As the world’s top darts players jet off to the 2025 KenoGO Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong and the SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland, 18-year-old sensation Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is stealing the spotlight both on and off the oche. The reigning World Champion, fresh off his historic World Matchplay triumph, embarked on a luxurious first-class flight to Australia, accompanied by his new girlfriend, Faith Millar. Social media posts captured the couple’s beaming smiles, with Littler relishing the plush amenities of their premium cabin. “I’m really enjoying playing in the World Series, visiting new places and playing in front of new crowds!” Littler said, his enthusiasm palpable as he embarks on his first competitive trip Down Under, blending professional ambition with personal milestones.
The World Series of Darts, kicking off August 8-9 in Wollongong and continuing August 15-16 in Auckland, features a star-studded 16-player field, pitting eight PDC superstars against eight Oceanic representatives. Littler, joined by world No. 1 Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, Chris Dobey, Stephen Bunting, and others, is set to dazzle Australian and New Zealand fans. His debut in the Australian Darts Masters saw him deliver a clinical 6-2 win over Rob Modra, showcasing his trademark combination finishing. “I’m just glad to drag myself over the line tonight, and hopefully I can improve tomorrow,” Littler reflected after the match, acknowledging Modra’s spirited challenge, including a 112 checkout and a 14-dart hold. Despite reaching the final, Littler fell short of the title, but his fourth World Series final this year cements his dominance atop the World Series Order of Merit.
Littler’s journey to Australia wasn’t just about darts—it was a celebration of new beginnings. Faith, a 19-year-old beautician from Wigan, joined him for the transcontinental adventure, marking their first major trip together since going public with their relationship in July. The couple, who met in February and bonded over shared interests, were first photographed together in March, with Littler confirming their romance after his £200,000 World Matchplay victory. “Your family and girlfriend are here,” a reporter noted post-match, to which Littler nodded, a subtle but significant acknowledgment of Faith’s place in his life. Their first-class experience, complete with spacious seats and entertainment screens, was a small celebration in itself, with Littler’s social media posts radiating joy. This trip follows a family holiday in Spain, where Faith joined Littler’s parents for his mother’s birthday, signaling the deepening of their bond.
Other darters also embraced the luxury of their long-haul flights. Chris Dobey, making his World Series debut, was spotted lounging in a plush airplane seat, engrossed in a large entertainment screen. Gerwyn ‘The Iceman’ Price, a seasoned traveler, sprawled comfortably in his first-class pod, browsing movie options to pass the 20-hour journey. “I’m absolutely stoked to get the win,” said Damon Heta, another PDC star, after his 6-0 rout of John Hurring in Wollongong, reflecting the high spirits among the players. Humphries, who demolished Joe Comito 6-1, added, “I’m really enjoying my time here. It’s such an amazing country,” expressing his desire to claim his first World Series title in a place he called “iconic.”
Littler’s meteoric rise continues to captivate the darts world. At 17, he became the youngest PDC World Champion, defeating Michael van Gerwen in January 2025, and completed the Triple Crown with the Premier League and World Matchplay titles. His 107.24 average and 17 180s in the Matchplay final against James Wade underscored his prodigious talent. Chris Mason, a former pro, praised Littler’s work ethic, saying, “Luke has the talent, the ability, the mental strength—and he’s humble.” However, Littler’s busy schedule led to the end of his previous relationship with Eloise Milburn in July 2024, as the demands of his career made it “increasingly difficult” to maintain, according to a source close to the player. Faith, who hails from nearby Wigan, has since become a constant presence, cheering him on in Blackpool and now joining him for this international adventure.
As Littler prepares for Auckland, where he’ll face Jonny Tata in the first round, his focus remains on adding another World Series title to his growing resume. With a career earnings haul exceeding £1.5 million and a global fanbase, ‘The Nuke’ is not just playing for trophies but for a legacy that could rival Phil Taylor’s. His luxurious journey Down Under, shared with Faith, blends the thrill of competition with the joy of young love, making this trip a defining chapter in his extraordinary story.
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