In the electrifying world of professional darts, few stories have captured the public’s imagination like that of Luke Littler, the teenage prodigy nicknamed “The Nuke.” At just 18 years old, Littler has skyrocketed to fame, clinching the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship title and becoming the youngest world champion in the sport’s history. His journey from a toddler tossing darts in nappies to a global sports icon is nothing short of remarkable, but behind every throw, every nine-darter, and every triumphant moment at Alexandra Palace stand his parents, Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler. Their unwavering support, sacrifices, and belief in their son’s potential have been the bedrock of his meteoric rise.
Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler, both in their early 40s, are the proud parents who have been with Luke every step of the way. Hailing from Warrington, Cheshire, the couple raised Luke and his siblings—older sister Caitlin, and brothers Leon and Harry—in a modest two-bedroom home before recently moving into a luxurious five-bedroom mansion, thanks to Luke’s burgeoning success. Anthony, a former taxi driver, and Lisa, who works at a shop selling scented candles, embody a grounded, hardworking ethos that they’ve instilled in their son. Their lives, once defined by early mornings and late-night shifts, now revolve around cheering Luke on as he dominates the oche, the line from which darts players throw.
Luke’s passion for darts began at an astonishingly young age—18 months, to be exact—when Anthony bought him a magnetic dartboard from a pound shop. A casual darts player himself, Anthony recognized something special in his son’s early throws. “He was a good footballer. He loved football. All kids do,” Anthony recalled in an interview, reflecting on Luke’s childhood. But at nine years old, Anthony made a pivotal decision that would change the course of Luke’s life. “I said to him, hang your boots up. Concentrate on darts. You can still play football here and there, but if there’s a darts comp on at the weekends, go to darts first.” It was a bold call, but one that paid off spectacularly. “Make that your priority, because I thought he could make it at darts—and he has done,” Anthony added.
Lisa, equally devoted, has been a constant source of emotional support. Her social media is a heartfelt tribute to Luke’s achievements, including a now-iconic video of an 18-month-old Luke giggling as he flung darts with uncanny precision. “When he first came as a kid, you could see he was very special,” said Karl Holden, Luke’s boyhood coach, echoing the sentiment that Lisa and Anthony nurtured from the start. Lisa’s pride was palpable during Luke’s historic 2023/24 PDC World Darts Championship run, where he reached the final at just 16. “I started crying when I saw my mum in the crowd,” Luke admitted after defeating Matt Campbell in that tournament, a moment that underscored the deep bond he shares with his parents.
The couple’s sacrifices were immense. Despite their demanding jobs, they ferried Luke to pubs four or five nights a week after moving to Warrington when he was eight or nine, allowing him to hone his craft in local leagues. “We put him in every competition that was online,” Anthony explained, noting the early mornings and long weekends spent driving to tournaments. “Sometimes you’re getting up at 7am on a Saturday—my only day off—just to play darts. There were no lie-ins.” Their dedication paid dividends when Luke began training at the renowned St Helens Darts Shop, rubbing shoulders with pros like Michael Smith and Stephen Bunting.
Beyond logistics, Anthony and Lisa provided a nurturing environment that kept Luke grounded amid his rapid rise to fame. Even as his net worth soared to an estimated £1.2 million in 2024, fueled by prize money and endorsements with brands like Xbox and boohooMAN, the family remained humble. Their recent move to a £6,000-a-month mansion on Warrington’s “Millionaires’ Row,” complete with a pool and sprawling garden, is a testament to Luke’s success, but their values remain unchanged. “Not enough is said about the parents who have sacrificed so much for Luke and travelled the world with him to help him achieve his dream,” said Martin Foulds, a close associate and fellow Manchester United fan.
Luke’s parents have also supported his personal growth outside of darts. A passionate Manchester United supporter, Luke once dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, but Anthony’s foresight redirected him to the oche. Yet, they’ve encouraged his other interests, from gaming on his Xbox to family outings, like a dream trip to Disney World in 2024, funded by Luke’s earnings. “We’re going to Disney and plan to do all the rides. My whole family loves all the rollercoasters,” Luke shared, highlighting the close-knit bond he shares with his parents and siblings.
As Luke continues to break records—his 2025 World Championship win earned him £500,000 and cemented his status as a darts legend—Anthony and Lisa remain his biggest fans. Their emotional celebrations at Alexandra Palace, where Lisa’s screams of joy and Anthony’s proud applause lit up the crowd, captured their unwavering devotion. For Luke, their presence is a constant reminder that, no matter how bright the spotlight, family comes first. “At 2-0 up [in the final set], I started getting nervous, but I said to myself to just relax,” Luke reflected after his championship win, a composure undoubtedly shaped by the stability his parents provided.
Anthony and Lisa Littler may prefer to stay out of the headlines, but their role in shaping “The Nuke” is undeniable. From a pound-shop dartboard to the world stage, they’ve been the wind beneath Luke’s wings, proving that behind every prodigy is a family willing to sacrifice everything for their dreams.
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