Darts Dec 07, 2025

Luke Littler motivated by history over money as he looks to go back-to-back at World Darts Championship

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Luke Littler motivated by history over money as he looks to go back-to-back at World Darts Championship

Making history has become second nature for Luke Littler but that does not mean he has lost any motivation to keep making more, with his sights now set on going back-to-back at the World Darts Championship.

The teenage sensation has revolutionised the sport and in the space of just two years gone from World Championship debutant to world champion and world No 1 with eight major titles to his name.

Littler is officially the youngest ever PDC world No 1 at 18 years and 299 days.

Having clinched his maiden world title at Alexandra Palace in January, Littler's 2025 season has continued on a remarkable trajectory.

Five more major titles - the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, UK Open, Grand Slam and Players Championship Finals - were secured, with Littler also winning the Australian Darts Masters, New Zealand Darts Masters, Belgian Darts Open, Flanders Darts Trophy and Players Championship 32.

Now, he heads to the Palace looking to not only become the fourth person ever to defend their title, but be the first ever to pick up a £1m cheque for winning.

While ready to put on a show once again, Littler admits he may feel the nerves with his sights firmly on history and not the cash prize that is up for grabs.

"I was nervous when I wasn't champion, and now I'm coming in as a reigning champion, there's just going to be a bit of nerves, but once I get a few legs on the board, I think I'll be good to go," Littler said.

"I wouldn't say worse, because I know what to expect, if I am nervous and start getting the shakes or something, I know what to do, just got to compose yourself, drink your water backstage. Like I said, there's going to be nerves, 100 per cent.

"It has been 10 years since someone won this back-to-back, so that's what's on my mind, and then I think about the money."

Having achieved so much at such a young age, there have been suggestions that Littler should already be considered among the greatest players in the history of the sport, but the world No 1 is not entertaining such ideas yet.

"No, obviously Michael (van Gerwen) and Phil (Taylor), they've won two, three, four of everything, I've just got to keep going," he added.

"I've got to keep winning titles, I've got to keep picking up all those titles of the same kind. We will see where we are."

Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live from December 11 to January 3 on SportNews' dedicated darts channel (Sky channel 407 from December 10). .

Tags:

darts news id:13474771

Share this article

Related Posts

Winmau World Masters darts 2026: Schedule, fixtures, results, draw as Luke Littler, Luke Humphries chase major TV title

Winmau World Masters darts 2026: Schedule, fixtures, results, draw as Luke Littler, Luke Humphries chase major TV title

The latest fixtures, results and schedule for the 2026 Winmau World Masters, where Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are among the players in action. Th...

PDC Tour Q-School: Cristo Reyes secures return after five years while two debutants to join professional circuit

PDC Tour Q-School: Cristo Reyes secures return after five years while two debutants to join professional circuit

Cristo Reyes and Jeffrey Sparidaans secured PDC Tour returns, while Ireland's Niall Culleton and England's Carl Sneyd won cards for the first time, on...

Premier League Darts: Nathan Aspinall snubbed as Stephen Bunting keeps spot and Josh Rock makes his debut

Premier League Darts: Nathan Aspinall snubbed as Stephen Bunting keeps spot and Josh Rock makes his debut

Stephen Bunting and Josh Rock have been included in the Premier League Darts line-up for 2026, with Nathan Aspinall missing out.The top four in the PD...

PDC Tour Qualifying School: Lakeside champions Jimmy Van Schie, Shane McGuirk earn cards as Charlie Manby's bid goes to last day

PDC Tour Qualifying School: Lakeside champions Jimmy Van Schie, Shane McGuirk earn cards as Charlie Manby's bid goes to last day

Jimmy Van Schie and Shane McGuirk, the last two Lakeside world champions, secured PDC Tour cards for the first time on the penultimate day of Q-School...

Love The Darts podcast - Sky Sports

Love The Darts podcast - Sky Sports

Love The Darts podcast keeps you up to date with all the latest news and talking points from the world of darts.Emma Paton is joined by Your Site' top...

Dom Taylor banned from all PDC events and World Darts Championship prize money removed after failed drugs test

Dom Taylor banned from all PDC events and World Darts Championship prize money removed after failed drugs test

Dom Taylor has been banned from all PDC events following his failed drugs test, the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) have confirmed, while he has als...