Luke Littler, a promising young talent in the world of professional darts, has found himself at the center of a recent controversy. Hailing from Runcorn, United Kingdom, Littler has been making a name for himself in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events, showcasing his exceptional skills. Despite his tender age of 16, he has already achieved the prestigious title of PDC World Youth Champion, a remarkable accomplishment that speaks volumes about his darting abilities. Littler’s rise in the darts world has been nothing short of impressive, and his talent and potential have undoubtedly made him a force to be reckoned with in the future.
Early Successes
Littler has achieved remarkable success at a young age, making him the youngest player to win the World Darts Championship in both the World Darts Federation (WDF) and the PDC. His career has been marked by participation in prestigious tournaments like the British Classic in 2023, the British Internationals in 2022, and the Irish Open in 2021. These accomplishments have solidified his dedication and prominence in the world of darts. Littler’s talent and determination have propelled him to the forefront of the sport, and he continues to make waves with his exceptional skills and achievements.
The Controversy
Luke Littler, the young darting sensation from Warrington, found himself in hot water recently after a photograph surfaced of him holding The Sun newspaper. In response to the social media backlash, Littler promptly issued an apology, admitting that he did not fully understand the implications of his actions at the time the photograph was taken.
The controversy erupted during Littler’s impressive run at the World Darts Championship, where he defied the odds and made it to the last 16 at Alexandra Palace by winning three consecutive matches. As the media spotlight intensified, Littler was captured in a photograph on a Friday, holding The Sun newspaper and enjoying a doner kebab, his customary celebratory meal.
The controversy was further fueled by the newspaper’s headline, which read, ‘Darts star Luke loves a doner and The Sun… can’t beat a Pitta bully,’ making a reference to the popular darts-themed game show Bullseye. The suggestion that Littler ‘loves’ The Sun ignited outrage, particularly among Liverpool fans, who still harbor resentment towards the newspaper for its controversial coverage of the Hillsborough Disaster in 1989.
In response to the criticism, Littler took to social media to issue an apology, distancing himself from the newspaper and its headline. He expressed remorse for any offense caused and swiftly redirected his focus towards his upcoming match.
Viral Video
Controversy continues to follow Littler, as yet another video of him has gone viral. This time, the young dart player was captured on camera being kissed by an unidentified girl, shortly after his impressive victory over Brendan Dolan, securing his spot in the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship. This viral moment, combined with his remarkable success, has resulted in a record-breaking payday for Littler, as he becomes the youngest player ever to reach the semi-finals. Initially considered a long shot with odds of 150-1, Littler’s journey has now transformed into a captivating story, with just one game standing between him and the final. The potential rewards are enticing, with the runner-up set to receive £200,000 and the champion poised to claim an impressive £500,000 in the grand finale.