Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy who has taken the sport by storm, recently opened up about the challenges he’s faced in his meteoric rise, offering a rare glimpse into the pressures of being a teenage sensation. Fresh off his historic 2025 Betfred World Matchplay victory, where he became the youngest player to claim the Phil Taylor Trophy, Littler candidly discussed his struggles with form, confidence, and the emotional toll of constant scrutiny. In a heartfelt conversation with his manager, Martin Foulds, Littler addressed concerns about his game and reaffirmed his commitment to dominating the sport. “I’m not going to lie, it’s been a tough few weeks,” Littler admitted, reflecting on the highs and lows of his 2025 season. As he prepares for the upcoming Premier League and World Grand Prix, the young star’s resilience and ambition shine through, even as he navigates the complexities of fame.
Littler’s 2025 World Matchplay triumph in Blackpool was a career-defining moment. Defeating James Wade 18-13 in a thrilling final, he completed the PDC Triple Crown—World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay—at an age when most players are still cutting their teeth in youth tournaments. His tournament was marked by jaw-dropping performances, including a record-breaking 64 180s and a nine-darter against Josh Rock in the semi-finals. “I knew I had to dig deep,” Littler said of his comeback from a 6-1 deficit against Rock. “That nine-darter sparked me into life.” Yet, despite his on-stage brilliance, Littler revealed that maintaining consistency has been a struggle. “You’re not going to be at your best every single week,” he told Foulds in a private chat, acknowledging moments of self-doubt that crept in after early-season setbacks.
The year began with promise but also challenges. Littler’s World Championship title defense in January 2025 ended in a semi-final loss to Michael van Gerwen, a match he described as “a wake-up call.” He rebounded spectacularly in the Premier League, clinching the title with a 107.08 average against Luke Humphries, but inconsistency plagued him at the US Darts Masters, where he fell to Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals. “I wasn’t happy with how I played there,” Littler confessed. “I felt like I let myself down.” His manager, Foulds, played a crucial role in helping him refocus, emphasizing mental preparation over raw talent. “Martin just told me to keep doing what I’m doing, but smarter,” Littler said. “He said, ‘You’ve got the talent, but you need to be kinder to yourself when things don’t go perfect.’”
Littler’s openness about his struggles resonates with fans who have watched him evolve from a 16-year-old World Championship finalist in 2024 to a global superstar. The pressure of being dubbed “the future of darts” by commentators like Michael Bridge has weighed heavily. “Everyone expects me to win every game, every tournament,” Littler said. “But I’m 18. I’m still learning.” Off the oche, he’s faced intense media scrutiny and online trolling, particularly after a controversial moment at the Bahrain Darts Masters, where he celebrated prematurely against Gerwyn Price. “I got a bit of stick for that, and it stung,” he admitted. “But it’s made me stronger.” Foulds has been instrumental in shielding Littler from negativity, advising him to limit social media exposure. “Martin’s like, ‘Focus on the board, not the noise,’” Littler shared.
Despite these challenges, Littler’s 2025 season has been a masterclass in resilience. His Matchplay run included a record 18 180s against Andrew Gilding and a 107.5 semi-final average against Rock, stats that underline his scoring prowess. His £200,000 Matchplay prize pushed his career earnings past £1.5 million, a staggering figure for a teenager. Yet, Littler remains grounded, crediting his family and girlfriend, Eloise Milburn, for keeping him balanced. “My mum and dad, they’re my biggest fans, but they’ll tell me when I’m being an idiot,” he laughed. His relationship with Milburn, a keen darts player herself, has also been a source of stability, with the couple spotted celebrating together after his Blackpool triumph.
Looking ahead, Littler is targeting the World Grand Prix in October 2025 to continue his quest to win every PDC televised title. “I want to conquer everything in this sport,” he declared, echoing his Matchplay victory speech. His work with coach Karl Holden has refined his finishing, with a 46% checkout rate in Blackpool, and he’s studying opponents like Phil Taylor’s old matches to elevate his game. “I watch the legends to learn, not to copy,” he said. Chris Mason, a former pro turned pundit, praised Littler’s evolution: “He’s gone from world-class to completely dominating because he’s putting in the work.” As Littler prepares for the Premier League’s grueling 17-week schedule, his ability to balance ambition with humility will be key. “I’m just a kid from Warrington who loves darts,” he said, a reminder that, despite the spotlight, his passion for the game remains his driving force.
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