In the electrifying world of Premier League Darts, 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” is no stranger to the roar of the crowd—whether it’s cheers or jeers. As he prepares to take the stage at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena for Thursday’s Night 12 matches, the reigning PDC world champion has fired a cheeky salvo at fans planning to boo him. The Manchester United supporter, whose meteoric rise has captivated darts fans globally, is bracing for a hostile reception from the Merseyside crowd, fueled by his vocal allegiance to Liverpool’s fierce rivals and a history of taunting Reds supporters.
Littler’s latest message comes on the heels of a turbulent week. At the German Grand Prix in Munich, the teenager faced a barrage of boos from the crowd, prompting a candid Instagram post: “Shouldn’t have been in Munich but had to play anyway.” The negative reception left him visibly frustrated, even hinting at skipping future events in Germany. Reflecting on the experience, Littler has suggested that the hostility may stem from his English nationality, a sentiment echoed after similar treatment in Berlin earlier this month. “I just don’t get it, and I can’t explain it,” he said after losing to Chris Dobey in Berlin, where boos greeted him as soon as he stepped on stage. “Obviously, you do your walk-on, but then as soon as I got on stage, I started getting booed.”
This isn’t Littler’s first brush with crowd animosity. Last year in Hildesheim, during a European Tour match against Peter Wright, he recalled, “I was flying, and then they started booing me, and I lost.” The young star has faced jeers in Newcastle and Exeter as well, often linked to his football loyalties or his dominance on the oche. Yet, Littler has turned these challenges into fuel, channeling the energy into performances that silence detractors. His 6-0 whitewash of Stephen Bunting in Newcastle, despite a hostile crowd, showcased his ability to thrive under pressure, averaging an astonishing 110.
Ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League night, Littler took to Instagram with a tongue-in-cheek jab: “One of the best nights on the Premier League calendar coming up tomorrow, bring on the boos Liverpool.” The message, dripping with confidence, reflects his growing showmanship and resilience. As a proud Manchester United fan, Littler has leaned into the rivalry, previously taunting Liverpool supporters over their team’s 2-0 Merseyside derby loss to Everton and United’s dramatic FA Cup victory. These antics, including a deleted tweet mocking Jurgen Klopp, have only intensified the Merseyside crowd’s resolve to give him a frosty welcome.
Despite the expected boos, Littler’s focus remains on securing a playoff spot at the O2 Arena in London. Currently leading the Premier League table, he faces Gerwyn Price in the opening quarter-final, a crucial step toward his goal of defending his title. His debut season in 2024 saw him clinch the championship with a nine-dart finish against Luke Humphries, cementing his status as a darts prodigy. “I said last week I’d like to finish top again, two years in a row, and that’s my goal from now on,” Littler told reporters, underscoring his ambition to break records, including Phil Taylor’s 44-match unbeaten streak.
Littler’s journey is not just about darts; it’s about navigating the pressures of fame at a young age. From his sportsmanship—seen when he gestured to stop fans booing Humphries during the 2024 World Championship final—to his ability to laugh off crowd hostility, he’s proving he’s more than a teenage sensation. As he steps into Liverpool’s cauldron of noise, Littler’s message is clear: boos may come, but his darts will do the talking.