At just 18 years old, Luke Littler, affectionately dubbed “The Nuke,” has already transformed the world of professional darts, captivating audiences with his prodigious talent and charismatic presence. Fresh off his historic victory as the youngest-ever PDC World Darts Champion in January 2025, the Warrington-born sensation is now making headlines for a bold new side hustle that promises to bolster his already impressive fortune. Littler has launched D16 Property Group Ltd., a property investment firm named in homage to his championship-winning double 16 throw against Michael van Gerwen. This savvy business move signals his ambition to build an empire that extends far beyond the oche, cementing his status as one of Britain’s most dynamic young sports stars.
Littler’s meteoric rise began at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, where, at just 16, he reached the final and captured the nation’s imagination. A year later, he clinched the title, defeating van Gerwen 7-3 and pocketing £500,000 in prize money, pushing his career earnings past £1 million. His remarkable journey—from throwing darts at a magnetic board as an 18-month-old toddler to dominating the professional circuit—has made him a household name. “I can’t lie, I was nervous on my world championship debut,” Littler reflected, recalling his first taste of global attention. “But this year I’ve won a lot of titles. I’ve hit nine-darters, and I come in now with a lot more confidence.” That confidence has translated into a string of victories, including the 2024 Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts, and UK Open, as well as lucrative sponsorship deals with brands like boohooMAN, Xbox, and McDonald’s.
The launch of D16 Property Group Ltd. marks a strategic step for Littler, who is the sole shareholder of the firm, with his agent, Martin Foulds, serving as director. The company focuses on buying, selling, and managing real estate, a move that aligns with the financial strategies of many successful athletes and entrepreneurs. “A multi-millionaire at just 18, Luke’s earning potential knows no bounds,” an insider noted, highlighting his decision to invest in property as a natural progression for someone of his stature. Littler’s business acumen is evident in his diverse portfolio, which already includes a darts merchandise line featuring branded shirts, darts, and wallets, as well as a partnership with a Sheffield darts shop alongside Premier League rival Nathan Aspinall. His iconic purple and yellow shirts, priced at £89.99, and signed memorabilia fetching up to £239.99, have become hot commodities among his 1.3 million Instagram followers.
Littler’s off-the-board ventures reflect his desire to secure his financial future while capitalizing on his fame. His earlier side hustles, including selling match-worn shirts and appearing in a cereal advertisement, have already proven lucrative. He’s also explored trademarking his name and nickname in the U.S., eyeing opportunities like fitness ventures and even artificial Christmas trees, tapping into the “Walking in a Littler Wonderland” chant beloved by fans. “The last few months have been a whirlwind,” Littler said, acknowledging the frenzy of opportunities that have come his way. His recent move to a £6,000-a-month mansion in Warrington’s “Millionaires’ Row,” complete with a swimming pool and home cinema, underscores his growing wealth and close-knit family ties, as he shares the home with his parents, Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler.
The darts world has embraced Littler’s impact, with PDC president Barry Hearn calling him “the best Christmas present” the sport has ever received. Hearn credits Littler with driving darts’ global surge, noting a peak TV audience of 3.1 million for his 2025 World Championship win, outpacing viewership for major golf events. The “Luke Littler effect” has also boosted participation, with junior darts academies doubling in number and sales of Littler-branded darts skyrocketing. “He’s elevating the sport, he’s doing it for everybody,” said World No. 1 Luke Humphries, who has faced Littler in fierce competitions but admires his poise under pressure. “I’m really proud of how he’s handled all the media attention. If I was 17, I would have been a lot more anxious.”
As Littler prepares for his next challenge—a high-profile pro and celebrity darts match in London’s Hyde Park alongside stars like Olly Murs and Dion Dublin—his focus remains sharp. Despite his youth, he’s navigated fame with a grounded approach, prioritizing his career and family over fleeting distractions. “I have a couple of good friends from school,” he shared, emphasizing his desire to stay connected to his roots. With plans to pass his driving test and possibly purchase a Mercedes, Littler’s ambitions are as boundless as his talent. His property venture is just the latest step in a journey that promises to redefine darts and inspire a new generation of fans.
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