The Rising Star of Darts: Luke "The Nuke" Littler
Over the last year, the world of darts has been captivated by the rise of Luke "The Nuke" Littler, a young talent who has taken the sport by storm. At just 18 years old, Littler has already achieved what many professionals only dream of, solidifying his position as one of the top darts players globally. His journey to the top began with back-to-back appearances in the PDC World Championships, culminating in an impressive 10 titles in 2025 alone. Littler’s meteoric rise is a testament to his raw talent, relentless determination, and unwavering confidence.
A Record-Breaking Achievement
Despite his young age, Littler’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. In January 2025, he became the youngest world champion in the history of darts, a title that has only added to his growing list of accolades. However, Littler’s ambitions extend far beyond his current achievements. In an interview with Sky Sports, he expressed his belief that he could break Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles. "Deep down, if I want to try and break the record of Phil Taylor’s then I’m sure I’ve got the ability to. If I want it, I’m sure I’ll do it," he said. This level of confidence from such a young player is both inspiring and daunting, setting the stage for what could be a legendary career.
Building on Success: Littler’s 2025 Schedule
Littler’s success in 2025 is not just a fluke; it’s the result of consistent performance and a grueling schedule. While he hasn’t officially confirmed his full schedule for the year, fans can expect to see him competing in a wide range of tournaments. The Premier League Night series, which starts in February and runs through May, will be a key part of his calendar. Littler’s performance in these events will be crucial as he looks to maintain his ranking and continue his winning streak.
Early Tournaments and Notable Performances
The year began with the Premier League Night 1 on February 6, where Littler reached the quarterfinals before losing to Michael van Gerwen. However, he quickly bounced back by winning the Players Championship 1 on February 10. This victory was followed by a quarterfinal appearance at the Players Championship 2, where he narrowly lost to Gerwyn Price. These early performances not only showcased his skill but also his ability to bounce back from setbacks, a trait that will be essential in his quest for more titles.
Major Tournaments and International Competitions
As the year progresses, Littler will face stiff competition in major tournaments such as the UK Open (February 28 – March 2), the Belgian Darts Open (March 7-9), and the German Darts Open (March 21-23). These events will test his mettle against some of the best players in the world, including veterans like Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Michael Smith. Littler’s performance in these tournaments will be a key indicator of his readiness to challenge for more significant titles, such as the World Matchplay in July and the World Grand Prix in October.
Looking Ahead: The World Darts Championship and Beyond
The year will culminate with the World Darts Championship, scheduled to take place in December. This event will be a crucial moment for Littler, as he aims to defend his world champion title and solidify his place in darts history. The tournament will be a showcase of his skills, resilience, and strategic prowess, as he faces some of the most formidable opponents in the sport. Beyond 2025, Littler’s goal of breaking Phil Taylor’s record remains a driving force, pushing him to continually improve and set new benchmarks in the world of darts.
Luke "The Nuke" Littler’s journey is just beginning, and the world of darts is eagerly watching as this young talent continues to rewrite the record books.
