Luke Littler, widely known as ‘The Nuke’ in the darts world, returned to action this past weekend, and fans couldn’t help but notice something striking about the 17-year-old star. The talented young player, who earlier this year claimed the prestigious 2024 Premier League Darts Championship title, was competing on familiar turf in Cheshire. Littler had entered two separate events – a warm-up men’s competition and the highly anticipated Cheshire Open men’s singles – and walked away victorious in both, once again proving why he’s one of the most promising players in the sport today.
The competition took place over two days, and Littler’s entry fees for the events amounted to £35. While modest, the investment was certainly worth it, as Littler scooped up a generous £1,000 in prize money for the open event win, plus an additional £250 for his impressive nine-darter achievement, a rare feat in the world of darts. To commemorate his success, Littler shared a celebratory post on Instagram, captioning a photo of himself with Cheshire club representatives while holding his winnings: “Some weekend, winning the warm up men’s event and the Cheshire Open men’s singles. Good to see all my fellow teammates from Cheshire.”
Yet, beyond his triumphant performance, fans were quick to point out something else in the comments section of his post: an apparent physical transformation. Followers flooded the comments with observations about Littler’s noticeably leaner appearance, suggesting that the teen had been working on his fitness in addition to honing his darting skills. One fan commented, “Looks like you’ve lost a bit, Luke!” while another enthusiastically wrote, “Looks like you cut some serious weight, bro – well in!” A third fan applauded both his look and his performance, saying, “Well done, Luke, looking good and playing phenomenal.”
This change in Littler’s appearance has sparked widespread admiration and praise among his fanbase, many of whom have supported him since he first made waves in the sport. Known for his powerful throws and sharp precision, Littler has seen a rapid rise to fame, but with that has come immense pressure to maintain both physical and mental resilience. A slimmer physique could suggest Littler’s commitment to his health, which may play a significant role in keeping him at the top of his game as he continues to progress in the darts world.
However, Littler’s personal life has recently been in the spotlight as well, following his breakup with girlfriend Eloise Milburn. The couple, who had met in August at a PDC Development Tour event in Leicester, made their relationship public soon after, quickly becoming a favorite young couple among darts fans. Yet, Littler took to Instagram Stories recently to announce their split and to address the backlash Milburn had been facing online since the news broke. In his message, Littler urged fans to stop sending negative messages to Milburn, clarifying that he had been the one to initiate the breakup. “Everyone needs to stop sending hate towards Eloise, saying it’s her fault and this and that. I myself split up with Eloise and everyone just needs to give us some time. No need for everyone to message her and give her grief,” he wrote.
The maturity with which Littler handled the situation has further endeared him to his supporters, as he navigates not only the pressures of an intense career but also the challenges of growing up in the public eye. For a young athlete who has already achieved so much, Littler’s handling of his personal life with grace and responsibility has only served to strengthen his connection with his fans. His advocacy for Milburn in the face of online criticism reflects a level of respect and care that’s rare for someone so young and driven by competition.
The weekend’s events underscored Littler’s determination to excel in his sport and to manage his public image with integrity. As he continues to rise through the ranks, the young star seems to be taking his career and personal development seriously. His recent physical transformation may well be an indication of a renewed focus, not only on skill development but also on his physical fitness, which could play a crucial role in sustaining his success in a physically demanding sport like darts.
Littler’s double victory in Cheshire, paired with his growing dedication to self-improvement and balanced life, demonstrates the many qualities of a champion in the making. As fans eagerly watch his every move, whether on the dartboard or on social media, ‘The Nuke’ remains a standout not only for his talent but also for his perseverance, maturity, and focus on personal growth. If the past weekend was any indication, it’s clear that Littler’s journey in professional darts is only just beginning, and fans around the world are eager to see how far he’ll go.