Nathan Aspinall has predicted that 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler, reportedly “fed up” with the sport’s grueling travel and schedule, could retire from darts within five years to pursue a social media career. Speaking to talkSPORT, Aspinall said, “I think he’ll be off in about five years. He’s already getting fed up with playing and travelling all the time, and he’s only been doing it 12 months.” This claim, ahead of the Premier League Darts Finals Night on May 29, 2025, where Littler faces Gerwyn Price, follows Littler’s historic 2025 PDC World Championship win at age 17. It aligns with French Open narratives of pressure, seen in Carlos Alcaraz’s media rebuttal and Ons Jabeur’s scheduling rant, highlighting concerns about Littler’s darts longevity.
Littler’s Rise and Retirement Hints
Littler, known as “Luke the Nuke,” became the youngest PDC World Champion in January 2025, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3. His 2024 season included a Premier League title, a Grand Slam, and a record 140.91 set average at the World Championship. With 1.9 million Instagram followers—outpacing van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, and Price combined—and YouTube collaborations with Angryginge (Morgan Burtwistle), Littler’s social media presence is massive. Yet, Aspinall noted his frustration, saying, “He does a lot on YouTube… I can see him going down that path.”
Littler has fueled speculation, telling The Times in February 2024, “I might just do 10 or 15 years and retire, if I’ve had enough,” eyeing retirement by 27. On the Tops and Tales podcast in February 2025, he added, “I could wake up and retire tomorrow” if his passion fades. A third-round loss to Joe Cullen at the 2025 Players Championship, followed by social media clapbacks, suggests strain.
Burnout Risks and Support System
Mental health expert Dr. Linda Duffy warned on Tungsten Tales that Littler risks burnout, stating, “There’s a risk he’ll walk away within five years because he’s completely burned out.” She praised his manager’s focus on rest, vital given his seven-figure earnings and sponsorships with BoohooMan and Target Darts. Eddie Hearn’s 2024 warning about Littler’s sponsorship overload and The Globe and Mail’s comparison to Emma Raducanu’s post-2021 US Open struggles underscore the dangers of early fame.
Premier League Context and Price Challenge
Jonny Clayton’s backing of Gerwyn Price to beat Littler in the 2025 Premier League semi-final on May 29 adds pressure. Price, with seven wins in their last nine meetings, including a 6-3 Nottingham final, leverages his two nine-darters and 50% double success against Littler’s 103.39 average. Littler’s 38-point lead and four nightly wins make him the favorite, but his 104.78 average in their May 8 Leeds clash shows vulnerability. Posts on X reflect the stakes.
French Open Parallels
Littler’s potential career pivot mirrors French Open pressures. Alcaraz’s “That’s a lie” dismissal of quitting rumors echoes Littler’s need to counter speculation. Jabeur’s rant on sexist scheduling parallels Littler’s visibility, with social media overshadowing darts. De Minaur’s fight against Laslo Djere reflects Littler’s on-stage grit, but his YouTube ventures suggest a digital future.
Conclusion
Nathan Aspinall’s claim that Luke Littler, “fed up” with darts’ demands, could retire within five years for social media is backed by Littler’s own hints and burnout concerns from Dr. Duffy. Facing Price in the Premier League semi-final on May 29, Littler’s 1.9 million Instagram followers and YouTube presence position him for a potential career change. Like Alcaraz’s focus and Jabeur’s advocacy, Littler’s situation underscores resilience under scrutiny at the French Open’s intensity.
