As the darts world gears up for an electrifying Night 10 of the BetMGM Premier League at Manchester’s AO Arena on April 10, 2025, all eyes are on Luke Littler, the teenage sensation who’s taken the sport by storm. The 18-year-old world champion, affectionately dubbed “The Nuke,” is not only dominating the leaderboard but also contemplating a bold off-stage move that echoes the savvy decisions of sporting legends like David Beckham. Littler has hinted at insuring his golden throwing arm—a priceless asset in his meteoric rise—for millions, a precaution that could safeguard his future as he continues to rake in record-breaking earnings.
Littler’s journey from a prodigious talent to the highest earner in darts has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 18, he’s already amassed over £2 million in prize money and lucrative commercial deals in the past 18 months, a testament to his skill and marketability. His recent triumphs, including the Premier League and World Championship titles, have cemented his status as a global phenomenon. Yet, with great success comes great risk, and Littler is acutely aware of the physical demands of his craft. “I’ve not got any insurance just yet,” he admitted in a candid moment, “but we are in a profession where anything can happen.” The stakes are higher than ever, especially with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) president Barry Hearn recently announcing a jaw-dropping £1 million prize for the 2026 World Championship winner—a prize Littler is favored to chase.
The idea of insuring his arm draws inspiration from one of his idols, Manchester United legend David Beckham, who famously insured his legs for a staggering £100 million during his football career. Beckham’s decision was a shrewd one, protecting his earning potential against the unpredictable nature of injury. Littler, a lifelong United fan, sees parallels in his own trajectory. “When you’re playing in one competition to win £1 million, it’s going to be a different scenario,” he mused, reflecting on how a single misstep could derail his dazzling ascent. Other sporting icons have taken similar steps—Merv Hughes, the Australian cricket star, once insured his iconic handlebar mustache for £200,000—highlighting a trend among elite athletes to protect their unique assets.
Tonight’s event in Manchester promises to be a homecoming spectacle for Littler, who hails from nearby Warrington. The AO Arena, where he previously hoisted both the Premier League and World Championship trophies, will be packed with fans eager to see their hometown hero extend his lead at the top of the table. “I’m very excited to go back to Manchester,” Littler shared, his voice tinged with anticipation. “It was very good last year—I got the win there on my debut season in the Premier League—and now I’m going back as the world champion. Hopefully, I can pick up another title.” The sell-out crowd, which snapped up tickets six months ago, is set to give him a hero’s welcome, a stark contrast to the boos he’s faced in cities like Berlin and Newcastle earlier this season.
Yet, the shadow of vulnerability looms large. Littler’s peers have felt the sting of injury—Michael van Gerwen, a darts titan, recently withdrew from Night 10 due to a neck issue, underscoring the sport’s physical toll. For Littler, insuring his arm isn’t just about financial security; it’s about preserving a legacy still in its infancy. His dominance this season—four nightly wins in eight weeks and a commanding eight-point lead over Luke Humphries—has rattled opponents, though he admits he’s yet to crack the mental fortress of rival Gerwyn Price, who’s bested him in their last six encounters.
As Littler steps onto the oche tonight, the buzz isn’t just about his next throw but the broader narrative of a young star navigating fame, fortune, and foresight. Will he follow Beckham’s lead and lock in his future with a multimillion-pound policy? The darts world watches with bated breath, knowing that for “The Nuke,” every decision—on and off the board—could redefine the game.