In the electric atmosphere of the darts world, where precision meets passion, a gripping tale of rivalry and revelation has emerged, centered around the meteoric rise of Luke Littler, the teenage sensation dubbed “The Nuke.” On March 25, 2025, as the echoes of his latest triumph still reverberate, Nathan Aspinall, a seasoned darts star and one of Littler’s fiercest competitors, has peeled back the curtain on a pivotal moment from their shared past. It’s a story that began over half a decade ago, when Littler was just 12 years old, and it sheds light on the unrelenting drive—and tough love—that propelled him to become the youngest world champion in darts history.
Picture the scene: a modest tournament in Chester, the air thick with anticipation as players young and old take aim at the oche. Among them is a preteen prodigy, Luke Littler, already turning heads with his uncanny skill. Across from him stands Nathan Aspinall, then a top-16 player in the world, a formidable figure in the sport. The match is tight, a nail-biting 4-3 victory for Aspinall, but what lingers in his memory isn’t the scoreline—it’s the exchange that followed. “I remember seeing his dad with him and he was dead critical of him because he’d lost,” Aspinall recalled, his voice tinged with disbelief even years later. “I was thinking, mate, he’s 12, and I was in the top 16 in the world at that time. I said, ‘Give him a break.’”
But Anthony Littler, Luke’s father and a former taxi driver who’d traded late-night fares for a front-row seat to his son’s ascent, wasn’t having it. His response was blunt, unwavering: “No, he needs to learn.” To Aspinall, it seemed harsh—almost unthinkable—for a father to bear down so hard on a boy barely out of primary school. Yet, as he watched Littler’s trajectory unfold, that moment took on new meaning. “That hard talk over the years has probably produced one of the best players in our sport,” Aspinall admitted, a grudging respect seeping into his words. “He’s amazing, and what else can you say?”
Fast forward to January 2025, and Littler, now 17, stands atop the darts world, having clinched the PDC World Championship with a commanding 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen, a three-time champion widely regarded as one of the game’s all-time greats. The win at Alexandra Palace wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a seismic shift for darts, cementing Littler’s status as a generational talent and drawing millions of new eyes to the sport. His journey to that moment—marked by a runner-up finish at the previous year’s championship, a Premier League title, and a string of record-breaking performances—has been nothing short of breathtaking. And through it all, Anthony has been a constant presence, his stern demeanor a quiet counterpoint to the roaring crowds.
During that fateful final, Littler’s glances toward his father spoke volumes. “My dad looked so settled throughout the game,” he said afterward, reflecting on the calm that anchored him amid the storm of competition. “When I was looking over to him, he didn’t look nervous. So I knew myself that if he’s not nervous, then I just need to play with freedom.” It was a poignant insight into their bond—a dynamic forged in discipline but rooted in trust. Anthony’s unflappable exterior, rarely cracking into a smile, became Littler’s north star, guiding him to the double 16 that sealed his historic victory.
Aspinall, who faced Littler in the quarter-finals of that championship, knows the sting of defeat against him all too well. Their 5-2 clash was a testament to Littler’s relentless form—averaging 101.54, nailing 15 maximum 180s, and hitting 45% of his doubles. Yet, beyond the stats, Aspinall sees a bigger picture. “We’re all sick of seeing his face on social media, and that’s a credit to him,” he quipped, acknowledging the whirlwind of attention Littler has sparked. “It’s not just the media who are obsessed with him—he’s bringing them to him.” From a nine-darter in Bahrain to titles on the Pro Tour and Euro Tour, Littler’s knack for delivering under pressure has redefined what’s possible in darts.
Anthony’s tough-love approach, once a point of contention for Aspinall, now stands vindicated. It’s a philosophy that began long before Chester—back when Littler was a toddler tossing darts at a board, his natural talent already evident. By age nine, he was honing his craft at the St. Helens Dart Academy, with Anthony sacrificing shifts to ferry him to tournaments. The tradeoff was clear: perfection or nothing. That relentless push paid off when Littler skipped his GCSEs to focus on darts, a gamble that’s yielded over £1.5 million in prize money and a spot among England’s most marketable athletes.
As Littler prepares for his next challenge—the Bahrain Masters in mid-January—he carries more than just a world title. He carries a legacy shaped by a father’s unyielding belief, a rival’s early recognition, and a sport transformed by his brilliance. Aspinall, now a friend and occasional practice partner, marvels at the kid who once left him speechless. “He’s a unique talent,” he said, recalling their sessions where Littler dismantled him at games like 170. For darts fans, the question isn’t if Littler will dominate—it’s how long he’ll reign. And somewhere in the stands, Anthony Littler watches, his stern gaze a silent promise that the best is yet to come.