In a disheartening turn of events, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion, was left reeling after vandals targeted his vehicle during a high-profile exhibition event in Norwich. The incident, which saw the rear window of his black Mercedes van shattered, cast a shadow over an otherwise triumphant weekend at the MODUS Icons of Darts event held at Epic Studios. Littler, known as “The Nuke,” took to Instagram to vent his frustration, sharing a photo of the damage and blasting the culprits as the “absolute scum of the earth.” The episode marred a week of professional highs for the young star, who had just secured top spot in the Premier League Darts standings.
The Norwich exhibition, spanning May 17 and 18, 2025, was a celebration of darts’ finest talents, with Littler joined by legends like Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor, as well as his frequent rival, world No. 1 Luke Humphries. The event, organized by MODUS Sports, featured electrifying matches and fan meet-and-greets, culminating in Littler defeating Humphries in a thrilling final. “It was a great night on the oche, playing with such icons,” Littler had shared earlier, reflecting his excitement before the vandalism soured the mood. The victory added another chapter to his burgeoning rivalry with Humphries, following a stellar performance in Aberdeen where he clinched first place in the Premier League playoffs with a 6-3 win, averaging an impressive 116.
Littler’s ascent in darts has been nothing short of meteoric. At just 17, he became the youngest PDC World Champion in January 2025, defeating Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace. His 2024 season was equally dominant, with titles in the Premier League, Grand Slam, World Series Finals, and UK Open, alongside two World Series events. Yet, the Norwich incident underscored the challenges that come with fame. While Littler, who has yet to pass his driving test, wasn’t personally driving the van—it was used to transport him to and from the venue—the damage struck a personal chord. “Just trying to do an exhibition in Norwich and this happens,” he posted, his words resonating with fans who flooded social media with support, condemning the “mindless” act.
The vandalism occurred on the final day of the two-day event, held at Epic Studios in Norwich’s city center. MODUS Sports, known for hosting non-PDC tournaments with current stars and past icons, had drawn a lively crowd eager to see Littler’s pinpoint precision. His victory over Humphries, a repeat of their intense Premier League clashes, had the audience buzzing. However, the discovery of the smashed window as he prepared to leave turned celebration into frustration. Humphries, who will team up with Littler for the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt from June 12-15, offered words of camaraderie, saying, “I feel like the fans are going to enjoy watching us both play together.” Their partnership, confirmed earlier with Littler’s enthusiastic “Dream team confirmed” post, is a testament to their mutual respect despite the competitive fire.
Littler’s rollercoaster week also included confirmation of his World Cup participation, dispelling earlier doubts after he hinted at skipping events in Germany until October. “No, no I was always [going to play],” he clarified, emphasizing his pride in representing England. Humphries echoed the sentiment, stating, “No-one’s going to turn down playing for England. I would never turn it down in a million years, no matter how tired I was.” The duo is favored to defend England’s title, with Humphries predicting, “Everybody is expecting us to win it and no one’s going to touch us.”
As Littler looks ahead to the World Cup and beyond, the Norwich incident serves as a stark reminder of the highs and lows of his meteoric rise. With over £1.5 million in prize money and sponsorships from brands like BooHooMan and Xbox, he’s transformed his family’s life, moving them to a £5 million Cheshire mansion. Yet, moments like these ground the young champion, who remains focused on his craft. Fans and fellow players alike have rallied behind him, condemning the vandalism and celebrating his resilience as he prepares to take the darts world by storm once more.
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