At just 18 years old, Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” has taken the darts world by storm, cementing his status as the sport’s youngest world champion after his commanding 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship. His meteoric rise, marked by a Premier League title, Grand Slam, World Series Finals, and UK Open, has made him a household name, with his performances driving a surge in darts’ popularity dubbed the “Littler effect.” Yet, despite his own remarkable resilience, Littler humbly deflected praise about his mental fortitude following a thrilling comeback at the 2025 World Matchplay in Blackpool, instead naming former champion Nathan Aspinall as the player with the best mentality in the sport.
Littler’s epic second-round clash against Jermaine Wattimena showcased his ability to thrive under pressure. Trailing 7-2 against the Dutchman, Littler appeared on the brink of a shock exit. However, the teenager staged a stunning recovery, winning six consecutive legs and ultimately prevailing 13-11 in a tiebreak to secure his place in the quarter-finals against Andrew Gilding. “I’m a World Champion for a reason. I find these gears when I need it,” Littler declared post-match, pointing to the star on his shirt—a symbol of his January 2025 world title triumph. Yet, when asked if this comeback proved he possessed the strongest mentality in darts, Littler was quick to credit Aspinall. “I probably wouldn’t say so. I think one of the best players with the best mentality is probably Nathan Aspinall,” he said. “If he’s 5-0, 6-0 down, he’s going to find a way to come back.”
Aspinall, a former World Matchplay champion and world No. 7, has earned a reputation for his never-say-die attitude. His ability to claw back from seemingly insurmountable deficits has made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent. Littler’s admiration for Aspinall’s mental strength reflects the respect shared among darts’ elite, even as Littler dominates with a style that blends prodigious talent and unshakable composure. “I’ve not felt pressure like that since the first round of the World Championship against Ryan Meikle,” Littler admitted, referencing the emotional 3-1 win where he set a record 140.91 set average, overcoming nerves to prevail. His ability to remain calm, described by sports psychologist Martin Perry as a “very deep and absolute trust” in his ability, allows him to enter a “bubble of high-focus concentration” where he plays “unconscious darts,” consistently hitting maximum 180s and nailing checkouts.
Littler’s journey began at 18 months old, throwing darts at a magnetic board in his Warrington home. By age six, he scored his first 180, and at 13, he achieved a nine-dart finish. His rapid ascent through youth competitions, including the 2023 PDC World Youth Championship and the 2022 JDC World Darts Championship, foreshadowed his professional success. In 2024, Littler won 11 titles, including the Bahrain Masters, where he became the youngest player to hit a televised nine-darter. His 2025 campaign has been equally dazzling, with six nine-darters in a single year, a new personal best. “I’m very happy. The fifth nightly win was going to come at some point,” he said after a historic fifth Premier League night victory in Birmingham, outpacing legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.
Despite his accolades, Littler remains grounded, crediting his family and his love for Manchester United, video games, and fast food for keeping him relatable. His off-stage humility contrasts with his on-stage showmanship, a duality noted by Target Darts boss Garry Plummer: “He’s quiet and humble, and then he gets on that stage and wants to entertain. He’s like a seasoned pro.” As Littler prepares for his quarter-final clash with Gilding, with Gerwyn Price and Josh Rock also vying for the Matchplay title, his nod to Aspinall underscores the mental toughness required to excel in darts’ high-pressure arena. With a £500,000 World Championship prize already banked and a global fanbase growing, Littler’s focus on learning from rivals like Aspinall signals his intent to dominate for years to come, all while elevating darts to new heights.
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