Luke Littler has taken the darts world by storm this year, earning an astonishing amount of prize money while maintaining a surprisingly modest approach to spending. At just 17 years old, Littler has quickly become one of the biggest names in the sport, but his financial habits stand in stark contrast to the extravagant lifestyles often associated with young sports stars.
The teenage sensation made headlines when he finished as runner-up at the PDC World Championship in January, announcing his arrival on the big stage in spectacular fashion. Since then, his meteoric rise has continued at an unrelenting pace. This week, Littler secured his ninth title of the year by winning the Players Championship 20 event in Wigan, further cementing his status as one of darts’ brightest prospects. The victory, which came after a tense 8-7 win against Stephen Bunting at the Robin Park Tennis Centre, earned him another £15,000 in prize money.
His latest triumph was part of an incredible run of form, with Littler winning 12 consecutive matches. It also followed his recent success at the World Series of Darts in Amsterdam, where he took home a lucrative £80,000 prize. In the space of just a few weeks, the teenager has added £95,000 to his bank account, a sum that would tempt many young athletes into lavish spending. However, Littler has proven to be refreshingly down-to-earth in his financial approach.
When asked about his biggest purchase since breaking into the elite ranks of darts, Littler responded with a laugh, revealing that his most extravagant buy was simply “a nice bag.” While some might expect a teenager flush with cash to indulge in luxury cars, designer clothing, or extravagant holidays, Littler has opted for a more measured approach to his newfound wealth.
His disciplined spending habits reflect a maturity beyond his years. Having already amassed a staggering amount in prize money, Littler appears more focused on his game than on material possessions. His journey began with a significant payday of £200,000 from the PDC World Championship, a figure that set the foundation for his growing fortune.
According to the PDC Order of Merit, which ranks players based on prize money earned from ranked events, Littler currently sits 22nd with total winnings of £364,500. However, this figure does not include earnings from non-ranked tournaments, meaning his actual income is far greater. His triumphs in the Premier League, for example, saw him pocket £40,000 from individual nightly wins throughout the season, before securing a hefty £275,000 for winning the title after defeating Luke Humphries in the final. The World Series of Darts victory in Amsterdam added another £80,000 to his growing bank balance, though these sums are not included in the official rankings.
Despite his financial discipline, Littler does have one guilty pleasure—EA FC’s Ultimate Team mode, previously known as FIFA. The popular video game allows players to purchase in-game packs with real money to build a dream squad, and Littler has been more than happy to splash the cash in pursuit of the perfect team.
A devoted Manchester United fan, Littler has admitted to spending a significant portion of his prize money on player packs to strengthen his squad. In an interview with The Times, he shared details about his ultimate team lineup, proudly listing football legends and current stars among his virtual roster. “My ultimate team? That’s what I spend my money on. Petr Cech, he’s good,” Littler revealed. “This’ll go down well, then: [Vincent] Kompany and [Virgil] van Dijk at the back. Trent [Alexander-Arnold] at right-back. [Gianfranco] Zola, Thierry Henry, [Harry] Kane, [Michael] Essien. You’ve got to spend money to get that team. That’s what I’ve always done. When I win money, I just treat myself, buy some packs, get some good players.”
For Littler, the Ultimate Team obsession represents a rare indulgence in what has otherwise been a remarkably sensible approach to his earnings. While many young athletes have fallen into the trap of overspending early in their careers, the teenage darts star appears to have a firm grasp on financial responsibility. His primary focus remains on his performance, and his careful management of his earnings suggests he is planning for a long and successful career in the sport.
As Littler continues his rise, his earnings are only expected to increase. With upcoming tournaments, including the highly anticipated World Darts Championship, on the horizon, he has the potential to add even more substantial prize money to his growing wealth. If he continues his winning streak and secures major titles, it would not be surprising to see him surpass the £1 million mark in career earnings before his 18th birthday.
Despite the newfound fame and financial rewards, Littler has remained humble and grounded. His ability to balance success with a level-headed approach to money sets him apart from many young sports stars who struggle to manage their finances. With his exceptional talent, smart financial decisions, and unwavering focus on his game, Littler is not just a future star—he is already a force to be reckoned with in the world of darts.
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