Luke Littler to splash out on first huge purchase with £500k World Darts Championship winnings
Luke Littler became the youngest ever PDC World Darts Champion on Friday night after a stunning 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace
Luke Littler has set his sights on his first big purchase after scooping a £500,000 jackpot with his sensational triumph at the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship.
The 17-year-old arrows prodigy got nods of approval following his epic 7-3 victory against Michael van Gerwen, even receiving shout-outs from football megastar David Beckham and the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer no less. Chalking up a hefty cash prize and props from Becks, it’s been quite the windfall for this new darting luminary.
And ‘the Nuke’ has now set his sights on buying a Mercedes-Benz A Class for his imminent 18th birthday bash on January 21. The luxury German motors have on-the-road prices from around £32,700 to £51,600, depending on the version.
Despite not having taken any driving lessons – blame the meteoric rise to stardom – Littler is chomping at the bit to get behind the wheel before his teenage years are out.
Sizing up his dream ride, the young maestro shared: “I’ve always loved a Mercedes A-Class – just a small car,” adding that he used to fancy the Ford Focus until his fortunes flew upwards.
“I haven’t had driving lessons yet because it’s been so hectic, but I’m going to have to do it before I get into my twenties when it’ll be too late and I can’t be bothered,” reports the Express.
“If I get a car, it won’t be a birthday present from anyone. I think it would have to be a birthday present from me to me.”
Post-celebration, Littler was impressively alert after napping for less than four hours, tackling a storm of breakfast TV stints and sifting through an inundation of congratulatory messages on his mobile.
Among the flood of praise, it was Beckham’s message that took the prize for a die-hard Manchester United fan. Littler explained: “He just said wow, well done.”
Now, Luke the Nuke is hearing his name whispered alongside sporting demigods such as Pele, who hoisted the World Cup at 17, tennis sensation Boris Becker, and snooker prodigy Ronnie O’Sullivan, who nabbed the UK Open title before his 18th birthday.
“It’s crazy to even think about being mentioned in the same sentence as some of the best sportsmen there’s ever been,” gushed an elated Luke.“I’m obviously very different to normal 17 year olds, but I am glad I’ve got into this darts world. I have knuckled down, I don’t go out wandering around the streets. I have really knuckled down and now it has paid off.
“This is why we play the game – for the titles. Obviously the money is there, but one thing I do enjoy when I do lift the trophy is when all the confetti comes down and the sparkles go up.”
