Littler and Humphries, 28, have proved their quality among a generation of excellent players – with last year’s final that saw Michael Smith beat three-time champion Michael van Gerwen considered an all-time classic.

That more people will have watched Humphries’ victory over Littler is a testament to the power of a compelling story to draw people into sport.

Both Porter and Hammer drew comparison with Fallon Sherrock’s achievements in 2019 when she became the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship before losing in the third round.

“She unfortunately had the brakes put on by Covid just a few months later, which was a real shame, not only for her but for darts,” said Porter.

“When anybody does anything, in any sporting environment, that hasn’t been done before – either a woman winning or a junior winning – it’s going to generate that level of interest in the world that we live in now.

“Luke has been able to, not intentionally, capitalise on that and be thrust into the limelight.”

Hammer added: “The Fallon Sherrock breakthrough really did break down barriers, but this is on another level than that.”

Littler is now closing in on 700,000 followers on Instagram and has more than 120,000 on X (formerly Twitter), which Hammer said is reflective of how many top players’ social media accounts are “booming”.

He is not the first youngster to storm the tournament – Kirk Shepherd reached the 2008 final as a 1000-1 outsider aged 21 but failed to capitalise and handed in his tour card in 2022.

But, if this week is anything to go by, Littler looks set for a fine career.