Hailing from Dorset, 12-year-old Jayden Walker is yet another young darting talent tipped for the very top. With Luke Littler having recently sent darts statisticians into overdrive, another prodigy is hurtling up the leaderboard, ready to make them work even harder.
Arriving on the scene with an earth-shattering kaboom, any kid displaying serious skill on the oche is naturally going to be dubbed ‘the next Luke Littler’. Jayden, it seems, is more than happy to accept the unofficial title.
Darts World’s Anthony Urmston-Toft recently caught up with the rising star, who’s creating quite the splash:
“I started playing competitively at ten, and by twelve, it had already been a whirlwind adventure. Everything happened so fast – one minute I was messing about in local leagues, the next I was stepping up to proper tournaments.”
The journey kicked into gear at a MODUS Super Series Influencers Event last December. Paired with AngryGinge, the duo claimed the title, with Jayden leaving his mark via a world-class 145 checkout. Impressive at any age, but mind-blowing for a 12-year-old.
In a world where social media influencers are practically heroes to school kids, Jayden’s classmates were desperate for the inside scoop.
“Even before school on the Monday morning, I was getting messages asking what it was like to meet AngryGinge and hit that checkout. Everyone was watching it live. We both got medals that day, though the trophy stayed at the MODUS building.”
And there was even better to come, as Jayden recalls:
“Shortly after, I was at my local Tuesday night league, and Mum asked if I’d like to compete in the actual MODUS Super Series. Honestly, I didn’t need asking twice. I wouldn’t turn down an opportunity like that.”
That moment opened doors. It led to more exhibitions in Worthing, Cardiff, and Southampton with his key sponsor MODUS Sports Management.
Every event gave him opportunities he hadn’t even imagined. Not only playing the big dogs, but having a louder bite on occasion too:
“I remember playing Damon Heta at an exhibition in Southampton – I lost 3-0 but narrowly missed a double for a 126 checkout. On another night, I beat Simon Whitlock 2-0, which felt huge.”
Of course, while 12-year-olds in the UK are TikTok experts and some are throwing unbelievable averages on the dartboard, none of them can legally drive. So parental logistics are still very much part of the package:
“Dad usually drives because he has the fancier car, with Mum riding shotgun like a passenger princess. Then I’m stuck in the back with Mum’s seat pushed right against my legs. They aren’t fans of each other’s music, so I just sit and listen to my own.”
Probably wise. Otherwise, the car would likely be a splattering of 80s hits and questionable dance moves.
Remember the saying ‘like a kid in a sweetshop’? Young Jayden is now a Target Elite 1 player, and his recent trip to their headquarters felt a bit like Charlie visiting the Chocolate Factory – two entire tall aisles of K-Flex darts made him positively giddy. The rest of the year is building nicely.
Algebra homework? Not a priority. Jayden has bigger plans:
“In September, I’ll be representing the England Academy Nations in Wales. There are some fantastic youngsters around now – it’s crazy how good the standard is. Some have only been playing a year and are already hitting 80-plus averages consistently.”
Frightening, right? In ten years, the players’ entrance at Ally Pally could realistically resemble a skate park, judging by the talent and ages of kids now throwing ridiculous numbers. With this year’s diary nearly full and the school curriculum probably wondering how it can fit in, Jayden is already looking to 2026. Plans are firmly in place:
“After missing out this November, I’m hoping to represent England at the World Cup in Gibraltar next year, and also aim for the JDC World Championship. Most of the planning happens a couple of months before, but it’s exciting. I hope the adventures keep coming, because I’m ready for many more.”
Of that, there is little doubt. And we wouldn’t be surprised if many of those adventures end with Jayden holding aloft more silverware.
——Ends——
Images: MODUS
