Luke Littler has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of darts since reaching the final of the World Darts Championship earlier this year, and he shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Luke Littler is on track to become a millionaire by the age of 18, according to former PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.
Littler’s rise to fame has been swift and impressive, with a string of successes since his breakthrough of reaching the final of the World Darts Championship earlier this year. Despite losing 7-4 to Luke Humphries at Alexandra Palace, he has more than made up for that defeat in subsequent tournaments.
Nicknamed ‘The Nuke,’ Littler has amassed an impressive £364,500 in tournament winnings as per the PDC’s Order of Merit, placing him 21st in the rankings. This figure does not include his earnings from non-ranked events, which include £315,000 from the Premier League, £80,000 from his World Series of Darts titles success, and other non-ranked tournaments. Factoring in sponsorship deals, endorsements, and exhibition matches, Littler’s financial success is soaring to unprecedented levels for a player so young.
Given these staggering figures, it’s hardly surprising that Hearn predicts the young star could become a millionaire next year. Speaking on The Barry Hearn Show, the 76-year-old said: “Yeah, I think it could be this year. Yeah, I think so. I am pre-judging his performances, but I’d be surprised if he didn’t, to be honest with you.”
“There are darts players out there already earning well over £1 million – £2 million per year as it is. That is where the sport has got to, and for Luke and the sport, it is only just the beginning. We’ve got opportunities to commercially expand that sport, and the joy when these kids pick up prize money is fantastic.”
“Without building Luke Littler up too much, he is one of those stars who people identify with. He has a charisma that draws fans to the game, and his performances continue to excite audiences across the world.”
Despite his tender years, with his 18th birthday on the horizon for January 21, Littler has already notched up a series of successes that many seasoned professionals can only dream of.
Following a setback at the world championship, Littler bounced back to triumph at the Bahrain Darts Masters in January. His remarkable run continued in the Premier League, where he topped the table and went on to defeat Luke Humphries on finals night.
Littler’s recent TV victories include clinching the World Series of Darts title, where he overpowered Michael Smith with an 11-4 win at the AFAS Live in Amsterdam. His trophy cabinet from this debut season with the PDC also boasts the Belgian Darts Open, Austrian Darts Open, the Polish Masters, and numerous Pro Tour events.
His success has made him one of the most marketable athletes in darts today. Littler has already secured lucrative sponsorship deals with major brands such as Boohoo, Target Darts, and Lightcliffe Skoda. His social media following has exploded, with over 1.3 million followers on Instagram, making him a key figure in promoting the sport to a younger audience. These endorsements, combined with his prize money, are fast propelling him into the financial elite of the game.
With a string of high-stakes tournaments on the horizon, including the World Series of Darts and the Grand Slam, Littler’s financial gains are set to soar, reports The Mirror. And as the World Darts Championship makes its return, all eyes will be on the young prodigy as one of the top contenders vying for the staggering £500,000 prize.
Littler’s rapid ascent has also had a significant impact on the sport as a whole. His presence has attracted a new generation of fans, many of whom had never previously followed darts. Ticket sales for events featuring Littler have skyrocketed, with arenas filling up faster than ever before. Television ratings have also seen a noticeable boost, with broadcasters eager to showcase his matches to growing audiences.
Veteran players such as Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright have acknowledged Littler’s impact, with many citing his arrival as a fresh and exciting development for the sport. Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, praised Littler’s natural talent and work ethic, stating: “He’s got everything you need to be a champion multiple times over. The way he plays, the confidence he has—it’s rare to see that in someone so young.”
Littler himself remains humble about his achievements, focusing on continued improvement rather than basking in his early success. In a recent interview, he emphasized his dedication to training and his ambitions for the future. “I don’t let all the hype get to me. I’m just here to play my game and win as many titles as I can. There’s a lot more I want to achieve.”
His determination and focus suggest that his meteoric rise is only the beginning of what could be a legendary career. If he continues at this pace, there is little doubt that he will soon break into the top 10 of the PDC rankings and cement his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The world of darts is witnessing a generational shift, and Luke Littler is leading the charge. Whether it’s through his thrilling performances, growing fanbase, or financial milestones, his impact is undeniable. As he prepares for the next phase of his career, the darts community eagerly watches, knowing that the best is yet to come.
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