In the high-octane arena of professional darts, where every throw can change fortunes overnight, 18-year-old Luke Littler has once again etched his name into the history books. On January 3, 2026, the Warrington wonderkid defended his PDC World Darts Championship title with a ruthless 7-1 demolition of Dutch star Gian van Veen in the final at Alexandra Palace. This back-to-back triumph made him only the fourth player ever to retain the Sid Waddell Trophy, joining legends like Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson. More impressively, Littler became the first ever to claim the tournament’s newly doubled winner’s prize of **£1 million**—a record-breaking payday that underscored the explosive growth of the sport.
Littler’s performance was a masterclass in dominance. Despite conceding the opening set, he stormed back with unrelenting precision, posting a three-dart average that left fans and pundits in awe. His journey through the tournament was near-flawless, dropping just a handful of sets en route to the final. At such a young age, he’s already amassed over £2 million in career earnings on the PDC tour, pushing his total prize money well beyond that mark with this latest windfall. Reflecting on the victory, Littler called the £1 million “absolutely life changing,” adding that it felt even more special as the first champion to claim the enhanced prize pot.
But what makes Littler’s story so captivating isn’t just his on-stage brilliance—it’s how he’s handling the off-stage spotlight and sudden wealth. Less than a week after lifting the trophy, reports emerged that the teenage sensation had splashed out nearly the entire £1 million on a stunning new property. The luxurious five-bedroom home, located on the outskirts of Warrington, boasts modern amenities like five bathrooms, landscaped gardens, a double garage, underfloor heating, a high-spec kitchen with wine coolers, and even a master bedroom with a balcony and dressing room. Previously, Littler and his family had been renting a high-end property nearby for around £6,000 a month, but this purchase marks a permanent upgrade—a step onto the property ladder that symbolizes his meteoric rise from humble beginnings.
A close source revealed the heartfelt motivation behind the buy: Littler intends for the house to become his parents’ “forever home.” “Luke’s a young man,” the source explained. “He’s bought this place and is living there with his mum and dad but in time he’ll spread his wings and the hope is they will stay there. It’s not a bad Christmas present for them but it’s only what they deserve having done everything to help him get where he is today.” His mother Lisa and father Anthony, a taxi driver, have been unwavering supporters throughout his career, sacrificing much to nurture his talent. This gesture is a touching repayment, transforming their lives just as Littler’s darts prowess has transformed his own.
Of course, not all the spending has been on bricks and mortar. True to his grounded personality, Littler has indulged in more modest treats that reflect his teenage interests. He’s developed a passion for collecting football cards—a hobby sparked by his close friend, popular streamer Morgan Burtwistle, better known as Angry Ginge. During a post-victory Twitch stream, Littler shared his excitement: “I’m into football cards at the minute so I might have to treat myself to a few boxes. Just a few. Panini cards, Topps cards, anything.” He playfully blamed Ginge for the obsession, saying, “It’s Angry Ginge’s fault really, he got me into Whatnot. You bid and they will open a box and then they say you get a Cristiano Ronaldo card. I will treat myself to that.”
In a moment that highlighted their genuine friendship, Littler surprised Ginge on the stream by gifting him 100 Twitch subscriptions—a generous move worth hundreds of pounds that allows fans to support the creator with exclusive perks. Ginge’s ecstatic reaction, breaking into Littler’s walk-on song “Greenlight” by Pitbull, captured the pure joy of their bond. The pair often collaborate on gaming streams, blending darts fame with virtual football battles, and Ginge’s own celebrity status—fresh off winning ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’—only adds to their entertaining dynamic.
Littler has also treated himself and his circle to smaller luxuries, like a £150 pizza feast for family and friends right after the win, and he’s planning a getaway to Dubai with girlfriend Faith Millar to celebrate his upcoming 19th birthday. Yet, he’s quick to downplay any notions of wild extravagance. When asked about reality TV prospects like joining Ginge in the jungle, he laughed it off: “No, I actually wouldn’t. No. I’d said I would for the right money, but I’ve been watching it now, and no, I just couldn’t. No way… Especially the first two trials… I said to my girlfriend Faith Millar, ‘No, I’m not doing it ever. No way. There’s no way.'”
One practical note amid the celebrations: due to UK tax rules, Littler will likely take home significantly less than the full £1 million after income tax and contributions, but that hasn’t dampened his spirits. He’s already eyeing more success, aiming to push his earnings toward £3 million in the coming year. With the Premier League Darts kicking off in February and events like the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Masters on the horizon, Littler’s schedule is packed. His dominance shows no signs of slowing, and stories like this—blending prodigious talent with family loyalty and youthful fun—explain why he’s not just a champion, but a phenomenon inspiring a new generation of darts fans. In less than a week, he’s turned life-changing money into life-changing investments, all while staying true to his roots.
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