In the electric atmosphere of Manchester’s AO Arena, where the roar of darts fans reverberated through the stands, a tender moment stole the spotlight before the arrows began to fly. Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation dubbed “The Nuke,” shared a heartfelt embrace with his 81-year-old grandmother, Carol Littler, as he prepared to face off in the Premier League Darts on Thursday night. For Carol, it was her first time witnessing her grandson compete live at this elite level, a milestone that brought tears to her eyes and warmth to the hearts of those watching.
Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion, has taken the darts world by storm since his breakout performance at the 2024 World Championship final at age 16. Now, at 18, he’s a household name, leading the 2025 Premier League table with a string of victories, including four nightly wins this season. His journey from a toddler tossing darts at a magnetic board to a global superstar has been fueled by family support, and Thursday’s match in Manchester—a city close to his Warrington roots—was a chance to share his success with one of his biggest cheerleaders. “It meant the world to me,” Littler’s father, Anthony Buckley, said of the moment, reflecting on seeing his mother finally watch her grandson shine as a world champion.
As Littler stepped toward the stage, Carol’s hug was more than a gesture—it was a symbol of the unwavering encouragement that has carried him through years of relentless practice and high-stakes matches. At 81, Carol had never seen Littler compete in the Premier League, a grueling 17-week tournament pitting the sport’s top eight players against each other. Her presence added an extra layer of motivation for the teenager, who was already riding high after clinching the 2025 World Championship title at just 17 years and 347 days old, making him the youngest world champion in darts history. “I’m just happy to be here, playing in front of my family,” Littler said after the night’s matches, his words carrying the weight of gratitude for those who’ve stood by him.
The evening’s first challenge was a quarter-final clash against Gerwyn Price, a formidable Welshman who has bested Littler in their last six encounters. Price, a former world champion, even landed a rare nine-dart finish, a perfect leg that electrified the crowd. Yet Littler, unfazed by the veteran’s brilliance, stayed composed, averaging over 100 and securing a 6-3 victory to advance to the semifinals. “I know he’s got the record and he knows how to beat me,” Littler had said of Price earlier, acknowledging the challenge but refusing to let it rattle him. His focus was on breaking records of his own, including the chance to claim a fifth nightly win, which would surpass his four from his debut Premier League season in 2024.
In the semifinals, Littler faced world No. 1 Luke Humphries, a rival who has pushed him to his limits in past finals. Despite Littler’s power scoring—marked by his signature flurry of 180s—Humphries capitalized on missed doubles, winning 6-4 and ending Littler’s hopes of a Manchester triumph. Nathan Aspinall, a local favorite, went on to claim the night’s title, defeating Humphries 6-4 in the final. “I’m still motivated to keep top spot,” Littler said afterward, his eyes already set on the next week’s matches in Birmingham, where he aims to widen his six-point lead at the top of the table.
For Carol, the outcome mattered less than the pride of seeing her grandson command the stage. Littler’s rise, dubbed “Littlermania,” has not only boosted darts’ popularity but also highlighted his grounded nature. From hitting his first 180 at age six to throwing a televised nine-darter at 14, his talent was evident early, nurtured by family trips to local tournaments and hours at the St Helens Darts Academy. Carol once recalled spotting his gift when he was just two, a spark she credits to her husband, Phil, a keen amateur player. “He was born to play darts,” she said years ago, a sentiment that rang true as she watched him battle the sport’s best.
As the Manchester crowd cheered, Littler’s embrace with his grandmother became a poignant reminder of the personal stakes behind his public success. With six weeks left in the Premier League and the play-offs looming at London’s O2 Arena, Littler remains the man to beat. Yet, for one night, it was the quiet moment with Carol—an 81-year-old fan witnessing her grandson’s dream unfold—that captured the essence of his journey, blending prodigious talent with the love of family.