Luke Littler, the 17-year-old darts prodigy nicknamed “The Nuke,” has skyrocketed to fame after his stunning victory over Michael van Gerwen in the PDC World Darts Championship. This unprecedented win has made him the youngest ever champion in the sport’s history, propelling him into the public spotlight and necessitating the hiring of a celebrity bodyguard, Peter Purkins, who has previously protected high-profile figures such as Thierry Henry and Peter Crouch. The need for security arose from the increasing attention Littler receives from fans, some of whom have been described as “overzealous.” Purkins, with his experience in security at darts events and other sporting contexts, will provide a necessary layer of protection for the young star as he navigates his newfound celebrity.
Fresh off his championship win, Littler faced a setback in the Bahrain Darts Masters, losing to former world champion Gerwyn Price. Despite the defeat, Littler remained positive, acknowledging the tough competition and expressing his eagerness for the upcoming Dutch Darts Masters. His focus remains on his burgeoning career, and he is set to enjoy a celebratory moment on the pitch at Old Trafford before a Manchester United match, showcasing the Sid Waddell Trophy to the massive crowd. This appearance, initially scheduled for pre-game, was moved to halftime to accommodate tributes to the late Denis Law, a Manchester United legend. Littler will not be involved in pre-game activities with the players, but a post-match meeting is planned.
Approaching his 18th birthday, Littler received an early, and rather unusual, birthday cake presented by a giant cow during a celebratory meal in Bahrain. Further birthday cheer came from Butlin’s, a holiday resort chain that hosts PDC darts events, who gifted Littler a special Black Card Pass for their Big Weekenders. This gesture acknowledges Littler’s rising status in the darts world and his connection to Butlin’s as a venue for professional tournaments. The gift signifies his transition into adulthood and celebrates his remarkable achievements at such a young age.
Littler’s impressive rise in the world of darts has not only brought him fame but also substantial financial rewards. His total prize money to date exceeds £1.43 million, a testament to his skill and rapid ascent in the sport. This includes £500,000 for his 2025 World Championship victory and £200,000 from the 2024 championship. He also earned £150,000 from the Grand Slam of Darts 2024, along with significant sums from the European Tour, Player Championships events, and other major tournaments. His participation in the Premier League Darts, while unranked, contributed an additional £315,000 to his earnings.
This financial success underscores the lucrative nature of professional darts and the potential for young talents like Littler to achieve considerable wealth. His prize money trajectory reflects his consistent performance and growing dominance in the sport. With his career just beginning, these earnings represent a strong foundation for his future and the potential for even greater financial success as he continues to compete and win at the highest level.
The story of Luke Littler is a captivating narrative of a young athlete achieving remarkable success in a highly competitive sport. From needing a bodyguard to manage his newfound fame to navigating the highs and lows of tournament play, Littler is experiencing the realities of professional sports at a remarkably young age. His story is one of talent, hard work, and the support of his management team, all combining to propel him towards a future filled with promise and potential. As he celebrates his 18th birthday, the darts world watches with anticipation, eager to see what new heights “The Nuke” will reach in the years to come.
