In the electrifying arena of professional darts, where pinpoint precision meets unyielding ambition, few tales rival the meteoric ascent of Luke Littler. At just 18, the Warrington whirlwind known as “The Nuke” has already redefined what’s possible in a sport steeped in tradition. From his jaw-dropping run to the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship final as a 16-year-old amateur—where he fell agonizingly short to Luke Humphries in a clash that captivated millions—to his triumphant 2025 conquest of the same title, defeating Michael van Gerwen in a final that echoed with the roar of Ally Pally, Littler has become the face of darts’ modern renaissance. He’s not just winning majors; he’s shattering records, amassing over £1 million in prize money last year alone, and drawing in a new generation of fans who see in his cheeky grin and lethal checkout the spark of a global superstar.
Yet, amid this whirlwind of glory, Littler dropped a bombshell that sent ripples through the darts world: a sudden split from ZXF Sports Management, the team that’s been by his side since he was a wide-eyed 13-year-old signing on in 2020. Led by the steadfast Martin Foulds, managing director of Prestige Building Supplies Ltd, ZXF had been more than handlers—they were architects of his breakthrough. Foulds was there every step, from nurturing Littler’s junior talents to steering him through the chaos of his pro debut. Under their guidance, Littler not only turned pro but exploded onto the scene, clinching the Premier League title in his inaugural 2024 campaign, followed by victories at the UK Open, World Matchplay, World Series of Darts Finals, and Grand Slam of Darts. ZXF’s roster reads like a who’s who of darts elite, including Littler’s on-circuit “big brother” Nathan Aspinall and fellow star Chris Dobey, creating a tight-knit stable that amplified Littler’s rise while keeping his feet on the ground.
The parting, announced via a heartfelt social media post just hours before his opening match at the 2025 World Grand Prix in Leicester, caught even close observers off guard. “I want to say a massive thank you to @Zxfsports, and especially @MartinFoulds5, for everything they’ve done for me so far in my career,” Littler wrote, his words laced with genuine warmth. “We’ve had some amazing times together over the last five years, and I’ll always be grateful for the advice and support that’s helped me get to this point.” It was a nod to the unbreakable bond forged in the pressure cooker of high-stakes tournaments, where Foulds’ counsel proved invaluable in navigating lucrative sponsorships, endorsement deals, and the financial savvy needed to turn sporting prowess into lasting security. Sports finance experts have pegged Littler’s earning potential at a staggering £100 million over the next decade, a fortune that ZXF helped lay the groundwork for, from his early commercial contracts to partnerships with high-profile PR firms like Soapbox—whose client list boasts boxing icon Anthony Joshua and Matchday presenter Chloe Kelly.
But as Littler’s star burned brighter, so did the demands. The PDC Tour’s grueling calendar, packed with TV spectacles and transatlantic flights, has intensified, pulling him in a dozen directions at once. Off the oche, the spotlight has been unrelenting: viral memes from his kebab-fueled post-match rituals, relentless social media scrutiny that once led him to clap back at trolls, and even the emotional toll of a fabricated scandal involving a fake account impersonating his girlfriend, Faith Millar. “Yeah, it’s been tough,” Littler admitted earlier this year, reflecting on how the constant buzz infiltrated his personal life. “Obviously, at the start of last year, I was always looking at the comments.” It’s a vulnerability rarely aired by the unflappable teen who treats 180s like casual chit-chat, underscoring the human beneath the headlines.
The split, then, feels less like a fracture and more like evolution—a deliberate pivot toward autonomy in a career that’s outgrown its cradle. “As my career moves forward and the schedule gets busier, we’ve agreed it’s the right time for me to take the next step with new representation,” Littler explained in his statement, the maturity in his tone belying his youth. “Martin has been brilliant for me and I wish him and everyone at ZXF the very best. Excited for what’s ahead.” Speculation swirled immediately: Would elite agencies like Modus, known for scouting darts’ top talents, swoop in? Or might Littler, ever the independent streak, handle aspects himself, perhaps expanding his Soapbox PR alliance to cover the full spectrum? For now, the details remain shrouded—”No one knows,” as insiders whisper—leaving fans and pundits buzzing with anticipation. This isn’t a farewell to strategy; it’s a recalibration, freeing Littler to chase the world No. 1 ranking unencumbered, while Foulds turns his focus to nurturing Aspinall and Dobey toward their own peaks.
Proving the move hasn’t rattled his game, Littler wasted no time silencing doubters at the World Grand Prix. In a blistering opener against Gian van Veen, he stormed to a 2-0 victory, unleashing a match-winning 144 checkout and averaging a scorching 105.58—despite Van Veen’s record-shattering 106.47 average, the highest in tournament history. “I can definitely do some damage,” Littler declared post-match, his eyes gleaming with that familiar fire. He even tipped the Dutch underdog for Premier League glory next year, a generous nod amid the rivalry. It’s classic Littler: gracious off the board, ruthless on it, embodying the sport’s blend of camaraderie and cutthroat competition.
This chapter in Littler’s saga mirrors the darts world’s own transformation. Once a pub pastime, it’s now a multimillion-pound spectacle, broadcast to billions, with Littler as its charismatic ambassador. His journey—from St Helens junior leagues to global icon—highlights the delicate dance between raw talent and shrewd stewardship. By stepping away from ZXF, he’s betting on himself, embracing the uncertainty that fuels champions. As the double-in, double-out format of the World Grand Prix tests his mettle this week, and with eyes on reclaiming majors like the Players Championship Finals, one thing’s clear: Luke Littler’s aim is truer than ever. In a sport where a single dart can rewrite history, his next throw could launch him into uncharted territory. The oche awaits, and “The Nuke” is locked, loaded, and ready to detonate.
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