Luke Littler may look like an average teenager dressed in a grey hoodie and joggers, but his life is anything but ordinary. At just 16 years old, Littler took the world by storm when he reached the final of the World Darts Championship on his debut. Since then, his life has been a whirlwind of fame, success, and newfound responsibility. Now 17, Littler is navigating the pressures of professional darts, fame, and maintaining a normal life with his girlfriend, Eloise Milburn.
### **From Manchester United to Bahrain: A Life-Changing Month**
Littler’s incredible journey began with a dream day at Manchester United’s training ground, where he played darts with Christian Eriksen and Harry Maguire. A lifelong United fan, Littler wasn’t particularly impressed by the footballers’ darting skills, noting with humor that they seemed “average” compared to his own abilities.
However, the real highlight of his life-changing month came not in Manchester but in Bahrain. Littler clinched the Bahrain Masters, his first PDC tournament, in spectacular fashion. The evening began with a stunning nine-dart finish in the opening leg against Nathan Aspinall and ended with victories over two former world champions, Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen. Reflecting on his achievement, Littler said, “You put on a show. People could have said the Worlds was a one-off, but winning my first World Series proves it wasn’t.”
### **A Unique Approach to Darts**
What sets Littler apart from many of his peers is his unconventional approach to preparation. While other players arrived hours early to practice, Littler casually showed up shortly before play, spent some time on his phone, drank a Diet Coke, threw a few darts, and returned to his phone. This laid-back attitude extends to his practice regimen, or lack thereof—he famously admitted he hadn’t thrown a dart since the World Championship final before his triumph in Bahrain.
Yet, Littler’s talent is undeniable. Dave Allen, the PDC’s head of media, described him as “incredible,” while fans and players alike were awed by his nine-dart finish. Littler himself shrugs off the praise, saying, “It’s just what I do.”
### **Handling Fame and Criticism**
Since his meteoric rise, Littler has become a household name in the darts world, amassing over 1.1 million Instagram followers and becoming the sport’s most-followed player on the platform. While fame has brought opportunities, it has also come with challenges. Littler recalls the intense media attention after the World Championship, which prompted him and his family to escape to a remote house in Wales.
For Littler, the biggest downside of fame is handling interviews, though he takes it all in stride. “Lots of people want to talk to me,” he says with a laugh. His girlfriend, Eloise, has faced her own challenges, including social media abuse due to their age difference—she’s 21, while Littler is 17. Despite the negativity, the couple remains steadfast. “As long as we’re happy, that’s all that matters,” Eloise says.
### **A Star in the Making**
Littler’s rise has drawn comparisons to other young sports prodigies, such as tennis star Emma Raducanu, who won the US Open at 18. However, Littler is focused on carving out his own legacy in darts. He’s determined to build on his early success, stating, “I’d now like to win any major this year.”
Despite his youth, Littler shows remarkable composure on the big stage. He recalls his mindset before playing Van Gerwen in Bahrain: “You’ve got to think you’re going to beat whoever’s in front of you.” This confidence, coupled with his extraordinary talent, has made Littler a formidable competitor and a fan favorite.
Staying Grounded Amidst Success
Fame hasn’t changed Littler’s grounded nature. When he celebrated his 17th birthday with a Chinese meal in St. Helens, he was pleased to be recognized by only a few people. “It’s calmed down since the Worlds,” he says.
Littler also appreciates the small joys of life, such as visiting his favorite takeaway spot, Hot Spot in Warrington, where they’ve named a wrap after him. He even receives free haircuts at a local barber shop. “I’m just going to take everything in my stride,” he says.
Looking Ahead
As Littler prepares for his first year as a professional darts player, he knows the road ahead won’t be easy. Competing in the Premier League alongside the world’s top players, Littler is determined to prove himself. “Everyone wants to beat me now, and I want to beat them,” he says.
Though his schedule will be grueling, Littler is embracing the challenge. He’s set his sights on qualifying for major tournaments like the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix, and he remains optimistic about his chances. “I just want to do as much as I can this year,” he says.
A Promising Future
Littler’s journey from a young boy playing darts in nappies to a teenage sensation has been nothing short of extraordinary. His humility, determination, and talent have endeared him to fans worldwide, and his future in darts looks brighter than ever.
As he reflects on his rise to fame, Littler remains focused on what matters most: staying grounded, working hard, and enjoying the journey. With his talent and mindset, it’s clear that Luke Littler is poised to become one of the greatest players in darts history.
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