Newly-crowned darts world champion Luke Littler is eyeing up his first car following his stunning victory over Michael van Gerwen, with driving lessons first on the Nuke’s agenda
Hot off his sensational World Darts Championship win, 17-year-old Luke Littler now has his sights on a new set of wheels that speaks volumes about his character.
The teenage darts sensation took down Michael van Gerwen in epic fashion to become the youngest-ever world champion with a show-stopping display at Alexandra Palace last Friday (January 3). Having reached the final on his inaugural attempt the previous year, only to be defeated by Luke Humphries, Littler made a grand return where he bested three-time winner Van Gerwen 7-3, earning a cool £500,000 for his efforts.
Littler’s attention has now turned to a new car. Yet his choice of a modest Mercedes A-Class, a reliable hatchback, versus an ostentatious sports car says a lot about the young star, who seems determined to keep his feet on the ground.
Since claiming victory at Ally Pally, Littler’s aspirations have taken a slight upscale turn from his original intentions. And there’s a roadblock before he can hit the tarmac in his dream car: he still needs to pass his driving test.
“Last year I was looking at driving and I loved the Ford Focus, but now I’ve gone up in the world just a little,” Littler said to reporters after his win. “I’ve always loved a Mercedes A-Class. Just a small car.”
Fans might be taken aback by Littler’s modest choice of vehicle, defying expectations for something more extravagant after his triumph over Van Gerwen. The young star has often expressed a preference for a low-key lifestyle, although he’s allowing himself a little indulgence post-victory.
“I haven’t had driving lessons yet because it’s been so hectic,” he continued. “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. 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.”
After his win at Alexandra Palace, one might wonder if Littler could lose touch with reality, especially amid the flood of praise from celebrities like David Beckham and even Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. But Littler appears to remain grounded.
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“It’s crazy to even think about being mentioned in the same sentence as some of the best sportsmen there’s ever been,” he said. “Obviously I’m 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.”
Despite his young age, and his humble nature, Littler is confident that he could potentially match Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles one day. “If I want the 16, then I am sure I could possibly achieve it,” he asserted.
“If deep down, if I really want it, then with my ability, I’m sure I can achieve a lot more. But I know I’m in this for a long, long time. I just want to try and win as many titles as I can this year. I won 10 last year. I’ve started the year off with one. But just try and add on to that 10. Maybe win 10, 11 or 12 or even more titles.”
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