Luke Littler is just 19 years old, and despite having achieved so much in his short career, he remains hungry for more challenges after his previous ‘overachievement’.
On the eve of his 19th birthday, Littler became the first Saudi Darts Masters champion with an 8-5 victory over Michael van Gerwen in Riyadh.
This is his first win since defeating Jan van Veen 7-1 at Alexandra Palace earlier this month to become back-to-back world champions for the first time in 10 years.
Littler has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time since making his World Championship debut just a few years ago, becoming world number one, back-to-back world champion, Premier League champion, and winning the World Match Play, World Grand Prix, two Grand Slams, the British Open, the Players Championship Final, and the World Series Final.
‘The Nuke’ himself believes he has gone too far since bursting onto the scene and changing the trajectory of darting, but is hungry for more success in 2026.
“I think I overachieved, but I’m definitely getting better as I get older and the calendar goes by and I play more tournaments,” Littler said.
“But we don’t stop here, we strive to get better.
“If you can’t have fun, there’s no point in traveling, and there’s no point in going on stage.
“Even Michael[van Gerwen]said that once the fire in your belly goes out, there’s no point in playing.
“But I’ll be here for many years to come and I’m hungry for more titles.”
One title that has eluded Littler so far is the World Masters, which will be held from January 28 to February 1.
Littler reached the quarterfinals in 2025 and hopes to add to the titlist when he returns in just over a week.
In fact, he will also do some extra practice ahead of the event.
“When I get back after the holidays I’ll definitely train because it’s a title I haven’t won yet so I definitely want to go to Milton Keynes and be champions.
“Last year at the Masters, I think I played pretty well early on, but then I lost to Johnny (Clayton).
“That’s what it is, that’s the format, that’s what we have to get used to.
“I’m fully prepared.”
Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will defend his title and you can watch the action every Thursday on Sky Sports from February to May. Stream darts and other top sports now.
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Highlights of the World Championship final between Luke Littler and Jan van Veen
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Matt Edgar and Paul Nicholson discuss Luke Littler’s dominant campaign in the World Championship on Love The Darts
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Luke Littler hits a 170 checkout against Paul Lim at the Bahrain Masters, and both men reel in big shots on stage! Credit: PDC
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Luke Littler recovers from a 3-0 deficit to defeat Jan van Veen. Photo provided by: PDC
