Luke Littler has made history by winning the world darts championship at the tender age of 17, securing a 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen in the final held in London on Friday.
He has now etched his name in the record books as the youngest world champion in the sport.
Here’s a closer look at the rising star from Britain.
Early Beginnings
Littler’s journey with darts began at just 18 months old when he threw his first dart at a magnetic board, as captured in a video where he was playfully wearing a diaper. By the time he was 4 or 5, he transitioned to steel tip darts and claimed that he was already throwing from the competition distance known as the oche by ages 6 or 7. His first major title came at 14, when he triumphed at the Irish Open in 2021.
Global Impact
Littler’s ascent to stardom accelerated last year when he made it to the finals of the world championship at merely 16 years old during his debut tournament. Performing amidst a lively crowd that playfully chanted “You’ve got school in the morning,” he became the youngest competitor to secure a win at this prestigious event. Along his path to the final, he defeated two previous world champions before ultimately finishing second to Luke Humphries. He celebrated his tournament achievements with kebabs and indulged in video gaming during his leisure time.
Financial Gains
His impressive run as a world championship runner-up netted Littler a substantial reward of 200,000 pounds (approximately $255,000). By the end of 2024, his total prize earnings exceeded 1 million pounds (around $1.28 million), bolstered by victories in ten tournaments worldwide, including events in Bahrain and Amsterdam. His remarkable performance also elevated him to the No. 4 position in the global rankings.
Popularity Surge
According to Google data released last month, Littler became Britain’s most-searched athlete in 2024, ranking third among the most searched individuals overall—just behind Kate Middleton and the newly elected President Donald Trump. He has dramatically increased his social media presence, amassing 1.5 million followers on Instagram, a significant jump from a mere 4,000 prior to last year’s championship.
The Littler Phenomenon
The so-called “Littler effect,” as referenced by Steve Brown, chairman of the Junior Darts Corporation, has led to an impressive doubling of academies for aspiring young players under the age of 16, reaching 115 such facilities in a year. These academies have sprung up in various locations, including Bulgaria and Mongolia. The membership of the corporation has also seen a significant rise from 1,600 to over 3,000 in the past year.
Life at Home
Littler, who is affectionately known as “Luke the Nuke,” continues to reside with his parents, Lisa Littler and Anthony Buckley, in Warrington, located in northwest England. He is a fan of Manchester United and even received a congratulatory message from soccer legend David Beckham during the 2024 championship events.
