Luke Littler has revealed that the best birthday present he has ever received was an electronic darts board — admitting it changed his life.
As the reigning world champion celebrates his 19th birthday, Littler reflected on the gifts that shaped his journey, with one standing head and shoulders above the rest.
The Warrington star is marking the final year of his teens in Dubai alongside girlfriend Faith Millar, fresh from winning the inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters. Littler defeated Michael van Gerwen 8-5 in the final on Tuesday night to cap another remarkable week in his already glittering career.
Now a two-time world champion and one of the most decorated young players the sport has ever seen, Littler is taking a brief pause before what promises to be a demanding 2026 campaign.
Looking back on the moment that set everything in motion, Littler said:
“I think that was golden. That was the chosen one for myself. Without that, who knows where I’d be now.”
While success on the oche has come thick and fast, life away from darts has taken some getting used to. Littler admitted he is still adjusting to the attention that now follows him everywhere.
“Last year, the paparazzi actually caught my dad going to the chippy instead of me going bowling,” he recalled.
“Whoever that was missed out, because I went bowling on my 18th and had a few scoops.
“But this year we’re in Dubai, and there’ll be no paparazzi — I’m sure.”
Once his short break in the Middle East comes to an end, Littler’s focus will quickly return to competition, with the Winmau World Masters in Milton Keynes looming at the end of the month.
It is one of the few major titles missing from his collection — something the teenager is keen to put right.
“After the holiday, when I’m back, I’ll definitely be practising,” he said.
“It’s a title that I’ve not picked up yet. I definitely want to go to Milton Keynes and become champion.
“Last year I played pretty well early on against Andy Baetens and James Wade, then lost to Jonny Clayton. But that’s the format — it’s something we’ve got to get used to. I’ll be more than ready.”
Littler’s relentless schedule has left little room for rest. Following his World Championship triumph at Alexandra Palace, he headed straight to the Middle East, featuring in the Bahrain Masters before making history in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to PDC media after lifting the trophy in Riyadh, he said:
“To be the first winner here in Saudi Arabia means a lot.
“It didn’t go to plan last week in Bahrain. I didn’t put a lot of practice in and that’s the result you get. But tonight I practised quite a bit and it paid off.
“We came over here for the first time and everyone wanted to be the first champion. I’m very glad it was me. Hopefully we can come back next year and I can defend it.”
At just 19, Littler has already achieved more than most players manage in a lifetime — and it all started with a simple electronic darts board.
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