Luke Littler predicts he WON’T win BBC Sports Personality of the Year – but Sky Sports host Emma Paton disagrees
Luke Littler insists he won’t be lifting the BBC Sports Personality of the Year trophy this month — despite launching his World Darts Championship defence in style.
The 18-year-old world No1 returned to Alexandra Palace on Thursday night and swept aside Darius Labanauskas 3-0 to begin his £1million title hunt.
But during his post-match chat with Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton, talk quickly shifted from Ally Pally success to SPOTY glory — and Littler didn’t fancy his chances.
Paton teased:
“Before we see you again in ten days for round two, there’s something else you need to win… Sports Personality of the Year. You’re shaking your head — do you think you’ve got it in the bag?”
The teenager firmly dismissed the idea.
“No, I don’t think so,” Littler replied. “If I had to pick a winner, definitely Lando [Norris].”
The reigning Formula One world champion received the darts sensation’s vote, but Paton wasn’t convinced.
“You’re going with Lando? Well, I’m going with you,” she smiled. “Good luck with that — we’ll see you in ten days. Congratulations.”
2025 SPOTY Odds
- Rory McIlroy – 8/13
- Chloe Kelly – 10/3
- Lando Norris – 7/2
- Hannah Hampton – 20/1
- Luke Littler – 25/1
- Ellie Kildunne – 66/1
This year’s shortlist is stacked with star names.
Lionesses duo Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly are both nominated after helping England retain the UEFA Women’s European Championship.
Rugby star Ellie Kildunne is also recognised for her crucial role in England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup triumph on home soil.
Golf icon Rory McIlroy is tipped as the favourite after finally capturing the Masters at Augusta, while Norris enters the running as the newly crowned F1 champion following his maiden title win in Abu Dhabi.
Littler — pictured kissing girlfriend Faith Millar on opening night — finished runner-up in last year’s vote behind Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson.
