World darts champion Luke Littler has smashed almost every record available in the sport on his way to the top, but he has now revealed that he actually knew he had what it takes from as young as six years of age.
Littler beat Michael van Gerwen earlier this month to lift the PDC World Darts Championship trophy, having stunned the world in 2023 in his maiden entry in the competition.
Coming into the tournament at Alexandra Palace Littler was the favourite to go all the way, and duly delivered on the hype that has surrounded him now for the past 12 months.
He may have been only 17 years old when he lifted the Sid Waddell trophy at Ally Pally, but he revealed that while the rest of us were muddling our way through primary school at six years old, Littler had already recognised his own talent.
Asked on CBBC’s Newsround when he first realised he could go into professional darts, Littler responded: ‘I would probably say I was very good at the age of six. That’s pretty much where I started.
He added: ‘I say to myself they [Littler’s rivals] probably have the experience on hand, but I go into every tournament not feeling pressure and just enjoying my darts because I’m so young. I enjoy it while I can!’
Luke Littler spoke to CBBC’s Newsround about his rise in the world of darts over the last year
The Nuke has become one of the most recognisable sport stars in the UK following his rise
Littler won the World Darts Championship at just is second attempt earlier this year
Littler has become one of the most recognisable British sports figures in the last year, following his scarcely believable emergence in the world of darts.
He was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year for 2024, and was also named on the shortlist for the main prize alongside the likes of Keely Hodgkinson, Joe Root and Jude Bellingham.
As such, Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler has now become a household name across the country.
‘I was 11 or 12 and I wanted my own shirt and for people to know who I was back then,’ he added, revealing how his iconic nickname first came to be.
‘I’ve no idea how it came up, it must’ve been my dad but yeah – “Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler” – it was the first name that came to mind.’
Erupting onto the scene in the fashion that Littler has comes with a massive lifestyle change.
Almost overnight, Littler went from a 16-year-old who was very good at darts, to a social media phenomenon after his incredible debut World Darts Championship campaign.
‘I know how famous I am at the minute,’ the teenage sensation said when asked about how he has found the change in his profile.
‘Nine times out of 10, I know people are going to ask for a picture, but it’s always good to just stay relaxed and be myself.’