Luke Littler has addressed the controversy sparked by darts icon Dennis Priestley, who criticized the teenager’s MBE award, saying he “didn’t deserve it just yet.” The 18-year-old PDC World Champion, honored in the King’s Birthday Honours for his contributions to darts, responded with a mix of defiance and humor, framing the exchange as “banter” he enjoys. Speaking to reporters on July 18, 2025, Littler said, “People probably see it as like, I’m actually biting, but I just look at it as a bit of banter. I love it.” This came after Priestley’s remarks in an interview with *The Sun*, where he suggested Littler and Luke Humphries hadn’t earned their MBEs due to their early World Cup of Darts exit, contrasting it with his own career achievements.
Littler’s initial reaction was sharper, with a now-deleted Instagram post stating, “Don’t deserve an MBE but done more in 12 months than he ever did… That’s what I would say anyway.” However, he has since downplayed the feud, emphasizing his focus on the upcoming World Matchplay, starting July 19, 2025, against Ryan Searle. His rapid rise—winning the 2025 World Championship and amassing over £1.5 million—underpins his stance, with fans and peers noting his maturity despite the criticism. Posts found on X reflect a split sentiment, with some backing Priestley’s veteran perspective, while others laud Littler’s resilience, suggesting the spat motivates his drive to prove his worth on the oche.
