Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler is celebrating his 18th birthday in a low-key way – by live streaming while playing FIFA.
Littler turned 18 on Tuesday and racked up a series of professional accomplishments most could only dream of.
He made history just a few weeks ago, at the age of 17, by becoming the youngest world champion when he beat Michael van Gerwen in the Alexandra Palace final to cap a stellar first year on the PDC Tour, where he also won the Premier League and the Grand Slam of Darts.
He said he was planning to “do something at home” to celebrate turning 18 before his “crazy” darts schedule revives.
His father was also seen picking up chips for dinner at home with the family.
Fans then posted videos of their hero playing the football match online, with a flood of well-wishers commenting to say happy birthday.
One posted: 'Celebrating Luke Littler's birthday: World darts champion turns 18 today and doing FIFA on TikTok.'
Littler previously said: “I don't really have anything planned because there are a lot of darts around this time.”
'I'll probably do something at home before the crazy schedule starts. But the best early birthday gift I got was when I won the World Cup.
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler is celebrating his 18th birthday in low-key fashion by live-streaming while playing FIFA.
Fans then posted videos of their hero playing the football match online, with a flood of well-wishers commenting to say happy birthday.
His father was also seen picking up a chippy for dinner at home with the family.
The darts sensation opted for a quiet meal at home with his family
'My first year has been difficult, starting the year with the Premier League and traveling to the European Tours, I have been traveling all over the country.
“It's at the beginning of the year when the calendar is crazy.”
Littler's first Ally Pally title will be the first of many, unless something goes drastically wrong.
He has said that he is capable of breaking Phil Taylor's record of 16 if he has hunger and longevity.
Taylor admitted she would be happy to see her tally surpassed, but says Littler has a target on his back.
“Can it get better? I don't know,” Taylor said.
“I don't know him very well, he is a charming boy, a normal 17-year-old boy, he likes his phone, he is very calm and humble. He is not interested in money, but in family, he loves his mother and father.
“Now it's up to him, once you have that name you are a target, so you have to work hard and practice hard because now everyone is after you.”
Littler has earned more than £1.6 million in prize money for his oche achievements, a figure that has been dwarfed by his income from endorsement deals with high-profile brands.
He has almost single-handedly dragged darts into the mainstream since bursting onto the scene at the 2024 World Championships, transcending the sport and becoming a global name.
Littler was named runner-up in BBC Sports Personality of the Year, received a Brit Award, appeared on the cover of Forbes magazine and was a guest on the Jonathan Ross Show.
Interest in the sport has increased and Matchroom chairman Barry Hearn has called Littler “the gift that keeps on giving”.
Luke Littler has revealed his plans for his 18th birthday celebrations following an impressive debut campaign on the PDC Tour.
The 17-year-old became the youngest player to win the World Darts Championship earlier this month. Pictured: Littler with his mother Lisa Littler, his father Anthony Buckley and his brother Leon.
The Manchester United fan paraded the Sid Waddell Trophy in front of the fans at Old Trafford.
“I now call it the Luke Littler effect, the gift that keeps on giving,” Hearn told PA in 2024.
'I would compare him to the British version of Tiger Woods. He is down to earth and doesn't seem to be discouraged, for a 17 year old that is simply amazing.
'I just think darts hasn't even begun to know where it's going to go globally.
“I've been in this business for 50 years and I've never seen anything like this in any sport, it's as simple as that.”