Luke Littler, also known as The Nuke, has achieved a remarkable milestone in his darts career by winning the World Matchplay at the age of 18. In a thrilling final match, he defeated James Wade 18-13, becoming the youngest player to complete darts’ prestigious Triple Crown, which includes the World Championship and the Premier League titles. Littler has been on a winning streak, securing victories in events like the Grand Slam of Darts and the UK Open since his debut at the 2023/24 World Championship as a 16-year-old.
With plenty of time ahead of him, there is speculation that Littler could challenge the records set by legendary player Phil Taylor, who holds 16 world titles and an equal number of World Matchplay crowns. Realistically, Littler would need to continue playing for at least another two decades to come close to Taylor’s achievements.
Despite his current success, Littler has hinted at the possibility of taking a break from the game in the future. He mentioned in an interview that he might consider stepping away from darts in about 10 years but could potentially make a comeback after a short hiatus.
Reflecting on his rapid rise in the sport, Littler acknowledged that his busy schedule leaves him little time to dwell on his accomplishments. With upcoming events like the Australian Masters World Series, he remains focused on staying in the present moment and enjoying his success.
As his trophy collection grows, Littler humorously noted the need for additional trophy cabinets due to limited space in his home. He has also partnered with KP for the ‘Nuts for Darts’ campaign, where a lucky pub stands a chance to host an evening with the world champion, playing darts with customers.
For darts enthusiasts, Sky has introduced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming 2025/26 season, offering over 1,400 live matches including Premier League and EFL games. Sky plans to broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, providing fans with more coverage than before.