In the world of darts, few stories have captured the public’s imagination quite like that of Luke Littler, the teenage prodigy who has taken the sport by storm. A recently resurfaced video clip of Littler, affectionately nicknamed “The Nuke,” playing darts at the tender age of three has gone viral, amassing over 2.3 million views and offering a glimpse into the origins of his extraordinary talent. The footage, showing a nappy-wearing toddler throwing darts with surprising precision, underscores that Littler’s journey to becoming the youngest PDC World Darts Champion was written in the stars from an astonishingly young age.
The viral clip captures a young Littler in his family home in Warrington, England, gleefully tossing magnetic darts at a board while the iconic walk-on music of darts legend Phil Taylor, Snap’s *I’ve Got the Power*, plays in the background. With a technique that belies his age, the toddler hits the 20s with ease, even attempting no-look throws and shouting “180!” after his shots—a nod to the maximum score in darts. The joy and confidence radiating from the young Littler are infectious, and it’s clear that his love for the game was ignited long before he stepped onto the professional stage. Reflecting on those early days, Littler shared, “It’s crazy watching myself at 18 months or two years old in a nappy, but it has all paid off. One day we went to a shop with my parents, and I pointed to a magnetic dartboard because they look similar. The rest is history.”
Littler’s ascent in the darts world has been nothing short of meteoric. By age 17, he clinched the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, defeating three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 to claim the title and a £500,000 prize, becoming the youngest world champion in the sport’s history. His journey began far earlier than his professional debut, however. At just 18 months, Littler was already throwing darts at a magnetic board, a moment captured in home videos that have since become a testament to his natural ability. By four or five, he was playing on a proper board, albeit at a lower height, and by seven or eight, he was competing at regulation height and distance. “There’s a video on YouTube of me when I was 18 months in a nappy listening to Raymond van Barneveld’s music, Phil Taylor’s music, doing their celebrations,” Littler recalled. “That’s when it started.”
The toddler footage is more than just a nostalgic novelty—it’s evidence of Littler’s prodigious talent and relentless dedication. By age nine, he was playing in pubs against adults, and at 12, he began his professional career. His dominance in youth competitions, including a nine-dart finish at 14 during the Junior Darts Corporation’s MVG Masters in 2021, foreshadowed his rapid rise. Littler’s 2024 PDC World Championship debut at 16 saw him reach the final, defeating former champions like Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross before falling to Luke Humphries. That run earned him £200,000 and a legion of fans, including Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison, who invited him to a match.
The viral video has added another layer to Littler’s legend, showing that his skill was evident even in his earliest years. His opponent in the 2024 semi-final, Rob Cross, praised his impact: “Everyone loves an underdog story. He’s fantastic and deserves all the luck in the world—he is a nice young boy.” Littler’s charm, coupled with his ability to remain calm under pressure, has made him a standout. Sports psychologist Martin Perry noted, “Luke’s calmness is invaluable in allowing him to stay in a bubble of high-focus concentration, which means he can repeat high-scoring sequences regularly.”
Now 18, Littler’s achievements extend beyond the oche. He has won 10 titles in 2024, including the Premier League and Bahrain Masters, and smashed records with 771 maximum 180s in a single year. Off the board, he remains a typical teenager, enjoying video games like EA Sports FC and supporting Manchester United. His grounded nature, as noted by sponsor Garry Plummer, keeps him relatable: “He’s quiet and humble, but on stage, he’s like a seasoned pro.”
As Littler continues to redefine what’s possible in darts, the viral footage of his toddler years serves as a heartwarming reminder of where it all began. From a nappy-clad child mimicking his idols to a world champion inspiring the next generation, Luke Littler’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and a love for the game that started before he could even speak in full sentences.
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