At just 18 years old, Luke Littler, the darts prodigy nicknamed “The Nuke,” has taken the sport by storm, charging toward the coveted Triple Crown at the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay in Blackpool. Fresh off a hard-fought victory over Andrew Gilding, Littler is two wins away from adding the prestigious title to his 2025 PDC World Championship and 2024 Premier League crowns. His electrifying journey has drawn comparisons to darts legend Phil Taylor, with fans serenading him with chants of “Walking in a Littler Wonderland,” a nod to the iconic song once dedicated to “The Power.” Yet, Littler’s rise isn’t just about his pinpoint accuracy or record-breaking feats; it’s about a mindset that embraces the grind, shrugs off friendships on the oche, and even finds humor in being called “boring” by two-time world champion Gary Anderson.
Littler’s quarterfinal clash with Gilding was a test of patience and precision. Facing a methodical opponent known for his deliberate pace, Littler adapted, finding his rhythm to secure a spot in the semifinals. “The game with me and Jermaine [Wattimena], we get on with it, we’re both quick players, but when you’re playing someone like Andrew, he’s not going to change for anyone, no matter who you are, he’ll always do the same thing, throw by throw, dart by dart,” Littler explained post-match. His ability to adjust to Gilding’s slower tempo, avoiding frustration, showcased a maturity beyond his years. “I just had to get myself into a rhythm. Not too quick, not too slow,” he added, noting that while his doubles faltered at times, his cover shots in the 90s sealed the deal.
The teenager’s response to Anderson’s jab about the new generation of darts players being “boring” was classic Littler—cheeky yet grounded. Anderson, a veteran known for his own fiery personality, had lamented that young players are too focused on their phones, lacking the banter of darts’ golden era. Littler, unfazed, grinned and said, “I don’t think he’s a big talker, Andrew, a lot of us players, we just got on with our thing and like Gary Anderson said, we’re boring, so that’s what we do.” Far from taking offense, Littler leaned into the critique, embracing the idea that his focus on the game over off-stage theatrics is what fuels his success. This laser-like dedication has propelled him to world No. 2, with 14 PDC titles, including five majors, making him the youngest world champion in darts history at 17 years and 347 days.
Littler’s upcoming semifinal against Josh Rock, a friend from his youth tour days, promises fireworks. The two share a bond forged through shared experiences at Target-sponsored events, where players mingle and friendships form. “Rab Bain, his manager, he’s got quite a few players with Target, and then we all go to a Target day, we all meet up, speak to each other and that’s how it [friendship] comes about,” Littler said, reflecting on how he and Rock connected. Yet, he’s clear that camaraderie takes a backseat once they step on stage. “I don’t think it really matters who you play, whether you’re friends or not, because as soon as you’re on the stage, you’re no-one’s friend, you’re there to do a job,” he declared. This mindset underscores Littler’s competitive edge, a trait that has drawn parallels to Phil Taylor, who won the World Matchplay 16 times.
The “Littler Wonderland” chant, echoing through the Winter Gardens, carries deep significance. “It means everything,” Littler said, his voice tinged with pride. “I’m pretty sure it first started at my first World Championships, but just hearing the song and, obviously, after a great legend that Phil is, he’s been here plenty of times, won it 16, and I’m really looking forward to the semi-final.” The chant, adapted from Taylor’s era, symbolizes Littler’s meteoric rise and the fans’ belief in his potential to dominate. His 2025 World Championship triumph over Michael van Gerwen, coupled with wins in the Premier League, Grand Slam, and World Series Finals in 2024, has fueled the “Littlermania” phenomenon, drawing new fans to darts and boosting dartboard sales.
Off the oche, Littler’s life reflects a different kind of balance. A passionate gamer, he’s often found streaming on Twitch with friends like Morgan Burtwistle, known as AngryGinge, or playing FIFA with his virtual football team, GirthNTurf. His love for gaming has landed him a sponsorship with Xbox, complementing deals with McDonald’s and BoohooMan. Yet, his personal life has also drawn scrutiny. After splitting with ex-girlfriend Eloise Milburn in June 2024, Littler has been linked to 19-year-old beautician Faith Millar, though both insist they’re just friends. A viral moment during a gaming stream, where a female voice sparked speculation, saw Littler laughingly predict, “If someone has screen-recorded that, it’s in the papers in the morning. Yep, well played.” His guarded approach to romance reflects advice from his parents, Lisa and Anthony, who urged him to stick with childhood friends. “My mum and dad told me to keep the friends I have,” he said, valuing the mates from Warrington now working at Asda or training as plumbers.
As Littler eyes the World Matchplay title, his focus remains unwavering. “It’s going to be on my mind until I win it, but since day one here, you can only beat what’s in front of you and you’ve got to take it game by game,” he said. With a potential final against Gerwyn Price looming, Littler’s blend of talent, composure, and relentless drive makes him a formidable force. Whether he’s “boring” or not, Littler’s Wonderland is anything but dull, and the darts world is watching to see how many more titles this teenage sensation will claim.
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