In the glittering world of British sports, where triumphs are etched in gold and glory, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of Luke Littler. At just 18, the darts sensation from Warrington has already rewritten the record books, storming onto the global stage with a precocity that defies belief. Yet, as the BBC gears up for its prestigious Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on December 18 in Salford’s MediaCityUK, Littler has made a bold declaration: he won’t be there. Instead, the teenager will channel his energies into defending his world championship crown at Alexandra Palace, prioritizing the oche over the red carpet.
Littler’s decision, revealed in a candid post-match chat after his effortless 3-0 opening-round victory over Lithuania’s Darius Labanauskas on Thursday, underscores the laser-focused mindset that’s propelled him to darts immortality. “No, I’m not going to it,” he stated flatly when pressed on his attendance plans. “I think they [the BBC] know.” His words carry a subtle edge, hinting at a perceived inevitability in the awards process—one where the frontrunners command the narrative and the underdogs, no matter their feats, fade into the background. It’s a sentiment that resonates with a young athlete who’s learned to navigate fame’s double-edged sword, from viral walk-ons to the relentless scrutiny of every throw.
This isn’t mere scheduling happenstance. Littler’s second-round clash—against either Belgium’s Mario Vandenbogaerde or Wales’ David Davies—is slated for December 20, a mere 48 hours after the ceremony. With the World Darts Championship now boasting a tantalizing £1 million top prize for the first time in its history, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Littler, already the youngest world champion ever after his 2025 PDC World Darts Championship triumph over Michael van Gerwen at age 17, isn’t about to dilute his preparation with tuxedos and teleprompters. His year has been a masterclass in dominance: victories at the UK Open in March, the World Matchplay in July, the World Grand Prix in October, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the Players Championship in November. That’s six major televised titles, a haul that catapulted him past compatriot Luke Humphries to the world No. 1 ranking. Only four majors eluded his grasp—the World Masters, Premier League, World Series Finals, and European Championship—but even those near-misses pale against a season of such staggering consistency.
Reflecting on his SPOTY snub, Littler didn’t mince words about his own prospects. When asked if he fancied his chances in the public vote, he shot back with a terse “No.” It’s a far cry from last year, when the then-17-year-old finished runner-up to Olympic 800m gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson, a nod to his breakout 2024 run that included a fairy-tale World Championship final appearance. This time around, he’s also nominated for the Young Sports Personality of the Year, facing off against England’s rising footballer Michelle Agyemang and Warwickshire cricketer Davina Perrin, both 19. Yet, Littler’s humility—or perhaps realism—shines through. “I think I’ve only missed out on four majors this year,” he mused. “So if I’d won them, do I win it? Who knows.” It’s a rhetorical shrug that speaks volumes about the eclectic field he’s up against, where darts’ niche appeal might struggle to outshine more mainstream spectacles.
The 2025 shortlist itself is a powerhouse lineup, blending individual brilliance with team euphoria in a way that captures the year’s sporting zeitgeist. Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish golf maestro, enters as the bookies’ darling after clinching the Masters in Augusta, completing a career grand slam as only the sixth man to do so. His two major victories this year alone make him a formidable contender, especially after he confirmed his attendance— a pointed contrast to his 2023 absence, when he dismissed the award as “not really what it once was.” Joining him is Formula 1’s new world champion Lando Norris, whose breakout season delivered McLaren’s first drivers’ title in over two decades, blending British grit with global glamour.
Then there are the Lionesses, England’s women’s football stars who continue to redefine the beautiful game. Chloe Kelly, the hero of Euro 2022 whose extra-time stunner sealed glory, spearheaded the squad to Euro 2025 triumph, a crowning achievement that drew 16.2 million viewers to the final—the year’s most-watched TV moment across BBC and ITV. Her teammate Hannah Hampton, the Yashin Trophy winner as the world’s top female goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or, rounds out the football contingent with saves that bordered on the supernatural. Not to be overshadowed, rugby union’s Ellie Kildunne of the Red Roses brings the thunder from the Six Nations and Women’s World Cup campaigns, her explosive tries and leadership earning her a spot in this elite six.
Littler’s absence adds a layer of intrigue to the festivities, hosted by Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott. He’s not alone in opting out; whispers suggest two other nominees might follow suit, with only the top betting favorites—McIlroy, Norris, and Kelly—expected to grace the stage. “I think obviously the people in the top three on the betting odds will obviously go there,” Littler observed dryly. And on the winner? The dartboard oracle has a hunch: “I think Lando [Norris] will win.” It’s a gracious tip of the hat from a kid who’s already conquered his sport, wishing luck to the field while plotting his next conquest.
Beyond the awards drama, Littler’s week has been a whirlwind of highs and minor tempests. His Ally Pally opener was a clinic—sets of 3-0 in under 20 minutes, peppered with 180s and clinical checkouts that left Labanauskas chasing shadows. Off the board, he addressed a flicker of controversy over complimentary Manchester United tickets from kit sponsor Adidas, a perk he disclosed transparently amid fan backlash. “It was all above board,” he assured reporters, locking lips with girlfriend Eloise Milburn during his walk-on—a cheeky nod to normalcy amid the frenzy. Sealed with that kiss, Littler’s focus remains unyielding.
As the curtains rise on SPOTY’s 72nd edition, promising a first-time winner for the fifth straight year, Littler’s boycott feels less like defiance and more like destiny. In a year where women’s sports surged—thanks to the Lionesses and Red Roses—and motorsport’s roar echoed loudest, the darts prodigy reminds us that true legends don’t need a trophy to shine. They’ll be crafting their own narratives, one perfect dart at a time. With a 10-day breather before his next tilt, Littler is primed for history. Who needs a personality award when you’re building a legacy?
Leave a Reply