At just 18, Luke Littler, the darts prodigy known as “The Nuke,” continues to dominate the sport and capture headlines both on and off the oche. Fresh off his commanding 8-4 victory over world number one Luke Humphries at the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters, Littler has added another chapter to his remarkable story. The teenage sensation, who averaged an astonishing 115 in the Auckland final, was spotted celebrating his triumph with 19-year-old beautician Faith Millar, a Wigan native who has become his near-constant companion in recent months. Their close bond, described as “almost inseparable,” has fueled speculation about a budding romance, adding a personal dimension to Littler’s meteoric rise in the darts world.
The New Zealand Darts Masters showcased Littler at his blistering best. After a shaky first-round win over Mark Cleaver, where he uncharacteristically failed to hit a 180, Littler found his rhythm on finals night. He dispatched Mike De Decker 6-2 in the quarter-finals and Gerwyn Price 7-2 in the semi-finals before outclassing Humphries in the final. His seven 180s and back-to-back 11-darters sealed the victory, marking his second consecutive World Series title after triumphing in Australia the previous week. “It felt very much the same as last week,” Littler reflected. “I had a shaky start in my opening game, but once you come into Finals Night, you know you have to switch it on, and that’s what I did again tonight. I felt unbeatable up there.” The electric atmosphere at Spark Arena, which he likened to a Premier League night, only amplified his performance.
Humphries, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Littler’s brilliance: “I played pretty well today, but when you run into a 115 average, there’s not much you can do. When Luke’s on it, he’s untouchable.” The victory further cements Littler’s status as a generational talent. At 17, he became the youngest PDC World Champion in January 2025, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace. His haul of six major titles—including the Premier League, Grand Slam, World Series Finals, UK Open, and World Matchplay—places him among darts’ elite, with a career prize money total soaring past £1.5 million. His recent successes in Australia and New Zealand have only heightened anticipation for the World Series finals in Amsterdam from September 12-14, where he is the defending champion.
Off the board, Littler’s personal life has drawn equal attention. Since meeting Faith Millar in February 2025, the pair have been spotted together at events, including a Q&A session hosted by Littler’s sponsor, BoohooMan, in Manchester. Millar, an eyelash technician from Wigan, just 15 miles from Littler’s hometown of Warrington, has reportedly met his parents, and their bond has grown strong. “She’s a lovely lady, Faith. It’s what I needed,” Littler said, addressing their relationship for the first time. However, both have downplayed romantic speculation, insisting they are close friends. “They’re jealous. They wanna ruin us,” Littler remarked about online trolls targeting their friendship, urging fans to focus on his darts rather than his personal life.
Littler’s rise has not been without challenges. Last year, he faced scrutiny over his split with former girlfriend Eloise, with whom he remains on amicable terms. “Everyone needs to stop sending hate towards Eloise,” he pleaded on social media, emphasizing the need for privacy. His focus remains on his craft, with a grueling schedule that includes the upcoming Players Championship 24 on August 25. Despite the pressures of fame, Littler stays grounded, crediting his family and friends for keeping him level-headed. “I’m just me,” he said after his World Championship win. “I’ll just see where my darts land.”
The “Littler effect” continues to transform darts, drawing new fans and inspiring a generation. His ability to handle both the spotlight and fierce competition—evidenced by his 8-7 head-to-head edge over Humphries—sets him apart. As he prepares for the next chapter, with Faith by his side and the darts world at his feet, Littler’s journey promises more electrifying moments. Whether he’s firing nine-darters or navigating personal scrutiny, the teenager from Warrington remains a force to be reckoned with, both in sport and in life.
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