At just 18, Luke Littler, the darts prodigy known as “The Nuke,” has once again set the darts world ablaze with a stunning victory at the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland. Fresh off his Australian Darts Masters win, Littler capped his Oceanic doubleheader by defeating world No. 1 Luke Humphries 8-4 in a final that showcased his extraordinary talent. With a jaw-dropping 115.02 average—the highest ever in a World Series final—Littler cemented his status as a generational star. But amidst the cheers and trophies, it was his heartfelt two-word message to his girlfriend, Faith Millar, that captured hearts: “Pretty lucky.”
Littler’s journey Down Under was nothing short of epic, covering over 23,000 miles across Australia and New Zealand in a whirlwind two weeks. His back-to-back World Series titles, following his World Matchplay triumph in Blackpool, mark a career-defining streak. The teenager’s dominance was on full display in Auckland, where he dispatched Mike De Decker 6-2 in the quarter-finals and Gerwyn Price 7-2 in the semi-finals before overpowering Humphries. “It felt very much the same as last week [in Australia],” Littler said, reflecting on his seamless performance. “I had a shaky start in my opening game, but once you come into Finals Night you know you have to switch it on, and that’s what I did again tonight.”
The Auckland crowd, electric and reminiscent of a Premier League night, fueled Littler’s fire. His 15 maximum 180s, including seven in the final, left opponents reeling. Humphries, despite a solid 102 average, admitted, “When Luke’s on it, he’s untouchable. I played pretty well today, but when you run into a 115 average, there’s not much you can do.” Littler’s precision, honed with his signature 45mm-pointed Target darts, and his knack for clutch double-10 finishes have made him a formidable force. Even a rare off-day against New Zealand’s Mark Cleaver, where he failed to hit a single 180 for the first time in 222 games, couldn’t derail his title charge.
Off the oche, Littler’s personal life has been a source of strength and scrutiny. His girlfriend, 19-year-old beautician Faith Millar, has been a constant presence, accompanying him on this grueling tour. With his parents staying home due to last year’s jetlag struggles and his manager sidelined by illness, Faith’s support was invaluable. “I’m pretty lucky she has come over,” Littler said, crediting her for keeping him grounded. Their relationship, which went public in May after a friendship sparked in February, has faced its share of challenges, including online trolling. “She’s a lovely lady,” Littler said defiantly, dismissing critics as “jealous” detractors trying to “ruin us.”
Littler’s rise from a toddler throwing darts at a magnetic board to a global superstar is the stuff of legend. At 18 months, he was already gripping darts; by six, he scored his first 180; and at 13, he nailed a nine-darter. His youth titles, including the 2023 PDC World Youth Championship, paved the way for a rookie season that saw him win 11 titles, including the 2024-25 World Championship and Premier League. Now, with over £1.5 million in career earnings, Littler is chasing a historic £1 million prize at the upcoming World Championship at Alexandra Palace, where he’s the favorite to defend his crown.
Despite his youth, Littler handles the spotlight with a veteran’s poise. “I just want to win everything that comes my way,” he declared, eyeing the Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp as his next conquest. His confidence is infectious, inspiring a new generation of darts players—the “Luke Littler effect.” As 16-time world champion Phil Taylor noted, “Darts has gone crazy. You wouldn’t believe the difference since young Luke came along.” With Faith by his side and a dartboard in his sights, Littler is not just playing darts—he’s rewriting the sport’s future, one bullseye at a time.
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