Darts sensation Luke Littler has set his sights on a new set of wheels with the prize money he’s earned so far in his incredible run at the PDC World Darts Championship. The 16-year-old phenom, affectionately known as “The Nuke,” has become the youngest player to reach the championship final at London’s Alexandra Palace, popularly known as Ally Pally. After a powerful 6-2 victory over former world champion Rob Cross in the semi-finals, Littler has not only secured a spot in the final but also a tidy £200,000 prize. But he’s not done yet – should he win the Sid Waddell Trophy, he’ll walk away with a life-changing £500,000.
Despite his age, Littler is already thinking of how to spend his winnings, and at the top of his list is a new car, even though he’s not quite old enough to drive yet. When asked by talkSPORT if he was planning on upgrading his current car, Littler cheekily gestured to the Skoda logo on his shirt and said, “I’ve got a Skoda, so I’m sure they can sort me out!” His confidence and humor have made him a crowd favorite, especially as he continues to defy expectations and take down seasoned competitors. Although he’s still just 16, Littler turns 17 in January, making him eligible to hit the road in his dream car sooner than most teens can imagine.
Littler’s ambitions, however, go beyond a new set of wheels. He’s also promised his closest friends a day out on him if he wins the championship title. “All my friends are watching at home,” he shared. “We’ve always said we need to go to Blackpool or Alton Towers, so I think they’ll be looking at me like, ‘You’re paying, Luke,’ and I’ll be like, yeah, okay!” This playful promise reveals a down-to-earth side to the young star who, despite his success, hasn’t forgotten his roots or the people who have supported him.
As Littler prepares for the biggest match of his life, he’s determined to stick with the simple routine that has served him well so far. “I’ll keep doing what I have been doing,” he said when asked about his pre-game habits. “I don’t wake up until 12, go for my ham and cheese omelette, come here and have my pizza, and then go on the practice board. It is what I have been doing every day – if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” While some might find this routine unusual for a world-class athlete, Littler’s relaxed approach seems to be his secret weapon, allowing him to stay calm and focused under pressure.
His road to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. Victories over darts veterans such as Christian Kist, Andrew Gilding, and Matt Campbell have catapulted him into the spotlight, garnering praise from fans and media alike. After his win over Rob Cross, who entered the tournament as a strong contender, Littler’s story has continued to capture the imagination of fans around the world. Renowned sports journalist Ariel Helwani called him the “athlete and story of the year,” a fitting accolade for a young man who has managed to stay composed and collected, even when facing seasoned professionals.
Littler’s journey through the tournament has been impressive, taking down established names like Raymond van Barneveld and Brendan Dolan before his semi-final win over Cross. These victories have set up a showdown with tournament favorite Luke Humphries, who is currently ranked as the new world No. 1. If Littler manages to clinch the title, he’ll join the ranks of darts legends and carve his name into sporting history, a feat many fans are eagerly anticipating.
What sets Littler apart isn’t just his skill with a dart; it’s his poise and maturity on stage that belie his youth. Playing in front of thousands of fans at Ally Pally and millions watching on TV, he has remained unflappable. “I’ve got no feeling yet!” he joked in his talkSPORT interview. “It is mind-blowing. Obviously, inside, I know I am in the final, but I just don’t show it. I don’t really know what to say!” The young prodigy’s calm demeanor has drawn comparisons to seasoned athletes, with many observers noting how he remains level-headed even in the most intense moments.
One of Littler’s most remarkable qualities is his ability to stay composed, even when things aren’t going his way. In his semi-final match against Cross, the 16-year-old found himself trailing for the first time in the tournament. Cross initially took the lead, but Littler stayed true to his game plan, keeping his composure and methodically working his way back into control. “That is the first time I have gone 1-0 down,” he admitted. “But I have got the same routine of going off at two sets, playing two, going off, playing two, going off, playing one, and see what happens after that. I just keep to the same.” This mental discipline has allowed him to outplay his opponents, using focus and resilience to turn matches around in his favor.
Throughout his run at Ally Pally, Littler has shown that he’s not just a flash in the pan – he’s a player with the skill, mentality, and ambition to leave a lasting mark on the sport. His maturity and mental toughness are evident, and his journey so far has all the makings of a classic underdog story. With his talent, confidence, and the support of fans and family alike, Littler is one match away from etching his name in darts history.
As he prepares for the final, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting to see if this young sensation can complete his incredible run and lift the Sid Waddell Trophy. Win or lose, Luke Littler has already proven that he has the makings of a star – and with his natural talent and charm, he’s sure to be a fixture in the world of darts for years to come. If he manages to pull off a victory, the teenager’s dreams of a new car and a trip with friends will become reality, marking the beginning of what could be one of the most remarkable careers in modern darts.