As Luke Littler prepared to mark his highly anticipated 18th birthday, a significant milestone in any young person’s life, the darting sensation received an extraordinary offer that perfectly encapsulates his meteoric rise to global superstardom. The holiday resort giant, Butlin’s, extended an incredible “black card” invitation, granting him and his friends free access to their adults-only “Big Weekenders” for an entire year. This unique gift highlights not only Littler’s immense popularity but also the profound impact he has had on the sport of darts.
Littler, who had just recently captivated the world with his astonishing run to the World Darts Championship final at just 16 years old, had already secured a place in the hearts of millions. His unprecedented journey saw him become the youngest-ever player to reach the sport’s most prestigious final, ultimately collecting a staggering £500,000 in prize money. Since then, his fame has only grown, seeing him claim titles like the Premier League, World Series Finals, and the Grand Slam of Darts. Now, as he steps into adulthood, opportunities continue to pour in.
Butlin’s, a prominent name in the UK holiday sector, has a long-standing connection with the darts world, regularly hosting Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events at its Minehead resort. Littler himself has been a familiar face at these venues, but always in a professional capacity, focused on competition. The “black card” offer, therefore, represents a unique shift, allowing him to experience the lively atmosphere of a Big Weekender as a guest, rather than a competitor.
Mike Godolphin, the Entertainment Director at Butlin’s, expressed the company’s excitement about the offer. “We’re proud to host some of the biggest names in darts twice a year in Minehead, and currently there’s no one bigger than Luke Littler,” Godolphin remarked. He emphasized the celebratory nature of the gesture, acknowledging Littler’s past visits: “Every time Luke has visited us at Butlin’s he’s always been playing, so for his 18th this month we’re delighted to offer the reigning World Champion a birthday present to remember.”
The “black card pass” grants Littler and his chosen companions access to any of the more than 70 different adult-only breaks held across Butlin’s three resorts in Minehead, Bognor Regis, and Skegness. These themed weekends range from nostalgic “90s Reloaded” events to vibrant “We Love Ibiza” dance parties, promising a diverse array of entertainment options. Godolphin underlined their confidence in the gift’s appeal, stating, “We’ll be gifting a free annual pass to Butlin’s Big Weekenders for him and his friends to celebrate in style now he’s old enough to enjoy them as a guest. With over 70 breaks to choose from we’re confident he’ll have the best birthday ever and can’t wait to welcome Luke and his mates on a Big Weekender!”
This generous offer comes amidst a whirlwind of new experiences and opportunities for Littler as he navigates his professional career and personal life. While he has received other notable offers, including an invitation from Wayne Lineker to his O Beach celebrity hotspot in Ibiza, the Butlin’s “black card” stands out for its unique blend of leisure and recognition of his connection to the sporting events hosted there.
Despite the excitement surrounding his 18th birthday and these remarkable offers, Littler himself has indicated a desire for a relatively low-key celebration. Given his relentless schedule, which includes the Dutch Darts Masters, World Masters, and the start of the Premier League season, he admitted his plans would be more subdued. “I haven’t got anything planned really because there is a lot of darts around this time,” Littler revealed. “I will probably just do something at home before the crazy schedule starts. But I gave myself the best early birthday present by winning the Worlds.”
His dedication to the sport remains paramount, even amidst the global attention and lucrative opportunities. The “black card” from Butlin’s is a testament to his transformative impact on darts, signaling how his youthful exuberance and phenomenal talent have not only reshaped the sport’s landscape but also opened doors to experiences beyond the oche. As he steps into adulthood, Luke Littler continues to be a “gift that keeps on giving,” not just to darts, but to a growing legion of fans and even businesses eager to celebrate his unprecedented journey.
Leave a Reply