Luke Littler's pre-match ritual of indulging in sweets and engaging in a game of FIFA has reportedly ruffled the feathers of his fellow darts players, as per commentator Dan Dawson. The 17-year-old prodigy lived his dream on Friday, dismantling Michael van Gerwen 7-3 to clinch the title of youngest PDC World Darts Championship winner.
Before the season finale, Dawson shed light on Littler's unconventional backstage routine prior to stepping onto the oche. Unlike many of his peers who typically warm up with practice throws before hitting the stage, Littler's approach seems to have 'upset' some players.
Despite deviating from the norm, it's hard to argue against Littler's method given the success he's enjoyed throughout the 2024 season. His victories include bagging the World Series of Darts and the Premier League titles, even nailing a nine-darter in the final of the latter.
While competing in the Dutch Masters in 2024, ahead of his opening match against Dirk van Duijvenbode, Littler was seen engrossed in his scrolling of his Ultimate Team on the EAFC 24 Web App. The young star was evidently keen to keep tabs on the eagerly-awaited Team of the Year release, even just moments before his stage appearance.
Littler kicked off 2025 on a high, confessing that he had dreamt of hoisting the world championship trophy after narrowly missing out in the previous year's final against Luke Humphries. "No one knows this, but I watched the whole of the 2024 final against Luke Humphries back earlier, and I had visions of this," he revealed post his victory over Michael van Gerwen.
