Luke Littler, the reigning darts world champion, celebrated his 18th birthday in a low-key fashion, opting for video game streaming and a fish and chips dinner. While thousands of fans tuned in to watch him play EA FC 25 on TikTok, his father, Anthony Buckley, was spotted fetching the traditional British takeaway from Castlerise Fish & Chips in Runcorn. Buckley, a taxi driver and a constant source of support for his son’s burgeoning darts career, sported a hoodie emblazoned with Littler’s “Nuke” branding, highlighting the close bond between father and son. This quiet celebration starkly contrasted with the intense pressure and public attention Littler has experienced over the past year, culminating in his world championship victory.
Littler’s rise to prominence has been meteoric. At just 18, he has already achieved what many professional darts players can only dream of – a world championship title. His victory against darts legend Michael van Gerwen at the Ally Pally solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the darts world. His father has been a constant presence throughout his journey, often seen cheering him on from the sidelines and even accompanying him to prestigious events like the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. This paternal support undoubtedly plays a crucial role in grounding the young star amidst the whirlwind of his newfound fame and the pressures of professional sport.
Despite his early success, Littler’s journey hasn’t been without its setbacks. Following his world championship triumph, he faced a quarter-final defeat at the Bahrain Darts Masters against Gerwyn Price. However, he was afforded a unique opportunity to regroup and celebrate his achievements, visiting his beloved football club, Manchester United, and parading the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy around Old Trafford during half-time. This experience provided a moment of respite and a chance to connect with a different passion, offering a welcome distraction from the intensity of the professional darts circuit.
The financial rewards of Littler’s success are also becoming apparent. His World Championship win alone netted him a staggering £500,000, significantly contributing to his already impressive career earnings. From the 2024 World Championship (£200,000) to various other tournaments like the Grand Slam of Darts (£150,000) and the European Tour (£91,000), Littler’s accumulating prize money paints a picture of a young player with immense earning potential. Furthermore, his participation in the Premier League Darts, even though unranked, has added another £315,000 to his total, bringing his overall career earnings to an estimated £1.43 million. This financial security at such a young age is a testament to his talent and dedication.
Looking ahead, predictions about Littler’s future in the sport are optimistic, with some suggesting a potential to surpass even the legendary Phil “The Power” Taylor. A supercomputer projection, based on his current trajectory, suggests Littler could potentially win the World Darts Championship an astonishing 18 times if he continues playing until the age of 50. While such predictions are inherently speculative, they underscore the excitement and anticipation surrounding his career. His youthful exuberance, combined with his undeniable skill and unwavering support system, suggests a bright future lies ahead.
In conclusion, Luke Littler’s 18th birthday celebration offered a glimpse into the life of a young darts prodigy navigating the complexities of fame and the demands of professional sport. While his on-screen gaming exploits and family dinner painted a picture of normalcy, the underlying narrative of his rapid ascent to the pinnacle of darts continues to captivate audiences and fuel speculation about his future dominance. The unwavering support of his father, his remarkable talent, and the substantial financial rewards he has already accrued suggest that Luke Littler is poised for a long and successful career, potentially even rewriting the history books of professional darts.
