Luke Littler’s darts rivals ‘jealous’ world champion has banked nearly all the prize money, hints ex-coach

Luke Littler’s Dominance Sparks Jealousy Among Rivals, Says Ex-Coach

Luke Littler, the 18-year-old PDC World Champion, has become the envy of the darts world, with his rivals “jealous” of how he’s “banked nearly all the prize money” in 2025 despite a selective schedule, according to his former coach and mentor. In a candid interview with the *Daily Star* on October 21, 2025, Andy Cornwall, a veteran darts coach who has worked with the likes of Nathan Aspinall and Stephen Bunting, hinted that Littler’s “phenomenal” run of form—culminating in a £120,000 victory at the World Grand Prix on October 12—has left competitors seething over his share of the spoils. “Luke’s banked nearly all the prize money this year—it’s jealousy, pure and simple,” Cornwall said. “He’s winning majors while others grind the Pro Tour, and it’s frustrating them. But that’s the Nuke—he’s on another level.”

Cornwall’s Insight: “It’s Jealousy, Pure and Simple”
Cornwall, who has coached Littler sporadically since his youth days and now works with Darts Corner, elaborated on the “frustration” bubbling among the elite. Littler’s 2025 haul—£1.67 million in prize money from the Triple Crown (World Championship £500,000, Premier League £275,000, World Matchplay £200,000) and Grand Prix (£120,000)—dwarfs most rivals, with Humphries (£1.68m Order of Merit lead) the only one close. “Luke’s selective—he skips Pro Tour for majors and still dominates,” Cornwall noted. “Others play 30 events for £100k; he’s winning £500k in one. It’s jealousy—they see him banking it all while they’re grinding.”

Cornwall’s comments, made amid Littler’s European Championship prep (vs. Raymond van Barneveld R1, October 23-26), echo the “frustrated” vibe from peers like Jonny Clayton, who called for “pulling” German Pro Tour events after Littler’s full boycott. Littler’s PCOM (34th, £26,500 after PC32 £15k win) secures Minehead (£600k, November 21-23), but his major focus—13/32 Pro Tour events—has sparked envy. “He’s the golden boy—banking it all,” Cornwall added

Littler’s 2025: Banking Nearly All the Prize Money
Littler’s year is a masterclass in selective dominance:
– **PDC Worlds**: £500,000 (champion vs. van Gerwen).
– **Premier League**: £275,000 (runner-up to Humphries).
– **World Matchplay**: £200,000 (champion vs. Wade).
– **World Grand Prix**: £120,000 (champion vs. Humphries).
– **PC32**: £15,000 (champion vs. Olde Kalter, 109.34 avg).
– **Total 2025**: **£1.67m** (nearly all major prize money; rivals like Humphries £1.68m Order of Merit, but Littler’s selective = efficiency).

His net worth: £2.5m+ (Forbes), with £1m+ endorsements (Target Darts, boohooMAN, Xbox). “I’m building, not grinding,” Littler said post-Grand Prix. Cornwall: “Rivals see him banking £500k in one event—they’re jealous, but it’s earned.”

Rivals’ Frustration: “He’s Banking It All”
Clayton: “Littler’s skipping Germany, banking majors—it’s frustrating.” Humphries: “Luke’s phenomenal—his prize haul’s deserved, but yeah, it stings.” Van Gerwen: “Kid’s a machine—banking everything, but that’s the game.”

Fans on X under #LittlerJealousy: “Nuke banking £1.67m? Rivals fuming—love it!” (150k likes). As Dortmund nears (Littler vs. van Barneveld), Cornwall’s hint isn’t gossip—it’s gospel: Jealousy fuels the Nuke. No. 1? His weekend’s bite.