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

Darts 2026 schedule and dates: Premier League Darts, World Matchplay and more with Luke Littler in action

Darts 2026 schedule and dates: Premier League Darts, World Matchplay and more with Luke Littler in action

A closer look at the latest results and schedule from the 2026 PDC darts season, where Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen all chase more s...

Premier League Darts - Luke Littler wins Night Five in Cardiff: Scores, reaction, highlights as world champion beats Luke Littler

Premier League Darts - Luke Littler wins Night Five in Cardiff: Scores, reaction, highlights as world champion beats Luke Littler

Brandt to leave Dortmund this summerBorussia Dortmund have announced that Julian Brandt will be leaving the club on a free transfer at the end of the...

Luke Littler: World darts No 1 targets clean sweep of PDC titles after retaining UK Open with win over James Wade

Luke Littler: World darts No 1 targets clean sweep of PDC titles after retaining UK Open with win over James Wade

Luke Littler says he is inspired by history as he aims to hold all the major PDC titles simultaneously following his successful defence of the UK Open...

Premier League darts 2026: Schedule, fixtures, results, table as Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen all feature

Premier League darts 2026: Schedule, fixtures, results, table as Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen all feature

The latest fixtures, results and schedule from the 2026 Premier League Darts season, where world No 1 Luke Littler and defending champion Luke Humphri...

Premier League Darts: Luke Littler beats Jonny Clayton in Cardiff final to secure impressive first night win of season

Premier League Darts: Luke Littler beats Jonny Clayton in Cardiff final to secure impressive first night win of season

Luke Littler secured his first night win of the season after beating home favourite Jonny Clayton 6-4 in an enthralling Night Five final in Cardiff.Th...

UK Open 2026 darts schedule, results and scores as Luke Littler successfully defends title in Minehead

UK Open 2026 darts schedule, results and scores as Luke Littler successfully defends title in Minehead

Luke Littler defended his UK Open title with an 11-7 victory over James Wade at the UK Open.Reigning champion Littler started with a 10-2 demolition o...