Luke Littler made headlines last week after becoming the youngest World Darts Champion at just 17 years old, cementing his place as the new darling of the sport.
The prodigious talent from England triumphed at the Alexandra Palace in London, overcoming the formidable Dutch player Michael van Gerwen, who had previously been crowned champion three times (2014, 2017, 2019). Littler's win not only demonstrated his extraordinary skill but also made him the youngest player ever to claim this prestigious title.
Overcome with emotion during the trophy presentation, Littler declared, "I can't believe it," reflecting the awe he felt after achieving such incredible success at such a young age. His victory was not just about the title; it came with substantial financial rewards as well. The young champion walked away with €600,000, adding to the €240,000 he earned after finishing second the previous year.
Speaking of his fortunes, Littler humorously remarked, "I don’t know what to do with this money" shortly after being seen distributing bundles of cash to his older brother. This act of generosity highlights his character beyond his impressive darts career.
Over the past year, Littler's ascent has been meteoric. He has won ten titles, raking in approximately €1.8 million—an amount many dart players might not see throughout their entire careers. With his eighteenth birthday approaching on January 21, it's clear this is just the beginning for the player affectionately nicknamed "The Nuke."
Littler's talent was evident from an early age; he began throwing darts at just 18 months old and, by the time he was nine, he was playing against competitors aged 21 and older. His mentor, Karl Holden, recalls how Littler stood out even among older players, saying, "He was just too good compared to everyone else. He left the St Helens Darts Academy at just 13 years old because he had outgrown it."
The excitement around Littler’s win extends beyond personal accolades. Fans from his hometown, Warrington, are eager to celebrate his remarkable achievement, with local councilor Mo Hussain announcing potential festivities, stating, "It’s amazing what he has achieved. We were planning for him to have an open-top bus parade, but the weather might not cooperate. We might have to grant him the freedom of Warrington and hold a civic reception instead!"
Following his victory, the young champion was seen enjoying quality time with his supportive parents, Lisa and Anthony, as they celebrated this landmark achievement. A heartwarming photograph shared by Littler showed him curled up at home with his trophy, reminiscent of Lionel Messi’s iconic moment with the FIFA World Cup trophy.
While reveling in his victory, Littler has also retained his humorous side. He quipped about his improved tastes, noting, "I loved my Ford Focus, but I think I’ve upgraded my tastes now," hinting at aspirations for luxury cars following his newfound wealth.
The buzz around the young player isn't limited to his performances. The past year's finals, watched by 4.8 million viewers, marked it as one of the most-watched sporting events outside of football on English television, underlining the enormous interest he has generated.
From his casual routine to his unique lifestyle, Littler continues to charm fans, having previously joked about staying out late and not rising until noon. His candid approach to life adds to his allure, as fans are drawn to his relatable nature.
With his impressive start, Littler is set to captivate audiences for years to come. His victory at the World Darts Championship not only makes history but also marks the dawn of what could be an incredible career. The darts community and his eager fans are now left wondering what this young champion will accomplish next.