On a crisp November evening in Wolverhampton, Luke Littler, the 17-year-old darts prodigy known as “The Nuke,” stormed to a breathtaking victory at the Grand Slam of Darts, claiming his first major ranking title with a jaw-dropping 16-3 thrashing of Martin Lukeman. As of March 25, 2025, the buzz around Littler’s triumph still reverberates, not just for his dominance on the oche but for the quirky pre-match ritual that fueled his historic run. Picture this: while most athletes might opt for lean proteins or energy gels, Littler casually indulged in a curry, a Boost chocolate bar, and a handful of Drumstick Squashies—sweets that blend pink and white in a chewy burst of flavor. This unconventional meal, consumed with the nonchalance of a teenager grabbing a snack, left his opponent and fans alike in awe, adding a delicious twist to his already remarkable story.
Littler’s path to the Eric Bristow Trophy was a masterclass in precision and resilience. Across seven matches, he maintained an average above 100, a feat so rare it places him in the elite company of darts legends Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. The final itself was a spectacle of one-sided brilliance. After dropping the first two legs to Lukeman, a qualifier who’d defied 150-1 odds to reach the showdown, Littler flipped a switch. What followed was a relentless barrage—15 consecutive legs, a 107.08 average, and 12 maximum 180s that turned the Aldersley Leisure Village into a cauldron of cheers. “I’m so glad to win it,” Littler said afterward, his voice a mix of relief and joy. “I’ve been playing well all week. It’s been a long week, but it’s paid off.” For a teenager who’d only turned pro earlier that year, this was more than a win—it was a coronation.
But it was what happened off the stage that truly captured imaginations. Lukeman, a 39-year-old veteran savoring his first televised final, couldn’t help but marvel at Littler’s pre-game feast. “He is a joke. That’s how good he is—it’s absolutely ridiculous,” he exclaimed, still reeling from the defeat. “He has a Boost, a meal deal, a curry, walks up there and smashes me like that.” The image is almost comical: Littler, mid-tournament, munching on curry between matches, popping Squashies during an ad break, while Lukeman grabbed a cigarette and water to steady his nerves. Yet, this laid-back approach belied the ferocity Littler unleashed, a contrast that only deepened the mystique surrounding the young star.
The meal wasn’t a one-off quirk—it’s part of Littler’s charm. Known for scarfing kebabs during his breakout run to the World Championship final the previous December, he’s since broadened his palate, blending comfort food with a champion’s focus. Later, he clarified the timing, noting the curry came between matches, not right before the final, but the legend had already taken root. “A little energy drink and some Squashies—it got me over the line,” he quipped, a grin breaking through his usual cool demeanor. That £150,000 prize pushed his career earnings past £1 million, a staggering sum for someone who, just a year ago, was ranked 164th in the world. Now, at No. 5 in the PDC Order of Merit, he’s a force reshaping darts.
Lukeman, gracious in defeat, walked away with £70,000 and a newfound respect for his conqueror. “He’s just different gravy,” he said, tipping his hat to Littler’s impact. “He’s done great for the sport, bringing loads of new fans and sponsorships.” Indeed, Littler’s rise—dubbed “Littlermania”—has injected fresh energy into darts, drawing millions to screens and venues. His semi-final, a nail-biting 16-15 win over Gary Anderson, showcased his grit, clawing back from 13-9 down in a clash that’s already etched into darts lore. By the final, he was untouchable, his scoring power a tidal wave Lukeman couldn’t stem.
As Littler hoisted the trophy, confetti raining down, he reflected on a year that’s changed everything. “The World Championship changed me, my family,” he said. “Now the months have gone on, I’m just getting used to it all—and I’m going to have to get used to it for a very long time.” With three days off before the Players Championship Finals in Minehead, and the World Championship looming in December, Littler’s sights are set higher still. “Hopefully I can go deep in that competition, and then it’s all eyes on the big one,” he added, already plotting his next conquest. Fueled by curry and candy, Luke Littler isn’t just winning titles—he’s rewriting the script of what a darts champion can be, one delicious dart at a time.
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