In the captivating world of professional darts, a new star has emerged, capturing the hearts and minds of fans worldwide. Luke Littler, a prodigious talent from Warrington, England, has taken the sport by storm with his exceptional skill and remarkable achievements at a remarkably young age. Born on January 21, 2007, Littler is currently 18 years old as of April 24, 2025, and his journey in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has been nothing short of meteoric.
Nicknamed “The Nuke” for his explosive scoring power, Littler has already etched his name in the history books. In January 2025, at the tender age of 17 years and 347 days, he became the youngest ever PDC World Champion, a feat that stunned the darting world and solidified his status as a generational talent. But his achievements don’t stop there. In 2024 alone, he clinched victory in the Premier League, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the World Series Finals, showcasing a level of consistency and maturity rarely seen in someone so young. He continued his winning streak in 2025 by adding the prestigious UK Open title to his burgeoning trophy cabinet.
Littler’s rapid ascent has sparked immense interest in his age, background, and personal life. This article delves into the details of Luke Littler’s age, his journey in darts, and answers some of the most frequently asked questions about this extraordinary young man.
The Early Years: A Prodigy is Born
Luke Littler’s connection with darts began at an incredibly early age. His father, Anthony Buckley, bought him a magnetic dartboard from a pound shop when Luke was just 18 months old. A video released by his mother, Lisa Littler, shows a toddler Luke already displaying remarkable accuracy while throwing darts in his nappy. This early introduction ignited a passion that would shape his life.
By the age of six, Littler had already hit his first 180, the maximum score in a single visit to the oche. At 10, he joined the St Helens Darts Academy, honing his skills in under-21 leagues. His dedication paid off when he achieved a nine-dart finish, the perfect leg in darts, at the age of 13. His father recognized his exceptional talent and encouraged him to focus on darts over football, a decision that has undoubtedly contributed to his rapid progress.
Teenage Triumph: Dominating the Youth Scene
Littler’s teenage years were marked by consistent success in youth darts. In 2019, he won the England Youth Grand Prix and the Isle of Man Masters youth competition, successfully defending his Isle of Man title in 2020. The Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) circuit also proved fruitful, with Littler winning two titles on the JDC Tour in 2020 and three more on the JDC Advanced Tour in 2021.
In September 2021, he added the England Open youth title to his name and finished as runner-up in the British Pentathlon. November 2021 saw Littler clinch his first senior title at the Irish Open, defeating Barry Copeland. This victory qualified him for the 2022 WDF World Darts Championship at the age of just 14, a testament to his precocious talent. Later that month, he hit a nine-dart finish during the JDC MVG Masters tournament.
Breaking into the PDC: “The Nuke” Ignites
Littler’s transition to the professional ranks of the PDC was seamless. He secured a PDC Tour Card for the 2024 season and quickly made his mark. His explosive scoring and unflappable demeanor earned him the moniker “The Nuke.”
His breakthrough came at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, where, as a relative unknown, he embarked on an incredible run to the final. Along the way, he defeated seasoned professionals, captivating audiences with his talent and composure. Although he ultimately lost to Luke Humphries in the final, his performance announced his arrival on the global stage.
Record-Breaking Achievements: Youngest Ever
Following his impressive World Championship debut, Littler continued to break records. In January 2024, just two days before his 17th birthday, he became the youngest player to hit a televised nine-dart finish at the Bahrain Darts Masters, which he went on to win. He further cemented this record by hitting a second televised nine-darter in the 2024 Premier League Darts final, becoming the youngest to achieve this feat twice. Notably, he had previously hit a broadcast nine-darter at the age of 14 in 2021, making him the youngest to do so.
His stellar performances throughout 2024 culminated in winning the Premier League, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the World Series Finals, showcasing his ability to consistently perform at the highest level.
2025: Conquering the World and Beyond
2025 has been an even more remarkable year for Luke Littler. In January, he achieved the pinnacle of the sport by winning the PDC World Darts Championship, becoming the youngest world champion in history. He followed this triumph with another major title, winning the UK Open in March 2025, further solidifying his position as one of the top players in the world. As of April 21, 2025, his exceptional performances have propelled him to the world number two ranking in the PDC.
Luke Littler’s Age in Detail
Born on January 21, 2007, Luke Littler turned 18 years old in January 2025. His age has been a significant talking point throughout his rapid rise, as he has consistently broken records previously held by much older players. His youth belies a maturity and skill level that has impressed even the most seasoned darts veterans.
A Bright Future Ahead
Luke Littler’s impact on the world of darts has been immense, and at just 18 years old, he has a long and promising career ahead of him. His exceptional talent, combined with his grounded personality and supportive family, suggests that he will continue to be a major force in the sport for years to come. As he continues to compete and achieve further success, the world will be watching “The Nuke” with great anticipation. His story is an inspiring example of how dedication and talent, even at a young age, can lead to extraordinary achievements on the global stage.
FAQs
How old is Luke Littler?
Luke Littler was born on January 21, 2007, making him 18 years old as of April 2025.
When did Luke Littler start playing darts professionally?
Littler began playing darts competitively in 2017 and made significant strides in youth competitions. He joined the World Darts Federation (WDF) in 2019 and transitioned to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in 2023.
At what age did Luke Littler win the PDC World Darts Championship?
Littler clinched the PDC World Darts Championship title in January 2025 at the age of 17, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7–3 in the final.
What is Luke Littler’s current world ranking?
As of April 2025, Luke Littler holds the No. 2 spot in the PDC world rankings.
What are some of Luke Littler’s notable achievements?
Beyond his historic world championship win, Littler has secured victories in several major tournaments, including the Premier League Darts (2024), Grand Slam of Darts (2024), and UK Open (2025). He has also triumphed in multiple European Tour events.
How has Luke Littler’s success impacted the sport of darts?
Littler’s achievements have significantly boosted the sport’s popularity, particularly among younger audiences. His success has led to increased media coverage, a surge in junior darts academy enrollments, and heightened merchandise sales.
What is Luke Littler’s nickname, and how did he earn it?
Littler is nicknamed “The Nuke,” a moniker that reflects his explosive talent and impact on the darts scene. The nickname has become synonymous with his dynamic playing style and rapid rise in the sport.
How has Luke Littler’s personal life influenced his career?
Littler maintains a close relationship with his family, who have been supportive throughout his journey. He has shared moments with his parents and siblings on social media, highlighting their importance in his life. Additionally, he has used his earnings to treat his family, including a trip to Disney World.
What challenges has Luke Littler faced in his career?
Despite his success, Littler has encountered challenges, including coping with hostile crowds and the pressures of early fame. He has expressed discomfort with negative receptions, particularly during tournaments in Germany, and has considered skipping certain events due to the atmosphere.
What are Luke Littler’s future aspirations in darts?
While specific goals have not been publicly detailed, Littler’s trajectory suggests ambitions to continue competing at the highest levels, potentially aiming to surpass records held by legends like Phil Taylor. His current form and dedication indicate a promising future in the sport.
To conclude
Luke Littler’s journey from a young enthusiast in Warrington to the youngest PDC World Darts Champion is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. His achievements have not only etched his name in the annals of darts history but have also invigorated the sport with a fresh wave of enthusiasm and interest. As he continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of professional darts, Littler stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring players worldwide. His story underscores the impact of youthful determination and the boundless possibilities that come with passion and perseverance.
To read more , click here
