English · Warrington, England · Born 21 January 2007English darts prodigy who became the youngest PDC World Champion in history at 17 and retained the title in 2026, winning the first £1 million prize in darts.
Born in Warrington, England on 21 January 2007, Luke "Cool Hand" Littler began playing darts at the remarkably young age of two. His natural talent became evident during his teenage years as he dominated youth competitions and consistently produced professional-level averages on the PDC Development Tour. His rapid progression through junior ranks marked him as an exceptional prospect in a sport traditionally dominated by older players. Littler's breakthrough came at the 2024 PDC World Championship, where he qualified as a 16-year-old and immediately stunned the darts world. His remarkable run to the final included victories over established professionals, captivating audiences with his composure and skill before eventually losing to Luke Humphries. The tournament transformed him from unknown teenager to global sensation, generating unprecedented media attention for the sport. Following his World Championship debut, Littler continued his meteoric rise by winning the 2024 PDC Premier League and securing multiple Players Championship titles throughout the year. The pinnacle of Littler's early career arrived at the 2025 PDC World Championship, where he defeated Michael van Gerwen in the final to claim his first world title. At 17 years and 342 days, he became the youngest world champion in the competition's history, averaging over 108 in the final. His achievement shattered long-standing age records and established him as darts' most significant breakthrough talent in decades. Littler's impact extends beyond his tournament victories. His relaxed, unpretentious personality and evident enjoyment of competition have made him universally popular among fans and fellow players alike. His youth and approachable demeanor have attracted new audiences to darts, particularly younger demographics previously uninterested in the sport. Known for his love of chicken nuggets and gaming, Littler represents a new generation of darts players. His emergence has revitalized professional darts, bringing fresh energy and mainstream attention to the sport while establishing himself as both its present star and future cornerstone. Littler retained his world title at the 2026 PDC World Championship, defeating Gian van Veen 7-1 in the final at Alexandra Palace on 3 January 2026 with a 106 average and 16 maximums. In doing so he became only the fourth player ever to retain the Sid Waddell Trophy, after Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson, and the first man to collect the £1 million winner's cheque - the largest prize in darts history - as the tournament's prize fund doubled to £5 million across an expanded 128-player field.
Youngest major PDC tournament winner and World Championship finalist
He threw his first dart at age two — his parents have videos to prove it. By 16 he was beating world champions.
Did You Know?How They Played
Aggressive, high-scoring power player with exceptional finishing
Lasting Impact
Revolutionary teenage talent who transformed darts popularity
Career Honours
- PDC World Champion 2025
- PDC Premier League Champion 2024
- PDC World Championship finalist 2024
- World Youth Champion
- Players Championship titles 2024
- Youngest PDC World Champion in history
- PDC World Champion 2026
- Youngest player to retain the PDC World Championship