Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy and reigning PDC World Champion, sent shockwaves through the sporting community with a cryptic social media video on September 18, 2025, announcing he was “taking a step back” from the oche. The 50-second clip, posted to his Instagram and X accounts, featured Littler seated in a dimly lit room, reflecting on his “awesome career” before delivering the bombshell: “It’ll shock some people that I’m taking a step back. It’s not been an easy decision, now I want to focus on something that I really, really love.” As he walked off camera, leaving his darts behind, a muffled whisper—”Do you think they’ll fall for that?”—hinted at the twist. The video, viewed over 1 million times in hours, left fans reeling, but it was soon revealed as an elaborate prank tied to Littler’s passion for video gaming and the upcoming release of *EA Sports FC 26*.
The Video: A Masterful Troll
The announcement came just days before Littler’s opening match at the Hungarian Darts Trophy in Budapest (September 19-21), where he’s seeded to face Joe Cullen or Lukas Wenig in the first round. Set to somber music, the video opened with Littler in his iconic purple shirt, draped over a chair, as he recounted his whirlwind rise: “I’ve had an awesome career, couldn’t ask for much better for myself. It’s been full on for two years, I’ve done many great things—the Premier League at the age of 17 on debut, the nine-darters on telly, winning the World Championship at 18, the youngest to ever do it.” He thanked fans for their “phenomenal” support before the reveal, his voice cracking for effect.
The whisper at the end, believed to be Littler’s own, was the giveaway. Fans quickly pieced it together: the video coincides with the September 26, 2025, release of *EA Sports FC 26* (formerly FIFA), Littler’s favorite game. He’s a known devotee, often streaming sessions and even featuring as a playable character in past editions. “He’s taking a ‘step back’ to 8 foot 6 for FC 26,” one fan joked on X, referencing the game’s virtual pitch.
Fan Reactions: From Shock to Laughter
The initial response was one of disbelief and concern. “If this is real, darts won’t be the same—take care, Luke,” tweeted @DartsFanatic, while @TheNukeArmy posted, “No way—Luke stepping away? Heartbroken if true.” Within hours, the prank was clocked: “The whisper at the end? Classic Nuke troll for FIFA. Genius!” (@GlobalDartsFan). The video amassed 1.5 million views, with comments flooding in: “You got me good, Luke—now pass that theory test!” (referencing his sixth driving failure).
Littler’s history of humor—joking about retirement on *Celebrity Gogglebox* in July 2025—made the reveal fitting. Fellow pros like Humphries chimed in: “Whatever you decide, legend—here if you need” (@LukeHumphries180), later editing to “Prank or not, you’re the best!”
Littler’s 2025: No Time for a Real Step Back
Littler’s “step back” couldn’t be timelier as a joke, with a packed schedule ahead: Hungarian Darts Trophy this weekend, World Grand Prix (October 7-12), and Grand Slam of Darts (November 9-17). His 2025 has been historic—17 PDC titles, five majors (World Championship, Premier League, World Matchplay, UK Open, Grand Slam), and over £2 million in earnings. The World Series Finals runner-up to van Gerwen (£35,000) last week pushed his net worth to £1.5-6 million, including Target Darts and boohooMAN deals.
The prank aligns with Littler’s gaming love; he’s streamed *FC* sessions and celebrated his Worlds win by playing until dawn. “Darts is my job, but gaming’s my escape,” he said in a July interview. PDC supremo Barry Hearn laughed it off: “Luke’s a showman—keeps us on our toes!”
A Prank That Keeps the Buzz Alive
Luke Littler’s fake “retirement” video stunned darts fans before the reveal as a *EA FC 26* promo prank, showcasing his cheeky personality amid a stellar year. With Budapest calling, the teenager’s “step back” was just a feint—back to the oche, where The Nuke reigns supreme. Fans can’t wait for the next twist in his story.
