In an era where wellness trends often dominate, with non-alcoholic drinks and gym memberships all the rage, the sport of darts is thriving against the odds. This weekend, the World Darts Championship is set to make a splash once again at London’s Alexandra Palace. Expect to see a lively crowd of young fans, clad in quirky costumes like gnomes and traffic cones, singing and enjoying their beers. At the heart of this vibrant scene stands an unexpected hero of our times: Luke “the Nuke” Littler, known for his love of kebabs.
This year has been nothing short of phenomenal for Littler. Back in January, as a virtually unknown 16-year-old, he impressed everyone by finishing as the runner-up in the world championship. The teenager from Warrington captivated audiences as he progressed through the rounds, culminating in a record-breaking 3.7 million viewers tuning in for the final. Barry Hearn, the president of the Professional Darts Corporation, even coined the term “Littlermania” to describe the frenzy surrounding him.
The buzz around Littler hasn’t died down. He’s now one of the contenders for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, alongside England footballer Jude Bellingham and Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson. If he clinches the award, he would become the second-youngest recipient in history. Additionally, he was the third most Googled individual in the UK this year, surpassing notable figures like Keir Starmer and King Charles, with only Kate Middleton and Donald Trump remaining ahead of him.
There’s something endlessly fascinating about prodigies. They embody the meritocratic ideals of competitive sports, showing that true talent can emerge from anywhere and, with dedication, reach the pinnacle. A video montage of Littler as a toddler with his first dartboard hinted at the confident player he’s become; he’s been wielding darts since he was just 18 months old.
The sports world has seen its share of young phenoms like Michael Phelps, Venus and Serena Williams, Emma Raducanu, and Sky Brown. Each has had their moment in the spotlight. Littler, however, stands out due to his youthful age in a sport that typically favors experience, where many players peak post-40. In fact, 70-year-old Paul Lim from Singapore recently competed in the World Championships. Littler is redefining what it means to be a young competitor in what’s often thought of as an older person’s game, inspiring a wave of young people eager to become the next Luke Littler.
The allure of Littlermania extends beyond just his skills. Unlike many athletes with their tight training schedules and carefully curated media appearances, Littler’s appeal lies in his relatability as a normal teenager. Despite his rapid rise to fame and frequent headlines, he manages to stay remarkably grounded.
His everyday life is something his young fans can connect with. When asked about his routine, he casually mentions his late nights gaming on his Xbox, waking up around noon, and squeezing in 30 to 45 minutes of dart practice each day. He’s considered using his prize money for more FIFA points on his Xbox, a new jacket, and treating his friends to a fun day at Blackpool or Alton Towers. Even when he skyrocketed to fame earlier this year, his idea of celebrating after a big match was simply enjoying a kebab. In fact, Warrington’s Hot Spot has since promised him free kebabs for life.
Littler’s relaxed demeanor is likely to serve him well as he continues his ascent in the sport. It’s this very characteristic that endears him to fans across Britain. Darts might be a game of precision and skill, but it also thrives on camaraderie, banter, and not taking oneself too seriously. Littler embodies this ethos perfectly.
