# Luke Littler: Teenager Faces Immense Pressure at 5th World Darts Championship
At just 18 years old, Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” is navigating a whirlwind of expectations at the 2025 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. Fresh off a historic 2025 season, where he became the youngest PDC world champion with a 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen in January, Littler is under intense scrutiny as he aims to defend his title. The teenager’s meteoric rise—marked by a record-breaking Premier League campaign, a £1.3 million prize money haul, and global fame—has brought with it a “ridiculous level of pressure,” as described by former world champion Michael Smith. As Littler prepares for his third-round match against Ryan Meikle on December 29, 2025, the weight of being darts’ biggest star is palpable.
Littler’s journey to this point has been extraordinary. At 16, he stunned the world by reaching the 2024 World Championship final, losing 7-4 to Luke Humphries. A year later, he claimed the title, defeating Van Gerwen with a 102.67 average and eight 180s, cementing his status as a generational talent. His 2025 Premier League season was equally dominant, topping the table with 45 points and six nightly wins, including a nine-darter in Cardiff. Off the oche, Littler’s fame has skyrocketed, with appearances alongside F1 driver Lando Norris and visits to Manchester United’s training ground. Yet, this spotlight brings intense pressure, with Smith noting, “He’s got the world on his shoulders. Everyone expects him to win every tournament, and that’s tough for an 18-year-old.”
The 2025 World Championship has already tested Littler’s resilience. In his opening match against Ryan Meikle, Littler survived a scare, trailing 2-1 before rallying to win 3-2 with a 96.08 average and a crucial 140 checkout. “It wasn’t easy. Ryan pushed me hard, but I found a way,” Littler said post-match. His ability to perform under pressure was evident, but the constant expectation to dominate is relentless. Social media buzz on X highlights the narrative, with fans and analysts alike marveling at his composure while acknowledging the burden. One post read, “Littler’s handling pressure that would crush most veterans. The kid’s built different.”
Littler’s off-stage life adds another layer of complexity. His relationship with girlfriend Eloise Milburn has drawn unwarranted online abuse, prompting Littler to speak out after his second-round win. “I’m fed up with it now. Me and Eloise, we’re too young to be dealing with this,” he said, urging trolls to “get a life.” This emotional toll, combined with a grueling 2025 schedule—including the Premier League, World Series, and World Cup—underscores the mental fortitude required to compete at this level. Littler’s recent announcement of a break after the Premier League final reflects his need to recharge, yet the World Championship offers no such respite.
As Littler faces Meikle in the third round, the stakes are high. A win would set up a potential quarter-final clash with Humphries or Nathan Aspinall, both formidable opponents. Predictive models give Littler an 88% chance of advancing past Meikle, but the tournament’s unpredictability and his youth make every match a test. Smith, who lost to Gary Anderson in the third round, believes Littler’s mentality is his greatest asset. “He’s got that killer instinct, but the pressure he’s under is unreal. He’s not just playing darts; he’s carrying a nation’s expectations,” Smith said.
Littler’s ability to thrive under this pressure will define his 2025 campaign. With his signature flair—high checkouts, relentless 180s, and a steely focus—he remains the player to beat. As Alexandra Palace buzzes with anticipation, the darts world watches to see if Littler can shoulder the immense expectations and etch his name further into history. For now, the teenager is proving he’s not just a prodigy but a champion built to withstand the spotlight’s glare.
