At just 18 years old, Luke Littler, the darts prodigy known as “The Nuke,” has already etched his name into the annals of the sport’s history. Fresh off his thrilling victory at the 2025 World Matchplay, where he clinched the title against James Wade with an 18-13 scoreline, Littler has become the youngest player to complete darts’ prestigious Triple Crown, encompassing the World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay. Yet, despite his meteoric rise and burgeoning bank account, the teenage sensation has hinted at a surprising possibility: stepping away from the sport before he reaches 30.
Littler’s ascent in the darts world has been nothing short of extraordinary. Bursting onto the scene as a 16-year-old at the 2023/24 World Championship, he captivated audiences by reaching the final, defeating former world champions like Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross along the way. Although he fell short against Luke Humphries in that debut, Littler’s trajectory only steepened. In 2024, he secured the Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts titles, followed by the UK Open and World Matchplay in 2025. His crowning achievement came earlier this year when he defeated Michael van Gerwen 7-3 to claim the 2025 World Darts Championship, becoming the youngest world champion in history at 17 years and 347 days old. With 15 PDC titles, including six major ones, Littler’s trophy cabinet is already brimming, and he’s ranked world number two based on his tournament earnings.
Financially, Littler is in an enviable position. His prize money alone has surpassed £1.5 million, with his World Championship win adding £500,000 and the World Matchplay another £200,000 to his coffers. Beyond tournament winnings, lucrative sponsorship deals with brands like Target Darts, boohooMAN, KP Nuts, and Xbox have bolstered his income, potentially pushing his 2025 earnings toward £5 million, according to industry insiders. This financial security has allowed Littler to upgrade his lifestyle, moving his family from a modest £180,000 home in Warrington to a luxurious £5 million mansion in Cheshire, complete with a private pool and expansive gardens. Yet, despite this wealth, Littler remains grounded, expressing modest aspirations like owning a Mercedes A-Class once he earns his driver’s license.
In a candid moment, Littler shared his thoughts on his future in darts, suggesting he might take a break in his late 20s. “I could play on for another 10-15 years before taking a break from darts,” he said, reflecting on his already illustrious career. The idea of stepping away so young might seem startling, especially when compared to darts legend Phil Taylor, who won 16 world titles and dominated into his 50s. Littler acknowledged the challenge of matching Taylor’s record, noting, “I’ve won the biggest one, the World Championship. There’s not much left.” With time on his side, speculation abounds that he could challenge Taylor’s milestones, but Littler seems unfazed by the pressure, focusing instead on enjoying the game. “I can tell you now, I have got no pressure,” he remarked ahead of his World Championship final, emphasizing his relaxed approach.
Littler’s financial acumen has also drawn attention. Advised by darts icon Phil Taylor to maintain two bank accounts to manage his £1.1 million in earnings—and the £500,000 tax bill that accompanied it—Littler has shown a pragmatic side. Taylor’s guidance, drawn from his own career, underscores the importance of financial planning for a young star facing a 45% tax rate. Littler’s modest spending habits, like his preference for simple cars and Under Armour jumpers, reflect a maturity beyond his years, even as he navigates fame that has seen him rub shoulders with celebrities like Lando Norris and Manchester United stars.
Despite his success, Littler’s rise hasn’t been without challenges. He’s faced crowd hostility, including booing in Munich, and admitted to battling nerves during matches, as seen when he broke down in tears at the 2024 World Championship. Yet, his resilience shines through. “When I was leading up to it, I was perfectly fine, then it was ‘game on’ and the bottom’s gone,” he said, describing the pressure of high-stakes moments. Support from his family, including parents Lisa Littler and Anthony Buckley, and his girlfriend Faith Millar, has been a constant anchor.
As Littler prepares for upcoming challenges, like defending his Premier League title and competing in the U.S. Darts Masters, the darts world watches with bated breath. His minimal practice routine—sometimes skipping sessions entirely—astounds rivals like Chris Dobey, who marveled, “He just sits there and is so relaxed. Then he goes up there and blows you off the board.” With nine-dart finishes and a 107.24 average in the World Matchplay final, Littler’s talent seems effortless, yet his hint at early retirement raises questions about the sport’s future. Will “The Nuke” dominate for decades, or will he step away at his peak, leaving a legacy that reshapes darts forever?
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