Luke Littler hires tattooed powerful man bodyguard to fend off ‘overzealous’ followers
Luke Littler beat Michael Van Gerwen 7-3 to win the PDC World Darts Championship earlier this month – and his management have now hired a bodyguard to protect him
Darts teenage sensation Luke Littler has beefed up his security with a burly bodyguard.
The 17-year-old has become a household name over the last 12 months thanks to his sensational rise to become the face of the sport. And following his stunning 7-3 win over Michael Van Gerwen at London’s Ally Pally, the 17-year-old champ’s team have decided to act.
A source revealed to the Mirror: “Luke is now one of the most recognisable faces in the country and has a lot of new fans. Sometimes people can be a little overzealous when they see him, so it’s sensible to have someone alongside him who can step in to help if needed.”
His newly hired muscle is inked enforcer Peter Purkins, a veteran of professional darts and football events security, often seen shadowing sports legends like Arsenal icon Thierry Henry and former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.
Just last month, ‘The Nuke’ scooped the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year accolade; meanwhile, back in March, he had a close call needing rescue from an overly excited fan in Belfast before facing Van Gerwen after quickly escalating into one of the UK’s sporting elite ever since his epic run to the PDC World Darts Championship final last year.
It’s thought that Littler has racked up an estimated £3million in prizes and endorsements over the last year alone, including the £500,000 World Championship winners’ prize, with experts hinting he could be on track to earn £50m throughout his darting career.
It’s added that the star has his sights set on splashing out for a Mercedes A-Class car, although he hasn’t passed his driving test yet. Littler and his family have recently upgraded to a plush Warrington mansion where he lives with his shop-assistant mum Lisa Littler, aged 40, and his taxi driver dad Anthony Buckley, 43, since last October.
After his historic win, Littler treated his family to a sunny getaway in Benidorm just last week, catching his brother in a darts event. Despite the hefty prize money from his championship win, Littler flew with budget airline Ryanair.
In attendance were his parents, sister Caitlin, and brother Leon, who brought along his partner and child. Whilst in Spain, soon-to-be 18-year-old Luke dropped by the Bar Players Sports Bar in Albir, witnessing older brother Leon, 21, compete in a darts game.
The bar heralded the World Darts Champion’s visit on social media, gushing, “Last night saw the first darts tournament of 2025 and what a night it was. With a special appearance from the Darts Champion of the World Luke Littler and his family and friends.
“We were very honoured to be in the company of an amazing dart player and person. With Luke’s brother Leon taking part the night was a great one as you can expect.”
