In the electrifying world of professional darts, 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” continues to dominate both the oche and the headlines. Fresh off his thrilling 8-7 victory over Josh Rock in the Flanders Darts Trophy final in Belgium, where he clinched his fourth PDC European Tour title and a £30,000 prize, Littler found himself embroiled in an unexpected controversy. The young star took to social media to warn fans about a scam involving a close friend, revealing a betrayal that has shaken his inner circle and sparked widespread discussion among his followers.
Littler’s latest triumph in Belgium was a testament to his relentless drive and skill. Trailing in the match, he staged a dramatic comeback to secure the title, keeping the pressure on world number one Luke Humphries in the race for the top spot. His meteoric rise, marked by victories in the Premier League in May 2024, the World Championship in January 2025, and the World Matchplay in July, has solidified his status as one of darts’ brightest stars. With £1,533,000 in prize money, Littler trails Humphries by just £249,750, a gap he’s poised to close with upcoming events like the Players Championship and additional European Tour stops. His achievements place him among elite company, joining legends like Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Humphries as one of the few to complete darts’ prestigious Triple Crown.
However, the glow of victory was dimmed by a personal issue that prompted Littler to address his 1.4 million Instagram followers. After promoting a music festival ticket-selling account at the request of a “good mate,” Littler received a flood of messages from fans claiming they had been scammed. The account, which gained over 500 followers after Littler’s endorsement, was allegedly fraudulent, with no tickets delivered to buyers. Devastated by the deception, Littler posted a screenshot of the account on his Instagram Stories, urging fans to steer clear. “Everyone ignore this account, don’t buy any tickets because I have had numerous messages saying I’ve been scammed,” he wrote. “A good mate of mine wanted me to do a favour so I put it on my story, he gained 500-plus followers. But obviously he’s scamming people and not got the tickets, so everyone ignore it my apologies I didn’t think he was like this.” The account has since been deleted, but the incident left Littler reeling, as he grappled with the betrayal of someone he trusted.
This isn’t the first time Littler has faced challenges off the oche. His rapid rise to fame at age 16 during the 2023 World Darts Championship brought intense scrutiny, including criticism over a photo with a controversial newspaper and online trolling directed at his former girlfriend, Eloise Milburn. Littler and Milburn, who parted ways in June 2024 due to his demanding schedule, faced harsh comments about their five-year age gap. Littler defended her publicly, stating, “Everyone needs to stop sending hate towards Eloise saying it’s her fault, this and that. I myself split up with Eloise and everyone just needs to give us some time.” More recently, Littler has been linked to 19-year-old beautician Faith Millar, though both have insisted they are just friends. Their close bond, evident at events like a BoohooMan Q&A in Manchester, has fueled speculation, but Littler remains focused on his career, wary of the public spotlight on his personal life.
The scam incident highlights the pressures of fame for the young star, who has navigated media storms with remarkable poise. Despite the distraction, Littler’s performance in Belgium remained unaffected, showcasing his mental fortitude. Fans rallied behind him on social media, with one praising his humility: “Luke apologizing to fans for not coming out to take pictures or give autographs, he’s so cute.” Another highlighted his fan interactions, noting a lighthearted exchange where a supporter joked about Littler “breaking a leg” on stage, to which he responded with characteristic charm. However, not all reactions were positive, with some questioning his judgment. “People saying this is stupid when Lucas has had callouts on him for upwards of two years now consistently he’s 17 now and should know better,” one user posted, reflecting the intense scrutiny Littler faces.
As Littler prepares for upcoming tournaments, including five Players Championship events and three European Tour stops, his focus remains on closing the gap with Humphries and cementing his legacy. The scam controversy, while a setback, underscores his commitment to his fans and his willingness to take responsibility. With his family, including parents Anthony and Lisa and sister Caitlin, who runs a fan club with thousands of followers, Littler has a strong support system to weather these storms. His journey from a Warrington teenager to a global sports icon continues to captivate, proving that even off the oche, Littler’s story is one of resilience, talent, and growth.
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