'If somebody had said I'd be playing influencers 10 years ago, I'd have laughed' - John Henderson credits Luke Littler for bringing darts to the mainstream

John Henderson has praised the impact Luke Littler has had on the world of darts as he prepares for a unique challenge: a match against social media stars at a popular influencer event.

The Scottish fan favourite bowed out of the PDC circuit at the end of 2023, but not before a memorable farewell. He featured in the Premier League Darts in his hometown of Aberdeen — complete with bagpipes — and lifted the World Cup of Darts alongside Peter Wright.

After losing his PDC Tour Card, Henderson found a fresh stage in the MODUS Super Series, a competition where he says he rediscovered his match sharpness. The series has long been a springboard for emerging talent — none more eye-catching than ‘The Nuke’, Luke Littler, who captured back-to-back titles there in 2023.

Henderson believes Littler hasn’t just inspired a new generation of players; he’s also put darts back in the spotlight, drawing in influencers and fresh audiences. At the upcoming MODUS Super Series Influencer Darts Showdown, Henderson will once again share the stage with a social media personality.

"If somebody would have said I would be playing influencers 10 years ago, I'd have laughed at it," admitted Henderson to Pluto TV. "I think, obviously, the Luke Littler effect has helped that side of things, like the youngsters coming through. But the event seems to work."

"The public love watching it, and it's good to see some of the professionals getting involved and playing with them, and it's just such a relaxed day. It's good for the sport as well. I think it gives the audience something different to watch."