The Nuke's Grand Ambition
Luke Littler may be preparing to defend his Grand Slam of Darts title, but the teenage darts sensation has revealed an even bigger prize in his sights: becoming World Number One before next month's World Championship.
The 18-year-old phenomenon, known as 'The Nuke', returns to Wolverhampton this week where he'll attempt to retain the title he won in spectacular fashion last year. His 16-2 demolition of Martin Lukeman in the 2024 final marked the beginning of an extraordinary run that has seen him collect multiple major titles in just his second year as a professional.
From Breakthrough to Dominance
Since that breakthrough Grand Slam victory, Littler's career has skyrocketed. The young star has added the World Championship, UK Open, World Matchplay and World Grand Prix to his growing collection of major honours, propelling him to second place in the world rankings.
'Any title is great but that first title was crucial,' Littler told Metro in an exclusive interview arranged by KP Nuts. 'Obviously, not many people get the chance to win these major competitions, but for myself, I've been playing really well since I burst onto the scene.'
He added with characteristic confidence: 'I've just been keeping winning and adding more titles to my record. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.'
No Pressure for Title Defence
Only three players in darts history - Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price - have successfully defended the Grand Slam title, but Littler insists he feels no added pressure despite his defending champion status.
'I wouldn't say pressure,' he commented. 'Obviously, the reigning champion, people expect the reigning champion to come back and do well because he's won here before. But I'll be honest, some venues this year I've come into and I'm like, 'yeah, I don't remember this from last year', so it's pretty much new to me.'
Littler did acknowledge the value of previous success, noting: 'I know I've got the winning feeling on stage, I've obviously picked up the trophy, so hopefully I can go on and do it again.'
Tough Group Awaits
Before thinking about lifting the trophy again, Littler must first navigate a challenging group stage that includes World Cup of Darts winner Daryl Gurney, alongside Connor Scott and Karel Sedlacek.
'It's not an easy group; nothing's easy, no matter what tournament it is, it should be very interesting,' Littler assessed. 'Obviously Daryl picking up a title this year with Josh Rock at the World Cup, and obviously Connor Scott, he's been here, there and everywhere on the Pro Tour and the Challenge Tour.'
He showed respect for his Czech opponent, adding: 'And Karel Sedlacek from Czech Republic, he can throw a really good dart on his day, played him a few times on the World Series stage. Whatever happens on the day, it happens.'
The Ultimate Prize: World Number One
Despite the immediate challenge in Wolverhampton, Littler's focus extends beyond individual tournament victories to the ultimate ranking in world darts.
'This main goal now is to get to World No. 1, more than any other trophy,' he revealed. 'Obviously, winning a trophy will help me do that, but I want that next to my name and to try and do it before the Worlds.'
With the Grand Slam and Players' Championships in Minehead remaining before the World Championship, Littler knows what's required: 'I've just got to keep playing well. It's in my mind. I always say if you're World No. 1, you're the best in the world, no matter if you get a beat in first round near enough every tournament. You're World No.1 for a reason, because you're the best. That's what I want.'
The darts world watches with anticipation as one of the sport's most remarkable young talents continues his pursuit of greatness, beginning with his Grand Slam title defence this week in Wolverhampton.
