Just days before his much-anticipated return to the oche at the Hungarian Darts Trophy, reigning world champion Luke Littler sent the sporting world into a frenzy with a seemingly shocking announcement. The 18-year-old phenom, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise since his World Championship debut in 2024, hinted at a significant career shift, leaving fans and pundits to speculate wildly about his future in the sport. However, the dramatic reveal was not what it seemed, and the truth behind his statement has now come to light, revealing a clever marketing stunt that perfectly blended his two passions: darts and gaming.
In a video posted to his social media channels, Littler adopted a somber tone, seemingly reflecting on his brief but spectacular career. “I’ve had an awesome career, couldn’t ask for much better for myself,” he began, highlighting the dizzying accomplishments he’s accumulated in just two years. He referenced his debut in the Premier League at 17, hitting multiple nine-darters on live television, and of course, becoming the youngest-ever World Champion at 18. “I just want to say thanks to all my fans, the support over the past two years has been phenomenal,” he added, his voice tinged with a farewell sentiment. “It’ll shock some people that I’m taking a step back. It’s not been an easy decision, now I want to focus and do something that I really, really love.”
The carefully crafted message immediately ignited a firestorm of speculation. With Littler’s opening match at the Hungarian Darts Trophy looming, the idea of him stepping away from the sport was almost unthinkable. Fans were left to wonder if the immense pressure and constant touring had taken a toll, forcing the young star to seek a break. However, a subtle clue at the very end of the video—a quiet whisper from Littler asking, “Do you think they’ll fall for that?”—hinted that all was not as it seemed.
The truth was revealed in a follow-up video, a creative and humorous marketing collaboration that played on the initial announcement. The new clip showed Littler leaving his darts on a chair, a symbolic gesture from the first video, before walking into what appeared to be a retirement home, clad in a dressing gown. The punchline, however, came from the true nature of his “retirement.” He had not retired from darts, but rather, he was dedicating his time to something else he loves: the new EA Sports FC 26 video game, which was set to be released. The second video confirmed that Littler had partnered with Xbox to promote the game’s launch, a perfect fit for a player who has often been open about his love for the football simulation series.
This playful revelation makes perfect sense given Littler’s public persona. After his stunning run to the 2024 World Championship final, he famously joked that he would use his prize money on “FIFA points,” the in-game currency for the popular game. His passion for gaming has been a consistent theme throughout his rise to fame, providing a relatable and down-to-earth contrast to his on-stage intensity.
Despite the lighthearted nature of his announcement, Littler’s career is anything but a game. He has continued to be a force on the professional circuit throughout 2025, securing major titles and making a strong push for the world number one ranking. While he has been selective in his tournament appearances this year, a strategic move to manage his schedule and health, his success has been undeniable. He recently completed a rare “Triple Crown,” winning the World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay, a feat previously only achieved by a handful of darts legends.
As the dust settles on the viral stunt, Littler is now fully focused on his next challenge. As a seeded player at the Hungarian Darts Trophy, he will bypass the first round and face the winner of the match between Joe Cullen and Lukas Wenig. Fans in Budapest will now get to see the darts superstar in action, knowing that his “retirement” was nothing more than a well-executed ruse that left the darting world buzzing. It was a clever way to capture attention, and in doing so, Littler proved that he is not only a master of the oche but also a savvy media personality.
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