At just 18 years old, Luke Littler stands on the brink of sporting history. The teenage darts phenomenon from Warrington is preparing to compete in his third PDC World Darts Championship final tonight, solidifying a career that has captivated the nation and rewritten the record books.
The Humble Beginnings of a Future Champion
Luke Littler's story is one of extraordinary talent nurtured in an ordinary setting. Born on January 21, 2007 at Warrington Hospital in Cheshire, he was raised by his parents, taxi driver Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler, who works in a candle shop. The family, which includes Luke's two brothers and a sister, lived initially in Runcorn before settling back in Warrington, where Luke attended Padgate Academy.
His sporting journey began not on the oche, but on the football pitch. However, his father Anthony recognised a unique gift. "He was a good footballer. He loved football," Anthony told The Times. "But I said to him at nine, hang your boots up. Concentrate on darts... I thought he could make it at darts — and he has done." This pivotal parental guidance set Luke on his destined path.
A Prodigy Forged in Childhood
The legend of Luke Littler's prowess started astonishingly early. His mother Lisa reveals he began throwing darts at the tender age of just 18 months, using a magnetic board bought from a pound shop. By four, he had graduated to a proper board. "From 18 months on I have been non-stop," Luke confirmed to the BBC.
His talent quickly became undeniable. He reportedly hit his first 180 maximum score at age six and achieved a nine-dart finish by 13. This rapid development led to an unusual problem at the St Helens Darts Academy, which he joined aged ten. Coach Karl Holden explained they had to ask the prodigy to leave because he was too good, dominating under-21 leagues as a 10-year-old. "He was different to all the other kids," Holden said, calling him the 'Ronaldo of darts'.
Metoric Rise to the Pinnacle of Darts
Luke Littler's ascent to the top of world darts has been nothing short of breathtaking. At 16 years old, he won his first World Championship, a debut victory that announced his arrival on the global stage. Reflecting on that moment, he told the BBC: "It's one of the memories that will live with me forever... The more games that I did win, the more popular I got... and since then it's not stopped. It's been crazy."
Now, just 22 months after turning professional, he is the official World Number One. His success has translated into significant wealth, with an estimated net worth of £6.5 million from winnings and sponsorships, making him one of the highest-earning players in the sport's history.
Tonight, he faces 23-year-old European champion Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace. Speaking after his semi-final win, Littler said: "I'm happy to make it three consecutive finals... Hopefully we can do a bit more tomorrow." With his ever-present parents cheering from the crowd, the teenager from Warrington aims to secure a third world title, cementing his status as one of darts' all-time greats before even reaching his 19th birthday.
