mitchell Lawrie burst decisively onto the international stage after capturing the boys’ singles crown at the 2025 WDF Europe Youth Cup, a prestigious continental event organized by the World Darts Federation. The title was secured following a composed series of knockout victories against Europe’s top youth representatives, during which high scoring bursts and clinical double finishing were consistently demonstrated under pressure.
Beyond that landmark triumph, Lawrie accumulated multiple titles and deep runs across youth and advanced development tours, reinforcing his reputation as one of Scotland’s most technically complete junior prospects. Strong three-dart averages, efficient checkout percentages, and an increasingly mature stage presence have drawn praise from established professionals who have highlighted both his scoring fluency and mental resilience. As a result, his progression curve is widely viewed as indicative of an impending transition toward senior-level competition, where continued exposure to higher-caliber opposition could accelerate his integration into the professional ranks.
7. Lex Paeshuyse — Belgium’s Star in the Making
Belgian teenager Lex Paeshuyse etched his name into youth darts history by becoming the youngest-ever champion of the JDC World Championship at just 13 years old — a milestone that immediately positioned him among the sport’s elite junior talents. The title was secured through a series of high-pressure performances in which advanced scoring power and remarkable composure were displayed against older and more experienced opponents. His rapid development has been facilitated by structured competition within the Junior Darts Corporation pathway, widely regarded as the primary feeder system for future professional stars.
Throughout 2025, Paeshuyse sustained his upward trajectory by collecting multiple titles on the Advanced Tour and gaining valuable exposure at WDF-ranked events, where consistency and maturity beyond his years were repeatedly demonstrated. Strong three-dart averages, confident double finishing, and a fearless approach in deciding legs have reinforced his reputation as one of Europe’s most technically gifted teenagers. Consequently, his continued progression has placed him firmly among the most exciting long-term prospects in world darts, with many observers anticipating a seamless transition to senior competition in the years ahead.
8. Jack Johnson — Super 16 Champion and Future Star
At just 13 years of age, Jack Johnson captured the 2025 JDC Super 16 title, becoming the youngest champion in the event’s history and firmly establishing himself as one of the brightest prospects within the Junior Darts Corporation development system. The Super 16 competition is widely regarded as a showcase for the most elite junior talents, meaning Johnson’s triumph was achieved against some of the strongest youth opposition in the circuit.
Throughout the tournament, heavy scoring phases and assured double finishing were demonstrated, particularly in deciding legs where composure under pressure proved decisive. Beyond that headline victory, consistent performances across youth tour events have reflected steady technical refinement and tactical awareness. Notably, Johnson has frequently competed against older and more physically mature opponents, yet a calm stage demeanor and efficient scoring rhythm have been maintained. As a result, his progression curve is increasingly viewed as indicative of long-term senior potential, with observers suggesting that continued exposure to elite competition could accelerate his pathway toward professional-level success.
9. Jayden Walker — Youth Tour Sensation
Another compelling youth prospect is Jayden Walker, whose performances on the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) Advanced Tour and in earlier qualifying events have attracted widespread attention within development circles. Competing against many of the strongest under-18 players in the system, Walker has consistently delivered high three-dart averages and demonstrated a confident, repeatable throwing action under tournament pressure.
His ability to produce heavy scoring bursts, coupled with increasingly reliable double finishing in decisive legs, has elevated him from promising junior to legitimate elite prospect within the youth ranks. Moreover, exposure to structured competitive pathways — including stage events and streamed matches — has accelerated his match temperament and tactical maturity. Frequently praised by established professionals and development coaches as one of the most naturally gifted young players they have encountered, Walker’s blend of scoring power and composure suggests that a transition from youth standout to mainstream tour contender could realistically occur within the next few seasons if his progression continues at its current pace.
10. Addison Hefferon — The Youngest of the Prospects
The youngest player on this list, Addison Hefferon, made history by becoming the youngest-ever winner of a JDC Foundation Tour title, accomplishing this remarkable feat before even celebrating his 10th birthday. Demonstrating advanced hand-eye coordination, consistent scoring, and a surprising composure for his age, Hefferon outperformed competitors several years older, highlighting an extraordinary natural aptitude for the sport. Although he is still in the earliest stages of his competitive journey, his achievements reflect a rare combination of technical skill and mental focus that is uncommon even among older youth players.
Continued participation in JDC youth circuits and exposure to structured international competitions are expected to accelerate his development, and many observers consider him a long-term prospect who could make a significant impact at senior levels. As he progresses through the ranks, Hefferon’s trajectory will be closely monitored by coaches, scouts, and darts enthusiasts eager to witness the maturation of one of the game’s most promising young talents.
Conclusion
The 2025 season has showcased a remarkable new generation of talent, from champions like Luke Littler to young prodigies such as Lex Paeshuyse, Jenson Walker, and Addison Hefferon. These rising stars are redefining skill, composure, and competitive maturity while contributing to the globalization of darts, with top performers emerging from Mongolia, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Scotland.
With early success translating into major tournament impact for players like Josh Rock and Gian van Veen, the next wave is ready to challenge established hierarchies. This dynamic, diverse, and highly skilled cohort signals a thrilling future, ensuring that darts’ next era is vibrant, competitive, and globally exciting.
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