Luke Littler breaks darts prize money record at 19, with his momentum only accelerating

Luke Littler continues his dominant run in darts, securing another major title at the World Matchplay. The 19-year-old Englishman defeated Gerwyn Price 18-9 in the final, a victory that also saw him break the PDC's record for prize money earned in a single season. His total prize winnings now exceed three million pounds, a figure unmatched by any previous player.

Littler's rapid ascent has left seasoned professionals trailing. His closest competitor in the PDC rankings, Luke Humphries, is over two million pounds behind. At an exceptionally young age for a top player, Littler's career earnings are projected to reach tens of millions of pounds. This financial success is further bolstered by a 10-year sponsorship deal with Target Darts, reportedly worth up to 20 million pounds.

“

If I win 16 world championships in a row, I'll quit. If I don't, I'll continue for another ten years.

Despite his unprecedented success, speculation has arisen about Littler's potential early retirement due to the monotony of constant winning. However, Littler has addressed these concerns, humorously stating he would retire only after winning 16 consecutive world championships, otherwise intending to continue for another decade. He expressed contentment with his current achievements, having already secured numerous trophies and major tournaments.

“

I am very happy at the moment. I have already won a huge number of trophies and almost all the major tournaments.

Comparisons to the legendary Phil Taylor, a 16-time world champion, are frequent. While Littler has won two world titles, he still has a considerable journey to claim the title of the greatest of all time. He has, however, surpassed Phil Taylor's World Matchplay tournament average record, achieving an impressive 111.04 average across five matches.

Littler first gained widespread recognition at the 2023-2024 World Darts Championship as a 16-year-old unknown. His relatable persona, enjoying pizza and sweets before matches, quickly made him a national celebrity in Britain. His presence significantly boosted the sport's popularity, with the World Championship final drawing a record 3.7 million viewers in the UK. His youthful appearance also sparked discussion, with some questioning his age.

“

You buy the tickets and pay my prize money, so thank you for my money and thank you for the boos.