Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy and reigning PDC World Champion, has clarified the “truth” behind his cryptic social media video announcing he was “taking a step back” from the sport, revealing it was an elaborate prank tied to his passion for video gaming. The video, posted on September 18, 2025, to his Instagram and X accounts, amassed over 1.5 million views in hours, leaving fans in shock and speculation. Littler, fresh off a World Series of Darts Finals runner-up finish to Michael van Gerwen, followed up with a second clip on September 19, explaining the stunt was a promotional collaboration with Xbox and EA Sports for the upcoming *EA Sports FC 26* release on September 26. “You think they’ll fall for that?” Littler whispered at the end of the original video, a hint that quickly unraveled the ruse and turned panic into laughter.
The Announcement: A Masterful Prank
The initial 50-second clip, set to somber music, showed Littler seated in a dimly lit room, his iconic purple shirt draped over a chair beside his darts. Reflecting on his “awesome career,” he listed achievements like his Premier League debut win at 17, televised nine-darters, and World Championship triumph at 18—the youngest ever. “The support over the past two years has been phenomenal,” he said, voice cracking for effect. “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, abandoning his darts, the muffled whisper—”Do you think they’ll fall for that?”—sparked immediate theories.
Fans were devastated at first: “If this is real, darts won’t be the same—take care, Luke” (@DartsFanatic on X). Others suspected a joke: “The whisper? Classic Nuke troll for FIFA” (@TheNukeArmy). The timing—two days before the Hungarian Darts Trophy (September 19-21), where Littler is seeded to face Joe Cullen or Lukas Wenig—fueled doubts. PDC officials stayed silent, but insiders confirmed it was a stunt.
The Reveal: A Partnership with Xbox and EA FC 26
In a follow-up video on September 19, Littler teamed up with Manchester United streamer AngryGinge (Morgan Burtwistle) and content creator Shauna Games in a “retirement home” skit, promoting *EA Sports FC 26* under the slogan “Take time to do the things you love.” The clip showed the trio “retiring” to play the game, with Littler joking, “Darts is great, but FC is what I really love.” He revealed the original video was a fake-out to build hype for the release, tying into his lifelong love for the series (formerly FIFA).
Littler, a die-hard Manchester United fan, has streamed *FC* sessions and featured as a playable character. “I’ve been playing since I was a kid—it’s my escape,” he said. The prank aligned with his humorous style, like his *Celebrity Gogglebox* retirement joke in July 2025. AngryGinge, a frequent collaborator, laughed: “We knew fans would freak—Luke’s a legend for pulling it off.”
Fan Reactions: From Panic to Praise
The reveal turned heartbreak to hilarity. X exploded: “Littler’s prank had me in tears—genius for FC 26! The Nuke trolls again” (@GlobalDartsFan). Another posted, “From step back to step on the pitch—Luke’s the king of pranks 🎯⚽” (@SportsGossip). Some appreciated the creativity: “Smart promo—darts meets gaming, perfect for Luke” (@DartsRisingStars).
Littler’s 2025—17 PDC titles, five majors, £2 million+ earnings—shows no signs of slowing. The Hungarian Darts Trophy opener is next, where he’s favored to win his first Euro Tour title. PDC supremo Barry Hearn chuckled: “Luke keeps us on our toes—prank or not, he’s darts’ future.”
The Bigger Picture: Littler’s Off-Oche Charisma
Littler’s stunt, blending his darts fame with gaming passion, humanizes the millionaire teen. With sponsorships like Target Darts and boohooMAN, and a Netflix documentary in 2026, he bridges sports and entertainment. The prank, revealed as Xbox/EA promo, cements his showman status—always one step ahead, even in jest. As Budapest calls, fans await The Nuke’s next “love”—likely another dartboard demolition.
