At just 18 years old, Luke Littler, affectionately nicknamed “The Nuke,” has taken the darts world by storm, rewriting record books and captivating fans with his electrifying performances. The reigning 2025 PDC World Darts Champion, who clinched the title at a mere 17 years and 347 days, has now revealed the secret behind his astonishing ability to rack up maximum 180 scores—a feat that has solidified his status as a darting prodigy. In an exclusive interview, Littler shared the ingenious trick that has propelled him to break records and dominate opponents, offering a glimpse into the mind of a generational talent.
Littler’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Bursting onto the professional scene at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, he reached the final in a fairytale run, only to be edged out by world number one Luke Humphries. Undeterred, he avenged that loss in spectacular fashion, defeating Humphries in the 2024 Premier League final and later overpowering Michael van Gerwen 7-3 to claim the 2025 World Championship title at Alexandra Palace. His crowning achievement came with the Ballon d’Art trophy, awarded for scoring an unmatched 76 180s during the tournament—a testament to his scoring prowess.
So, what’s the secret behind Littler’s ability to consistently hit the treble 20 for those coveted 180s? It all comes down to his choice of darts, specifically their design. “It’s pretty simple,” Littler explained with characteristic nonchalance. “I have a longer point because when my darts sit in the board, there’s more room for getting a 180 or a 140. Whereas if you’ve got smaller points, they’ll go through the board and then it’s harder to get a 180.” This subtle yet brilliant adjustment allows his darts to “sit up” in the board, creating space for subsequent throws to land precisely in the treble 20 bed. In contrast, shorter points cause darts to lie flatter, crowding the target and reducing the margin for error.
This tactical edge has paid dividends. Littler has shattered records, including a new Premier League season high of 129 180s and counting, surpassing his own previous tally. His 2025 World Championship performance, where he hit 76 maximums, outpaced his nearest rival by 20. The darts he uses, crafted by Target with 45mm points, are tailored to maximize his scoring potential, giving him a competitive advantage that opponents struggle to counter. “The new face of the sport, Littler makes darts look easy and is so precise that he could probably score 180 in his sleep,” one observer noted, capturing the awe he inspires.
Beyond his technical mastery, Littler’s impact on darts is profound. Dubbed “Littlermania,” his emergence has sparked a surge in the sport’s popularity, with 3.7 million viewers tuning in for the 2024 World Championship final. Professional Darts Corporation president Barry Hearn credits this phenomenon to Littler’s charisma and skill, noting, “Darts has gone crazy. You wouldn’t believe the difference since young Luke came along.” The teenager’s rapid-fire playing style and proficiency on the double 10 segment have become his trademarks, though he admits to occasional challenges. “As soon as you hit a 180 to start the leg off, the fans expect the next one to go in for a nine-darter,” he said, acknowledging the pressure to follow a maximum with another.
Littler’s influence extends beyond the oche. He’s partnered with Deliveroo to relaunch the Best Kebab category for their 2025 Restaurant Awards, a nod to his down-to-earth persona and love for a post-match kebab. Meanwhile, discussions about a Royal Rumble-style darts event—a “winner stays on” spectacle with walk-ons and surprise appearances—have gained traction, with Littler enthusiastically endorsing the idea. “I’ve seen the rumours. I’d go for it, one hundred per cent,” he said, his boyhood passion for wrestling shining through in his choice of Pitbull’s “Green Light” as his walk-on song.
As Littler prepares for the 2025 Premier League and beyond, his record-breaking trajectory shows no signs of slowing. With the PDC doubling the World Championship prize money and his sights set on more titles, “The Nuke” is poised to redefine darts for a new generation. His genius trick with longer dart points may be simple, but its impact is undeniable, cementing his legacy as a scoring maestro and a cultural phenomenon.
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