At just 18 years old, Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” has taken the darts world by storm, rewriting records and captivating fans with his prodigious talent. From his historic run to the 2024 PDC World Championship final at 16 to clinching the 2025 title as the youngest champion in history, Littler’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of spectacular. Yet, as the young Englishman basks in the glow of his achievements, a stark warning from former professional Vincent van der Voort highlights a growing concern that could threaten his long-term success. “It’s becoming a real issue,” van der Voort said, pointing to the relentless hostility Littler faces from crowds outside the UK. This draining problem, if left unaddressed, could cast a shadow over his promising career.
Littler’s journey has been one of breathtaking highs. His 2025 World Championship victory over Michael van Gerwen, a three-time champion, cemented his status as a generational talent. At 17 years and 347 days, he shattered van Gerwen’s record as the youngest PDC World Champion, a feat that followed a string of major titles in 2024, including the Premier League, Grand Slam, and World Series Finals. His flair at the oche, marked by a televised nine-dart finish at the 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters and a record-breaking 140.91 set average in the 2025 World Championship, has drawn comparisons to darts legend Phil Taylor. Yet, despite his on-stage brilliance, Littler is grappling with an unexpected challenge: the growing chorus of boos from international crowds.
The issue came to a head at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, where Littler and his England teammate faced jeers from German fans before a shock second-round exit against the host nation. Similar scenes unfolded earlier in the year at the Premier League in Berlin and the European Tour in Hildesheim, with the hostility reaching a crescendo at the US Darts Masters in New York. “He was getting booed a lot in Germany at first, but now it’s spreading,” van der Voort observed. “I was in New York last weekend, and even there, the crowd was giving him a hard time.” The Dutchman, who witnessed Littler’s frustration backstage after the New York event, warned that this negativity could take a toll. “There’s got to be a shift. You don’t want to be travelling from tournament to tournament and feel like no one’s behind you. That’s draining, especially at his age.”
Van der Voort attributes the crowd’s reaction to Littler’s on-stage demeanor and off-stage comments, which may rub some fans the wrong way. “It’s the things he says and the way he carries himself. They’re not helping his cause,” he noted. Littler’s bold showmanship, while electrifying for his supporters, has occasionally been perceived as arrogance by rivals and international audiences. His unconventional checkout choices, like going for high-risk finishes such as 167 or 170, have sparked debates about sportsmanship, with some players citing a breach of darts’ unwritten “code.” Ricardo Pietreczko, for instance, called out Littler’s “arrogance” after a heated encounter, while even Michael van Gerwen dubbed him “Mr. Big Bollocks” for a daring single-20-tops-tops attempt. These moments, while showcasing Littler’s fearless style, have fueled tensions.
The psychological impact of this hostility is a concern for someone so young in a career that could span decades. Littler’s manager, Martin Foulds, has described him as a “typical shy teenager” off-stage, contrasting with his confident persona at the oche. “It’s just the way he is – he just enjoys playing darts, it’s fun for him,” Foulds said, defending Littler’s approach. Yet, van der Voort stressed the need for better guidance to navigate the spotlight. “It’s unfortunate he doesn’t seem to have the right people around him – people who can guide him, help him make better decisions, and teach him what’s smart and what isn’t,” he said. This echoes advice from darts icon Bobby George, who urged Littler to be wary of “sharks” looking to exploit his fame and to keep a tight circle to stay grounded.
Despite these challenges, Littler’s resilience shines through. His 2025 UK Open win and strong Premier League defense, with two nightly victories, demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure. Support from peers like Luke Humphries, who called for players to protect the young star, and his MBE honor alongside Humphries reflect his positive impact on the sport. However, the growing international backlash, as seen in posts on X, could sap his energy over time. As Littler prepares for upcoming tournaments, balancing his natural flair with strategic diplomacy may be key to sustaining his success and silencing the boos.
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