Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation known as “The Nuke,” has taken the sport by storm, and his latest revelation about a revamped training regimen underscores his relentless pursuit of greatness. Fresh off a commanding performance at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, where he narrowly missed breaking a darts record, Littler shared insights into the intense practice schedule that has propelled him to the pinnacle of the sport. “I’ve been practicing so much. At home I have just been putting the hours in, hours and hours so I am glad it has paid off,” Littler declared, reflecting on the hard work that has cemented his status as the world’s No. 2 ranked player and the youngest PDC World Champion in history.
Littler’s journey from a Warrington prodigy to a global darts icon began at just 18 months old, when he first threw darts at a magnetic board. By age nine, he was training at the St Helens Darts Academy, where his exceptional talent forced organizers to lower age limits for stage competitions. His meteoric rise culminated in a historic 2025 PDC World Championship victory, where, at 17 years and 347 days, he defeated Michael van Gerwen 7-3 to become the youngest world champion, surpassing van Gerwen’s record set at age 24. Littler’s 2024 season was equally remarkable, with 11 titles, including the Premier League, Grand Slam, and World Series Finals, and over £1 million in prize money. His World Matchplay campaign in July 2025 saw him come tantalizingly close to another record, with a performance that showcased his newfound dedication to practice.
Unlike his earlier days, when Littler famously practiced for just 20 to 30 minutes daily, his new regimen involves hours of focused training. “I’m not sure what the record points for nightly wins is, but I’m sure I’ll look it up myself,” he said, hinting at his ambition to shatter more milestones. This shift in approach has been pivotal, especially as he prepares for high-stakes tournaments like the World Matchplay, where precision and composure are paramount. Littler’s ability to maintain a “bubble of high-focus concentration,” as his former coach Karl Holden described, allows him to deliver high-scoring sequences under pressure. His record-breaking 140.91 set average against Ryan Meikle in the 2025 World Championship—using just 32 darts for a set requiring a minimum of 27—underscored his scoring prowess and mental fortitude.
Littler’s training evolution reflects lessons learned from years of competing against seasoned players. “He’s spent thousands of hours losing against seasoned campaigners in darts and county players,” Holden noted, emphasizing that Littler’s early losses fueled his hunger for victory. This resilience was evident in Blackpool, where Littler’s relentless practice translated into a performance that nearly eclipsed another darts record. His signature Target Gen 1 23g darts, designed with a longer 45mm point for maximum scoring, have been fine-tuned to complement his refined technique, which he adjusted during the 2024 Premier League season to enhance consistency.
Beyond the oche, Littler’s life remains grounded in his Warrington roots. A passionate Manchester United fan, he has mingled with football icons like Sir Alex Ferguson and taken on players like Harry Maguire in darts challenges. His post-match rituals, often involving a kebab from his favorite Warrington takeaway, Hot Spot, add a relatable charm to his superstar persona. “It sounds a bit cliché, but the family will never forget where they’ve come from,” said Garry Plummer, boss of sponsors Target Darts, who signed Littler at age 12. Despite his fame, Littler’s humility shines through, even as he navigates a £6,000-a-month mansion rental and a media whirlwind that saw his 2024 World Championship final draw 4.8 million viewers, the largest non-football audience in Sky Sports history.
As Littler eyes the 2025 Premier League play-offs and the coveted World Matchplay title, his grueling training regimen signals his intent to dominate for years to come. “I just told them not to for myself, just have another week off, chill out and see how the darts fly,” he said, balancing intense preparation with strategic rest. With a £1 million World Championship prize rumored for 2026, Littler’s focus on records and accolades over financial rewards echoes the advice of darts legend Dennis Priestley: “Littler has to keep himself motivated, he has to think of the accolades and records that are there for him.” For now, Littler’s hard work is paying dividends, proving that “The Nuke” is not just a prodigy but a record-wrecking force in darts.
Leave a Reply