Luke Littler’s Meteoric Rise: 17-Year-Old Sensation Wins Nine PDC Titles in Breakthrough Year
Luke Littler’s rapid ascent in the world of professional darts continues to stun fans and analysts alike. At just 17 years old, the teenage prodigy has already claimed nine PDC titles, amassed a significant fortune in prize money, and risen to 22nd in the PDC Order of Merit rankings—a feat few could have predicted at the start of the year.
Despite his newfound wealth and success, Littler remains grounded, revealing that his biggest splurge has been surprisingly modest. While many young athletes indulge in luxury cars, designer clothing, or extravagant purchases, the rising darts star has taken a different approach—choosing to keep things simple.
From World Championship Runner-Up to Serial Winner
Littler first grabbed headlines in January when he made a sensational run to the World Championship final, where he finished as runner-up to world No. 1 Luke Humphries. That performance proved to be the catalyst for an incredible year, as he quickly established himself as a dominant force on the circuit.
Far from being a one-tournament wonder, Littler has since validated his talent with multiple high-profile wins, including triumphs in the Premier League and the World Series of Darts Finals. He has consistently outperformed seasoned professionals, displaying a level of composure and precision well beyond his years.
Latest Triumph: Players Championship 20 Victory in Wigan
Earlier this week, Littler secured his ninth PDC title of the year at the Players Championship 20 in Wigan, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s most formidable players. The teenager showed remarkable resilience to edge past Stephen Bunting in a tense 8-7 final, fending off a late comeback to seal another trophy and an additional £15,000 in prize money.
This latest victory extended Littler’s winning streak to 12 matches, coming just days after his impressive World Series of Darts triumph in Amsterdam, where he added £80,000 to his growing fortune. Combined, his recent victories have earned him a staggering £95,000 in prize money within just a few weeks.
Big Earnings, Small Purchases: Littler’s Down-to-Earth Spending Habits
With his career earnings skyrocketing, many expected Littler to indulge in lavish spending. However, when asked about his most extravagant purchase since turning professional, the 17-year-old simply chuckled and said:
“I bought myself a nice bag.”
His response reflects a level-headedness rarely seen in young sports stars who suddenly find themselves earning six-figure sums. Rather than splashing out on luxury items, Littler appears to be taking a measured approach to his newfound wealth.
His financial discipline is particularly impressive given that he earned a £200,000 windfall from his runner-up finish at the World Championship—a tournament that marked his arrival as a serious contender in professional darts.
Climbing the Rankings: Littler’s Prize Money and PDC Standing
Littler’s incredible success has propelled him up the PDC Order of Merit rankings, where he now sits at 22nd in the world with official earnings of £364,500. However, that figure does not fully reflect his total earnings, as the Premier League and World Series of Darts prize money are not included in the official rankings.
His Premier League triumph alone saw him pocket £40,000 from night wins before securing an additional £275,000 for winning the overall title, where he once again bested Humphries in the final. Similarly, his £80,000 payday from the World Series of Darts is not factored into his Order of Merit total, meaning his actual career earnings are well over half a million pounds—an astonishing figure for someone still in their teens.
Littler’s Guilty Pleasure: Ultimate Team and Video Games
While he may not be splurging on luxury cars or designer wardrobes, Littler has admitted to having one major indulgence—EA FC’s Ultimate Team mode (formerly FIFA). The darts sensation has no problem spending some of his hard-earned prize money on player packs, building an elite squad in the game.
As a lifelong Manchester United fan, Littler revealed his dream Ultimate Team lineup in an interview with The Times:
“My ultimate team? That’s what I spend my money on. Petr Cech, he’s good. 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.”
It’s a refreshing reminder that, despite his rapid rise in professional sports, Littler is still just a teenager who enjoys video games like many others his age.
What’s Next for Luke Littler?
With nine titles already under his belt in 2024, Littler’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. He has quickly become a fan favorite, attracting significant attention for his fearless approach, raw talent, and composed demeanor under pressure.
Looking ahead, there are several key milestones that could further define his already remarkable year:
- Breaking into the World’s Top 10 – Given his current trajectory, Littler is on course to skyrocket up the rankings if he continues winning major events.
- Winning His First Major TV Title – While his Premier League and World Series triumphs were massive, winning a major PDC ranking event such as the World Matchplay or Grand Slam of Darts would further solidify his status as an elite player.
- Becoming World Champion – His run to the final in January proved that he can compete on the biggest stage. With another year of experience, could 2025 be the year he claims the world title?
A Bright Future Ahead
Luke Littler’s rise in darts has been nothing short of spectacular. At just 17, he has already achieved more than most players do in their entire careers, yet he remains humble and focused. His ability to handle pressure, coupled with his natural talent, suggests that this is just the beginning of what could be a legendary career.
With a growing fanbase, a steady stream of tournament victories, and a wise approach to handling his earnings, Littler is proving to be not just a phenomenal player, but also a role model for young athletes worldwide.
As he continues to rewrite the history books, the only question remaining is: how far can he go?
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