Luke Littler, a teenage darts sensation who only turned 18 earlier this year, is a “lightweight” when he drinks with the more experienced pros, according to Nathan Aspinall.
Before reaching the final of the 2024 World Championship and making it all the way at the start of 2025, the 18-year-old grabbed the darts world by storm at the age of 16. He held his own against seasoned players. After losing to Luke Humphries on his first try, the teenager triumphed over the legendary Michael van Gerwen with remarkable ease on his second try.
With so many nights spent away from home and almost all of the other players on the circuit being at least a few years older than you, it seems sense that the tour could be intimidating for an 18-year-old. Nevertheless, Aspinall recently disclosed how Littler has changed over the past year from being a recluse and playing PlayStation to becoming one of the boys.
Nathan Aspinall on Luke Littler’s Development
It appears that the teen is now joining the boys.
With the lads, he is also starting to come out of his shell.
After playing darts, he would return to his room and play on his PlayStation or another device. He is now actually joining us at the hotel bar to play cards and other games.
“Over the past 12 months, he has undoubtedly matured. But given everything that has been thrown at him, I believe he has really had to.
“He’ll consume a few Dark Fruits from [Strongbow].” Although he is only eighteen, he is somewhat lightweight. After around four pints, he will be finished.
The Effect of Luke Littler on Darts
The popularity of the sport has never been higher.
Since the conclusion of 2023, Littler’s rise has had a significant positive effect on the sport. Over the past two years, darts have become more and more popular worldwide, which has increased sponsorship opportunities and increased prize money for all players.
The 2026 World Championship winner will receive £1 million, double what Littler earned earlier this year after defeating Van Gerwen 7-3 in the championship match, according to a PDC announcement earlier this week.
Prize money for the 2026 World Darts Championship
Round
Prize money
The victor
£1,000,000
Second place
£400,000
Semi-finalists
£200,000
finalists in the quarterfinals
£100,000
The last 16 losers
£60,000
The last 32 losers
£35,000
The last 64 losers
Twenty-five thousand pounds
The final 128 losers
£15,000
Aspinall stated: “After the news, there has been a lot of talk among the other players on the tour. It’s incredible. It’s, in my opinion, a tribute to all the players who have put in a lot of effort over the past few years to provide fantastic evenings for all of the fans.
Luke Littler has undoubtedly contributed significantly to the game’s increased visibility, which has attracted more sponsors. Since we received a pay increase, all the guys were as excited about it as we were. Being the first man to earn that million-pound prize money will be incredible.
Littler reportedly has a good friendship with Aspinall when touring. Over the last two years, the two have met twelve times, and on eleven of those occasions, Littler has defeated his mate.
