LUKE LITTLER’s darts rivals are “jealous” of how he has banked nearly all the prize money ahead of his potential rise to world No.1.
The Nuke is on the cusp of becoming the undisputed best player on the planet and replacing Luke Humphries at the top of the PDC player list.
It all depends on his performance at the European Championship in Dortmund and if he can close the small gap from Cool Hand Luke.
Since turning professional in January 2024, the 18-year-old has won an incredible £1,680,500 in ranking tournament money.
His bank balance has also been boosted by an additional £800,000 in non-ranking dosh from two Premier League campaigns and layovers on the global World Series of Darts circuit.
It is a meteoric rise, the quickest in the sport’s history, and his ascension to the top spot could be confirmed on Sunday night in Germany.
According to his former coach Karl Holden, the founder of St Helens Darts Shop, there are green-eyed monsters in the oche backroom regarding what Littler has achieved.
Holden told the BBC’s Profile show: “They must be a bit jealous.
“I think they’re jealous, just because he’s so good and it’s taken them so long to not be as good as him.
“I think you’re always going to get that. But again, I think most of the players are thanking him very much because ticket sales weren’t that good for the last few years.
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“And then Luke Littler came to the Premier League and everyone was a sellout. So he was like the Box Office.”
Kevin Painter – who agonisingly lost in a final-set decider to Phil Taylor in the 2004 PDC World Championship final at the Circus Tavern – credits the impact Littler has had since he emerged in the adult ranks nearly two years ago.
Not only did he win the world crown aged 17 but he attracted new followers from all over the world – and also increased merchandise sales.
Painter, known as The Artist, said: “They’re probably disappointed he’s come along and he’s taken their money off them.
“But, you know, the boy’s been a breath of fresh air to the game and it was getting a little bit stale, if you like.
“You know, people were fed up with seeing the same people playing all the time.
“And obviously, we know that since he came along, dartboard sales, merchandise sales just went through the roof.”
