Advertisement

Luke Littler's 18th birthday celebrations amid 'crazy' time, best present and tight family

EMBARGOED UNTIL 0001 TUESDAY 21ST JANUARY. File photo dated 03-01-2025 of Luke Littler with The Sid Waddell Trophy. Luke Littler says he will enjoy a low-key 18th birthday celebration having already given himself the best early present by winning the World Championship. Issue date: Monday January 20, 2024.
-Credit:© 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved


Darts prodigy Luke Littler isn't planning a wild celebration for his 18th birthday, instead opting to spend a quiet evening with family after granting himself the ultimate early gift—a World Championship victory. The teen sensation, who became an adult on Tuesday, has compiled an enviable list of achievements in his fledgling career that most can only imagine.

Littler made history as the youngest world champion when he triumphed over Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace, capping off a superb debut year on the PDC Tour which also saw him clinch the Premier League and the Grand Slam of Darts titles.

Although turning 18 is a major milestone for many, Littler's approaching hectic schedule, including the Dutch Darts Masters and World Masters, precedes any lavish plans. He anticipates a low-key affair at home with his eyes on the Sid Waddell Trophy.

READ MORE: Liverpool and Newcastle United transfer factors offer Middlesbrough fresh Ben Doak encouragement

READ MORE: Two huge moments that cost Middlesbrough at Portsmouth as Ryan Giles transfer point highlighted

Speaking to the PA news agency, Littler shared his birthday approach: "I haven’t got anything planned really because there is a lot of darts around this time. I will probably just do something at home before the crazy schedule starts. But I gave myself the best early birthday present by winning the Worlds."

Reflecting on his first year circuit, he acknowledged the demands, stating: "My first year has been difficult, at the start of the year with the Premier League and travelling to the European Tours, I have been travelling up and down the country. It’s at the start of the year when the crazy schedule is."

Littler will instead celebrate with his family, who have been with him all of the way from his rise to stardom. They form a tight inner circle around the darts prodigy.

Dad

Anthony Buckley encouraged his son to take darts seriously
-Credit:Luke Littler/Facebook

Littler's father, Anthony Buckley, has been instrumental in his successful career. A former taxi driver from Warrington, Anthony persuaded his son to swap football for darts at the age of nine - a decision that has clearly reaped rewards.

He actually gifted young Luke his first magnetic darts board from a pound shop when he was a tot, setting him on the road to stardom. Not long after, Littler found himself training at the renowned St Helens Darts Shop, under the tutelage of Karl Holden, who has since referred to him as the "Cristiano Ronaldo of darts".

On BBC Radio 2, Littler reminisced: "My dad said, 'Hang your boots up let's focus on darts'. I was like, 'I love it though'. My dad said, 'I think your ability to be a professional, you've got high chances.' Six years later here I am."

Speaking to The Times, Buckley said: "He was a good footballer. He loved football. All kids do. But I said to him at nine, hang your boots up. Concentrate on darts. You can still play football here and there. But if there's a darts comp on at the weekends, go to darts first.

"Make that your priority, because I thought he could make it at darts - and he has done. When I said to him, you need to keep playing darts, he was OK with it. We put him in every competition that was online. Sometimes you're getting up at 7am on a Saturday - my only day off - just to play darts. There were no lie-ins."

Mum

Littler with mum Lisa -Credit:Warren Little/Getty Images
Littler with mum Lisa -Credit:Warren Little/Getty Images

The darts sensation's mother, Lisa, has been an avid supporter throughout his journey too. Her social media pages are awash with tributes to Littler's remarkable feats, including a video she famously posted showing toddler Luke flinging darts at a board while decked out in nothing but a nappy.

She worked as a sales assistant at a shop selling scented candles before taking time off to support her son. Given Luke’s phenomenal rise, it is unclear whether she has since returned to work at Yankee Candle.

Thanks to her son’s success, Lisa and the rest of their family recently moved into a lavish five-bedroom detached house on the outskirts of his hometown, which Littler secured on a £6,000-per-month lease. His parents posted photos of themselves enjoying a dip in their very own swimming pool.

Sister

Caitlin Littler is the darts sensation's older glam sister
Image taken from Facebook https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3014226195515436&set=ecnf.100007842557553 Caitlin Littler -Credit:Caitlin Littler / Facebook

Caitlin, another staunch supporter behind Littler, is his older sister. Despite her low-key presence and discretion regarding her career, she occasionally shares her sisterly pride through social media interactions.

Earlier in the year, she expressed being the "proudest sister ever" and dubbed Luke the 'GOAT' following his victory at the Jack's World Series of Darts Finals in September. While she holds back on personal details, she's quite active on TikTok, drawing an audience of 27,000 followers.

The siblings, including a lesser-known brother, Harry, who shuns the limelight, share a tight-knit bond. There is another brother Leon, who recently celebrated his 21st birthday. Following Luke's latest victory, Leon humorously told The Sun that he'll "have to do the celebrating for him" since Luke wasn't legally allowed to drink until today,

Manager

Martin Foulds [M] is Luke Littler's manager
WARNING TAKEN FROM INSTAGRAM CAPTION: Lando Norris, Martin Foulds & Luke Littler LINK TO PAGE: https://www.instagram.com/martin.foulds/ -Credit:martin.foulds/Instagram

Overseeing Littler's burgeoning trajectory is Martin Foulds from ZXF Sports Management, serving both as a guide and manager. Foulds is often seen by Littler's side at public outings that include football games and the prestigious Silverstone F1 Grand Prix, where they snagged a photo op with driver Lando Norris (above).

Their relationship reportedly began four years ago when Foulds recognised his talent and decided to watch him play. He has played a crucial role in keeping Littler grounded, as well as assisting him in earning substantial amounts of money.

Foulds, who is also a Manchester United fan like his client, has emphasised the significant role of Littler's parents in his success. He previously said: "Not enough is said about the parents who have sacrificed so much for Luke and travelled the world with him to help him achieve his dream."

EMBARGOED UNTIL 0001 TUESDAY 21ST JANUARY. File photo dated 03-01-2025 of Luke Littler kisses The Sid Waddell Trophy. While turning 18 is a rite of passage for most youngsters and is celebrated in style, Littler will be having a quiet one, mainly due to the hectic forthcoming schedule. Issue date: Monday January 20, 2024.
-Credit:© 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved