Luke Littler might be the biggest thing going in British sports rights now – but you wouldn’t know it judging by his financial prudency.
The 17-year-old was crowned king of darts last week after clinching his maiden World Darts Championship title, beating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in a thrilling final at Alexandra Palace. He’s pocketed a staggering amount in the past 12 months – winning an estimated £1.5million in prize money alone – with hundreds of thousands more pouring in through his various endorsement deals and sponsorships.
However, the teenager says the most lavish purchase he’s made since breaking out as a bona fide superstar was a new bag. He made the admission in September last year after winning the Players Championship 20 title, less than a week after pocketing £80,000 from the World Series of Darts in Amsterdam.
“I bought myself a nice bag,” Littler laughed, suggesting that his then-roughly-£500,000 in oche-based winnings were not being wasted. He does, however, have his sights set on a first car – and we assume a few quid has been spent on EAFC (FIFA) packs too.
Following his triumph at Ally Pally, which propelled him to World No. 2, Littler was asked whether learning to drive was on his to-do list, and what his preferred vehicle would be. And he while he might be planning to splurge on a swanky set of wheels in the future, his current vehicle of choice is rather unassuming for a world champion sportsman.
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“I’ve always loved a Mercedes A-Class – just a small car,” he said. “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!
“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 20s 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.”
Despite his young age, ‘The Nuke’s’ approach to spending is indicative of a down-to-earth personality. And while both his talent and potential are sky-high, he’s managed, impressively, to keep his feet firmly on the ground.
Following his world championship victory, Littler revealed his disciplined personal ethos: “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.”