Luke Littler Announces Split from Long-Time Management Team Ahead of World Grand Prix
Luke Littler has made a major career announcement by parting ways with his management team at ZXF Management, led by Martin Foulds, after five years of collaboration that guided him from junior prodigy to PDC world champion. The 18-year-old “Nuke,” who headlines the 2025 World Grand Prix starting October 6 in Leicester, revealed the amicable split on Instagram, stating: “I want to say a massive thank you to ZXF Management, and especially Martin, for everything they’ve done for me so far in my career. We’ve had some amazing times together over the last 5 years… As my career moves forward and the schedule gets busier, we’ve agreed it’s the right time for me to take the next step with new representation.” This decision comes amid Littler’s hinted plans for a lighter 2026 schedule to prioritize rest and personal life with girlfriend Faith Millar, potentially signaling a shift toward more selective event participation.
The Partnership: From Breakthrough to Stardom
ZXF Management, under Foulds, played a pivotal role in Littler’s meteoric rise since securing his PDC Tour Card in 2023. They handled media frenzy during his 2023/24 World Championship final run at age 16, negotiated endorsements with brands like Target Darts, boohooMAN, and Xbox, and navigated controversies such as his 2024 breakup with ex-girlfriend Eloise Milburn due to travel demands. The team supported his 2025 Triple Crown triumphs—PDC World Championship (£500,000), Premier League (£275,000), and World Matchplay (£200,000)—which netted over £1.5 million in prize money alone. Littler expressed gratitude: “Martin has been brilliant for me and I wish him and everyone at ZXF the very best. Excited for what’s ahead.”
The split appears mutual and professional, driven by Littler’s evolving needs as his career intensifies. Sources indicate no bad blood, with the change allowing him greater control over his increasingly busy calendar, including potential new management to handle global opportunities.
Timing and Implications for World Grand Prix
The announcement drops just hours before Littler’s World Grand Prix opener against Gian van Veen on Tuesday, October 7—a best-of-five sets clash in the double-in/double-out format where precision on opening doubles is crucial. As the No. 2 seed, Littler enters as favorite (7/4 odds) but faces scrutiny over his elbow recovery and PCOM position (tied 58th, £21,000), where rivals like Humphries (tied 63rd) could overtake him. A win could lead to a quarterfinal against van Gerwen or Humphries, testing his focus amid the management shake-up.
Littler’s recent hints of a 2026 “break” for holidays with Millar suggest the split facilitates a more balanced approach, potentially reducing Pro Tour events to avoid burnout.
Reactions: Shock and Support
The news stunned fans and media, trending on X under #LittlerSplit with reactions like “Huge move for The Nuke—new era incoming” and speculation about Modus Sports Management (Taylor’s former team) signing him. Experts like Wayne Mardle called it “smart timing,” praising Littler’s independence at 18. Humphries supported: “Luke’s building an empire—good luck ahead.”
As Littler eyes the £120,000 Grand Prix trophy, this announcement marks a bold step toward self-determination in his quest for Phil Taylor’s records.
