Luke Littler, the 17-year-old darting prodigy, recently opened up about his first big purchase after clinching the 2024 Premier League Darts title—a moment that’s become one of the highlights of his young career. Last Thursday, Littler stunned the crowd at London’s O2 Arena with an electric performance against Luke Humphries in the Premier League final, ultimately winning the match 11-7. Along the way, he delivered a thrilling nine-dart finish, a feat that only added to the excitement and solidified his status as one of the sport’s brightest new stars.
Littler’s victory was as lucrative as it was memorable. The teenager from Runcorn walked away with a prize of £315,000, marking his biggest payday yet. This triumph has not only boosted his earnings but also bolstered his reputation, with many fans and pundits predicting a long and successful career for the young Brit. Speaking to *The Sun*, Littler shared that he treated himself to a Nintendo Switch as his first purchase—a small yet enjoyable indulgence amid the whirlwind of his rising fame.
“None of them went to FIFA points,” Littler joked, debunking any assumptions that he might splurge on in-game content. “But I did buy a Nintendo Switch, which I have brought away with me to have a bit of fun.” He explained that his decision was practical as well as recreational. “Usually, we’re sat in hotel rooms waiting for the next day to play,” he said, describing the downtime that often comes with the hectic travel and preparation schedule of a professional darts player. “We did some sightseeing this week, and after I came back, I just chilled out and played on the Switch.”
Littler’s purchase captures a side of him that’s relatable to his generation, as he balances the demands of being a top-tier athlete with the desire to unwind and enjoy his youth. It also reflects his grounded personality, as he chose something modest and familiar over any extravagant splurge.
Following his London victory, Littler headed straight to New York for the US Darts Masters, showing no signs of slowing down. In his opening match, he demonstrated the same skill and composure that have quickly made him a fan favorite. Facing Canada’s Matt Campbell in the first round, Littler took less than 10 minutes to secure a decisive 6-0 victory, dispatching his opponent with efficiency and focus.
After his win, Littler shared his enthusiasm about competing in New York, highlighting the thrill of performing on such a grand stage. “I felt good and couldn’t wait to get out there,” Littler remarked. “The amount of athletes that have performed here is amazing.” Reflecting on the experience, he added, “I enjoyed that walk-on. The crowd got involved with it.”
Littler’s arrival in the United States underscores the growing global appeal of darts, a sport that has historically been centered in the UK but is now gaining traction in new markets. “It has been crazy out here,” he said of his experience in the U.S. “But it’s a good thing as darts get more recognizable outside of the UK and other countries.” He also noted the American affinity for spectacle, linking it to their love for wrestling, another sport that thrives on showmanship. “The Americans love their wrestling; it’s where it is based. Cody [Rhodes] gave me a message yesterday, and I thought, let’s use his walk-on,” Littler said, referring to the popular wrestling figure and how his influence inspired a dynamic entrance.
While Littler is enjoying his rise to fame, his competition with Luke Humphries has become a focal point for fans of the sport. Humphries, who fought hard in the Premier League final, was gracious in defeat and acknowledged the budding rivalry between himself and Littler. “My main goal was to make the top four and then make the final, and you can’t ask much more of yourself than that,” Humphries said, adding that while a win would have been ideal, he was still proud of his achievements. “It would have been lovely to win it, but I lost to a fantastic performance from Luke.”
Humphries’ praise didn’t stop there; he acknowledged Littler’s deserved victory, recognizing the impact the young star’s talent would have on the future of darts. “I think Luke deserved to be the Premier League champion,” he admitted. Their record against each other now stands at 1-1 in major finals, with Humphries describing their rivalry as “an exciting rivalry to look forward to in the future.” Fans of darts are already looking forward to seeing these two talents face off again, as their competition adds a compelling narrative to the sport.
Littler’s ascent in the world of darts is drawing attention to the next generation of players and bringing a youthful energy to a sport often associated with seasoned professionals. At just 17, he has already amassed an impressive list of accomplishments and demonstrated the focus, drive, and charisma needed to thrive on the global stage. With his Premier League title now secured and a rapidly growing fanbase, Littler’s future looks incredibly promising.
As he continues to compete in events worldwide, Littler is both a symbol of darts’ expanding reach and a testament to the hard work and dedication required to excel. His humility and excitement over something as simple as a Nintendo Switch show that he hasn’t lost sight of who he is, despite the rapid changes in his life. Whether relaxing in a hotel room or competing on the world’s biggest stages, Luke Littler is embracing his journey, proving that he’s not only a champion but also a relatable young athlete whose rise is as inspiring as it is entertaining.