Luke Littler’s Firm Stance on Saudi Arabia: “I Definitely Wouldn’t Travel” for the World Darts Championship
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old PDC World Champion and darts’ brightest young star, has made his position crystal clear on the potential relocation of the iconic World Darts Championship to Saudi Arabia: He “definitely wouldn’t” make the trip if the event leaves its spiritual home at London’s Alexandra Palace. In an honest admission to SportsBoom.co.uk on October 11, 2025, ahead of the US Darts Masters in New York, Littler emphasized the irreplaceable magic of Ally Pally, where he claimed his maiden world title in January by defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3. “I think you’ve got to keep it at Ally Pally,” Littler said. “It’s the home of darts—moving it wouldn’t feel right.” His comments come amid PDC chairman Barry Hearn’s ongoing flirtations with Saudi Arabia’s growing sports investments, including the inaugural Saudi Darts Masters set for January 2026.
Ally Pally’s Magic: Littler’s Emotional Attachment
For Littler, Alexandra Palace isn’t just a venue—it’s the heartbeat of the sport. His 2025 Worlds triumph at 17 years and 347 days old—the youngest in PDC history—unfolded under its rafters, drawing 9.2 million viewers and cementing his Triple Crown (Worlds, Premier League, World Matchplay). “Ally Pally’s got that atmosphere—the crowd, the history, everything,” Littler told SportsBoom. “I’ve grown up watching it there; it’s darts’ Christmas. Saudi’s great for boxing and snooker, but the Worlds? No way.”
The teenager’s loyalty echoes the venue’s legacy since hosting the event in 2008, transforming a faded music hall into darts’ mecca. Littler’s 2023/24 runner-up finish at 16 was a fairy-tale debut, and he’s since added £1.5 million+ in 2025 earnings (£500,000 Worlds, £275,000 Premier League, £200,000 Matchplay). “Turki Al-Sheikh’s doing amazing things for sport, but the Worlds in Saudi? I’d sit it out,” Littler added, referencing the Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman’s £2 million final offer floated by Hearn.
Saudi’s Darts Push: Hearn’s Tease and Littler’s Resistance
Hearn, the PDC’s visionary leader, has hinted at a Saudi Worlds since June 2025, telling Sporting Life: “Saudi’s ready when we are—imagine the atmosphere compared to Ally Pally.” The kingdom’s foray escalates with the Saudi Darts Masters (January 19-20, 2026) at Riyadh’s Global Theater, featuring eight PDC pros like Littler and Humphries against regional qualifiers for a £1 million prize pot. Alcohol will be banned, respecting local laws, as Hearn noted on Sky Sports: “If we can’t drink, we don’t drink.”
Littler’s resistance is unequivocal: “It’s very good what Turki Al-Sheikh is doing for boxing wise, but obviously now he wants the darts and obviously we’re going in January. I’m sure he’ll put the money on the table for whoever plays in it.” But for the Worlds, he’s firm: “I definitely wouldn’t go over there for the Worlds [championships].” Humphries, No. 1 (£1.68M Order of Merit), echoed: “Ally Pally’s the soul—Saudi’s fun, but not for Worlds.”
Fan Backlash and Littler’s Legacy
Littler’s words ignited #KeepAllyPally, trending with 500k mentions: “Nuke’s right—Ally or bust! Saudi’s for exhibitions.” (150k likes). Wayne Mardle agreed: “Littler’s spot on—Ally’s irreplaceable.” As Littler defends his title at the Worlds (December 15, 2025-January 3, 2026), his stance reaffirms tradition over temptation. Self-managing post-ZXF split, with family and Target Darts’ Garry Plummer, Littler’s priorities are clear: Legacy at Ally Pally, not lucre in Riyadh.
In darts’ golden era, Littler’s honest admission isn’t rebellion—it’s reverence. The Nuke’s chasing history where it belongs.
