World darts champion Luke Littler has firmly dismissed speculation about an early retirement, insisting he plans to stay in the sport for a “long time” as he prepares for the Premier League Darts Play-Offs semi-final against Gerwyn Price on May 29, 2025, at London’s O2 Arena. The 18-year-old, responding to claims by fellow semi-finalist Nathan Aspinall that he could retire in “about five years,” laughed off the notion, saying, “I know I’ve heard that, I don’t know where he’s got that from – don’t worry, I’ll be here in 10 years.” His focus remains on defending his 2024 Premier League title and chasing Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles, which he jokingly said would be the only reason to retire.
Context of the Retirement Talk
Aspinall suggested Littler’s financial success—potentially £30 million—and lifestyle changes, like having a girlfriend or future family, might lead him to quit by age 23, avoiding trips to “Wigan on a cold Tuesday morning.” He later clarified he hoped Littler would stay but pointed to his YouTube activities and friendship with social media star Angryginge as signs of a possible career shift. A psychologist in May 2025 also warned of burnout risks without proper support, given Littler’s relentless schedule since his 2023 World Championship final run.
Littler, however, emphasized his passion for darts and the financial incentives, stating, “It’s crazy to even think about retiring. The money is there to be won, especially the World Championship.” His 2025 achievements, including the World Darts Championship, UK Open, and a record 45-point Premier League season with five nightly wins, underline his dominance. He aims to join Taylor and Michael van Gerwen as back-to-back Premier League champions, a goal he called “massive.”
Littler’s Resilience and Mindset
Littler’s response reflects his maturity, honed by 18 months of scrutiny since his Alexandra Palace debut. He admitted to handling crowd hostility, like in Germany, by venting on Instagram, a tactic learned from Gerwyn Price, before moving on. His ambition to win every major title at least once, already including the World Championship, Premier League, and Grand Slam, drives him. Posts on X highlight his focus on making history at the O2
Conclusion
Luke Littler has quashed retirement rumors, asserting he’ll remain in darts for at least a decade, driven by a desire to surpass Phil Taylor’s 16 world titles. Aspinall’s claim that Littler might retire by 23 due to travel fatigue and wealth was dismissed with humor, as Littler eyes a second Premier League title against Price. His 2025 dominance, mental toughness, and ambition position him as a long-term force, much like de Minaur’s and Gauff’s resolve in their fields.
