At just 17 years old, Luke Littler, the darts prodigy known as “The Nuke,” has cemented his place in history as the youngest-ever PDC World Darts Champion, clinching the prestigious title on January 3, 2025, at Alexandra Palace. His electrifying 7-3 victory over three-time champion Michael van Gerwen not only earned him the Sid Waddell Trophy but also a staggering £500,000 prize, propelling his career earnings past £1.5 million. Yet, in the wake of this monumental achievement, Littler’s immediate request—a modest one for a teenager with such a windfall—has captured hearts and highlighted his grounded nature: he wants to buy a car to mark his upcoming 18th birthday.
Littler’s journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Warrington, England, he began throwing darts at 18 months, mastering a magnetic board before graduating to a proper one by age four. His natural talent shone early, with a nine-darter at 14 and a historic run to the 2024 PDC World Championship final at 16, where he earned £200,000 as runner-up to Luke Humphries. In 2025, returning as the fourth seed, Littler dominated, defeating Ryan Meikle, Ian White, Ryan Joyce, Nathan Aspinall, and Stephen Bunting en route to the final. His performance against Van Gerwen was a masterclass, with a 56% checkout rate and a record-breaking set average of 140.91. “I can’t believe it, I honestly can’t believe it,” Littler said post-match, his voice trembling with emotion. “I needed to get off to a quick start and that’s what I done.”
Despite the life-changing prize money, Littler’s focus turned to a practical goal. With his 18th birthday on January 21, 2025, approaching, he revealed plans to celebrate by purchasing a car, specifically a Mercedes A-Class. “I’ve always loved a Mercedes A-Class—just a small car,” he shared, a stark contrast to the extravagance one might expect from a teenager with half a million pounds. Last year, he had eyed a Ford Focus, but his rise to global stardom has shifted his ambitions slightly. “Last year I was looking at driving and I loved the Ford Focus, but now I’ve gone up in the world just a little!” he added with a grin, showcasing his humility. Littler, who hasn’t yet started driving lessons due to his hectic schedule, is eager to hit the road, a relatable aspiration that endears him to fans.
The victory, however, comes with a financial catch. UK tax laws mean Littler will lose nearly half his winnings to HMRC, with estimates suggesting over £230,000 will go to taxes and National Insurance. Yet, Littler remains unfazed, his focus fixed on the joy of the win. “This is why we play the game—for the titles,” he said, describing the thrill of confetti and sparkles raining down as he lifted the trophy. His lighthearted response to the windfall—changing his Facebook profile picture to a stunned expression captioned “receiving 500 thousand pound”—further showcased his playful side, earning laughs from fans and peers alike.
Littler’s impact extends beyond the oche. Dubbed the “Littler Effect,” his rise has sparked a surge in darts’ popularity, particularly among younger fans, with his Instagram following soaring from 4,000 to 1.6 million. Endorsements with brands like Target, Xbox, and boohooMAN, coupled with his own Nuke Merchandise Shop, have boosted his net worth to over £1.1 million. Darts legend Phil Taylor offered sage advice on managing his wealth: “Make sure you look after your money. Two bank accounts—one in one, and half in another. So that’s your tax.” Littler’s grounded upbringing, supported by parents Anthony and Lisa, keeps him rooted, as seen when he treated his family to lunch in London just 24 hours after his win.
As Littler prepares for a busy 2025, with events like the Dutch Darts Masters and Premier League looming, his request for a car underscores a teenager balancing fame with normalcy. “I haven’t got anything planned really because there is a lot of darts around this time,” he said of his birthday plans, prioritizing his craft. With congratulations from figures like David Beckham and praise from Barry Hearn, who compared him to Tiger Woods, Littler’s story is one of talent, humility, and a simple dream to drive his own car—a fitting next chapter for darts’ brightest star.
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