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, Littler underscored the irreplaceable magic of Ally Pally, where he claimed his maiden world title in January 2025 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 growing speculation fueled by PDC chairman Barry Hearn’s teasing overtures to Saudi Arabia’s sports ambitions, including the inaugural Saudi Darts Masters in January 2026, positioning the kingdom as a potential host for the flagship event and testing Littler’s loyalty to tradition.
Ally Pally’s Unrivaled Aura: Littler’s Emotional Tie
For Littler, Alexandra Palace isn’t merely a venue—it’s the epicenter of the sport’s soul. His 2025 Worlds victory at 17 years and 347 days—the youngest in PDC history—unfolded under its storied roof, drawing 9.2 million viewers to the final and catapulting him to teen icon status. “Ally Pally’s got that atmosphere—the crowd, the history, everything,” Littler elaborated to SportsBoom. “I’ve grown up watching it there; it’s darts’ Christmas. Saudi’s great for boxing and snooker, but the Worlds? No way.” This sentiment aligns with Ally Pally’s legacy since hosting the event in 2008, transforming a faded music hall into a global phenomenon that has hosted 17 editions and countless legends.
Littler’s bond runs deep: His 2023/24 runner-up finish at 16 was a fairy-tale debut, and he’s since added a Triple Crown (World Championship £500,000, Premier League £275,000, World Matchplay £200,000) to his resume, amassing over £1.5 million in 2025 earnings alone. “Turki Al-Sheikh’s doing amazing things for sport, but the Worlds in Saudi? I’d sit it out,” Littler added, alluding to the Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman’s £2 million final prize tease by Hearn.
Saudi’s Darts Ambitions: Hearn’s Tease and Littler’s Resistance
Hearn, the PDC’s visionary leader, has long flirted with Saudi investment, hinting at a Worlds relocation since June 2025 in an interview with Sporting Life: “Saudi’s ready when we are—imagine the atmosphere compared to Ally Pally.” The kingdom’s incursion into darts accelerates with the Saudi Darts Masters (January 19-20, 2026) at Riyadh’s Global Theater, featuring eight PDC pros including Littler and Humphries against regional qualifiers for a £1 million prize pot. Alcohol will be banned per 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), mirrored the sentiment: “Ally Pally’s the soul—Saudi’s fun, but not for Worlds.”
Fan Backlash and Littler’s Legacy
Littler’s words have galvanized the #KeepAllyPally movement, 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.
