Nicknamed “Luke the Nuke”, he became the youngest player to reach the PDC World Darts Championship and was credited for an uptake in interest in the sport – particularly from young people – with what has been dubbed the “Luke Litter effect”.
Luke Littler in the quarter-final match against Nathan Aspinall
Zac Goodwin/PA Wire
Littler was born on January 21, 2007 and raised in Warrington, where his family is still based. He is seemingly quite close with his family, which includes his sister and brother. His parents, Lisa Littler and Anthony Buckley, are regularly seen supporting him in person and online.
“We’re going to Disney and plan to do all the rides. My whole family loves all the rollercoasters. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips,” he said in May 2024.
He previously told the BBC that, outside of darts, his life is pretty regular for his age.
“[I] just wake up, play on my Xbox, have some food and have a chuck on the board, go to bed and that’s it,” he told the BBC.
Littler and Eloise Milburn
Getty Images
Who is Luke Littler dating?
The dart player previously dated Eloise Milburn, who was spotted supporting Littler at the tournament last year.
According to reports, the two met while playing the video game Fifa. The relationship was frequently criticised by fans, as Littler was only 16 at the time while Milburn was 21.
Littler is now thought to have moved on, however, and has appeared to reveal a new relationship during a livestream.
The voice said to Littler: “I’m gonna try and get some sleep because I’m so tired.”
How did Luke Littler get into darts?
The Warrington Wonderkid was first introduced to the world of darts when he was just 18 months old, throwing at a magnetic board. By the age of four, he was using a proper board and his first 180 followed just a couple of years later.
Two years ago, Littler hit a nine-darter during the Junior Darts Corporation Masters Tournament and the teenager grew up regularly playing in leagues above his age group.
While his arrival on the world stage has been a dramatic one, Littler’s talent has been no secret in the world of darts.
He earned a PDC Tour Card for 2024-25, and qualification into the World Championship, with his performances on the Winmau Development Tour, winning five titles.
Littler arrived at Alexandra Palace full of confidence, having won the World Youth Championship two months previously, and he has continued to break records in recent weeks.
While he holds the title for being the youngest player ever to reach the third round of the World Championship, Michael van Gerwen, at 24, is the youngest player to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy.
How much has Luke Littler earned?
According to WalesOnline, Littler’s estimated net worth is £1m. He and his family recently moved from their humble two-bedroom home in Warrington, which was valued at £180,000, to a luxurious five-bedroom rental home in the area’s Millionaire’s Row.
If he makes it through to the World Darts Championship final, he could take home £500,000 as a winner, or £200,000 as a runner-up. If he loses the semi-final, the teen still takes home £100,000.
Littler goes up against Stephen Bunting in the World Darts Championship semi-finals today (January 2).
If he wins, the teenager will be through to the finals on January 3 and play against Chris Dobey or Michael van Gerwen.
Last year’s world champion Michael Smith suffered early losses.
