Darts icon Bobby George, the flamboyant “King of Bling” and two-time BDO World Championship finalist, has issued a stark warning to 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler, cautioning that the darts prodigy could “go from hero to zero quick” if he doesn’t stay grounded. Speaking to *Mirror Sport* via Gambling Zone in December 2024, George, 79, expressed admiration for Littler’s meteoric rise but urged the teenager to remain focused amid his newfound fame and fortune. “The reality is, it’s hard for people to expect someone like Luke to behave the same way he did before Ally Pally last year because he turned into a superstar,” George said, referencing Littler’s breakout run to the 2024 PDC World Championship final. “Money and fame, it can be awkward. My advice is to keep his feet on the ground and play darts—don’t get involved with people saying, ‘Sign this contract, do this,’ because there’s a lot of sharks out there.” []
Littler, now world No. 2 and the 2025 PDC World Champion after defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace, has amassed over £1.5 million in prize money, including £500,000 for the world title, and secured lucrative deals with brands like Skoda. His achievements, including the Premier League, Grand Slam, and UK Open titles in 2024, have made him a global phenomenon at just 18. Yet, George, known for his colorful entrances and 30-year career, fears the pressures of fame could derail Littler, especially after his fourth driving theory test failure in July 2025, which highlighted the young star’s human side. “Just keep your head down, have the right people around you, and stay dedicated to the game,” George advised, warning of “burnout” and the pitfalls of rapid success.
George’s concerns echo earlier warnings, including comments in January 2024 on *Good Morning Britain*, where he urged Littler to avoid distractions like girlfriends to focus on his career, a nod to his girlfriend Eloise Milburn. Despite Littler’s resilience—evidenced by his 140.91 set average and 76 maximums at the 2025 World Championship—George’s message underscores the precarious balance between stardom and stability, especially as Littler prepares for the World Matchplay and defends his Premier League crown in 2026.
