In the electrifying world of professional darts, where precision meets passion under the bright lights of Alexandra Palace, Luke Littler has once again proven himself a force of nature. At just 18 years old, the young sensation from Warrington defended his PDC World Darts Championship title in spectacular fashion on January 3, 2026, dismantling Gian van Veen with a commanding 7-1 victory in the final. This triumph not only solidified Littler’s status as one of the sport’s all-time greats but also pocketed him a staggering £1 million in prize money—the largest payout in the tournament’s history. With a three-dart average of 106.02, the sixth-highest ever in a PDC World Championship final, Littler showcased the kind of dominance that has darts fans buzzing worldwide. Despite dropping the opening set, he roared back, leaving no doubt about his supremacy and becoming the fourth player ever to claim back-to-back Sid Waddell Trophies.
Littler’s journey to this pinnacle has been nothing short of remarkable. Bursting onto the scene as a teenage prodigy, he has shattered records and redefined what’s possible in darts. From claiming multiple PDC titles to reaching numerous televised finals, Littler has consistently outshone established champions, producing some of the highest averages in major tournaments. His rapid rise has captivated audiences, blending raw talent with a cool demeanor that belies his youth. Off the oche, Littler enjoys a grounded life, surrounded by family and friends who have supported him every step of the way. This victory, he described as “absolutely life changing,” a sentiment that resonates deeply given his humble beginnings and the sacrifices made to fuel his ascent.
Fresh off his win, Littler didn’t waste time diving into the perks of his newfound fortune. During a lively Twitch stream, he opened up about his spending plans, revealing a newfound hobby that’s as addictive as his darts prowess: collecting football cards. “I’m into football cards at the minute so I might have to treat myself to a few boxes. Just a few. Panini cards, Topps cards, anything,” he shared with a grin. But he didn’t hesitate to point the finger at a close friend for sparking this obsession. “It’s Angry Ginge’s fault really, he got me into Whatnot. You bid and they will open a box and then they say you get a Cristiano Ronaldo card. I will treat myself to that.”
That friend, Morgan Burtwistle—better known as Angry Ginge—is a popular streamer and content creator whose energetic personality has built him a massive following. The pair’s bond goes beyond casual chats; Ginge has been a steadfast supporter throughout Littler’s career, cheering him on during tournaments and introducing him to new interests like the Whatnot platform for live unboxings. Their camaraderie shines through in shared gaming sessions, particularly on EA FC (formerly FIFA), where they’ve teamed up for entertaining streams that blend darts hype with virtual football fun. Ginge’s own rise to fame includes winning the latest series of ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’, adding a layer of celebrity flair to their friendship.
In a heartfelt gesture that highlighted their tight-knit relationship, Littler surprised Ginge during the stream by gifting him 100 Twitch subscriptions. The move, worth around £368 for Tier 1 subs or up to £738 for Tier 2, is a way for viewers to support creators by granting access to exclusive content and emotes. Ginge’s reaction was pure joy—he burst into song, belting out Littler’s iconic walk-on anthem, “Greenlight” by Pitbull, and exclaimed, “Go on Luke!” It was a moment that captured the essence of their bond: mutual respect, fun, and a touch of generosity. Littler, ever the thoughtful friend, chose this as one of his first splurges, repaying Ginge’s unwavering support during the grueling championship run.
But the gifting didn’t stop there. Littler’s generosity extended to his family, where he made a significant investment in their future. He purchased a luxurious five-bedroom home on the outskirts of Warrington for his parents, complete with five bathrooms, solar panels, a hot tub, and an expansive open-plan kitchen. Valued at nearly £1 million, the property represents more than just a lavish buy—it’s a token of gratitude for the endless support his family provided. As a source close to him noted, “Luke’s a young man. He’s bought this place and is living there with his mum and dad but in time he’ll spread his wings and the hope is they will stay there. It’s not a bad Christmas present for them but it’s only what they deserve having done everything to help him get where he is today.”
Amid the celebrations, Littler also addressed rumors about his own potential reality TV stint, firmly shutting down any ideas of following Ginge into the jungle for ‘I’m a Celebrity’. “No, I actually wouldn’t. No. I’d said I would for the right money, but I’ve been watching it now, and no, I just couldn’t. No way,” he laughed. “Especially with it being like…what is it? Twenty-three hours away in Australia, on a flight, away from home, eating that stuff. Nah. Not good. Not good. Me watching it, I don’t think I could actually do it. No. Especially the first two trials, especially what (rapper) Aitch had to do. I said to my girlfriend Faith Millar, ‘No, I’m not doing it ever. No way. There’s no way.'”
Looking ahead, Littler’s calendar is packed with excitement. The 2026 Premier League Darts kicks off on February 5, running through to May 28, where he’ll defend his dominance against the best in the business. With hospitality tickets already flying off the shelves and live coverage set for Sky Sports, fans are eager to see if he can continue his winning streak. Yet, beyond the tournaments and trophies, it’s moments like his gift to Angry Ginge that humanize Littler—a reminder that even at the top, friendship and fun remain at the heart of it all. As he navigates this “life-changing” chapter, Littler’s story continues to inspire, proving that success is sweetest when shared with those who believed in you from the start.
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