"Actually caught my dad going to the chippy instead of me going bowling": Luke Littler recalls paparazzi blunder in sealing Saudi title on eve of 19th birthday

Luke Littler has become the first-ever Saudi Arabia Darts Masters champion, defeating Michael van Gerwen 8-5 in the final to claim another milestone in his rapidly rising career.

Reflecting on last week’s quarterfinal exit in Bahrain, Littler admitted that disappointment was largely due to a lack of preparation. “Not a lot of practice went into it, so that’s the result I got,” he said. “But I was practicing quite a bit tonight, and yeah, it’s paid off. To be the first winner here in Saudi Arabia, it means a lot.”

Looking ahead to the Winmau World Masters in Milton Keynes, Littler confirmed he will return to rigorous training after a short birthday break. “After the holiday we’re going on tomorrow, when I’m back I’ll definitely be practicing, because it’s a title that I’ve not picked up yet. I definitely want to go to Milton Keynes and I want to become champion,” he said.

When asked about the format of the Winmau World Masters, which is unlike any other in the sport, Littler admitted it can be challenging. “Last year I played pretty well early on against Andy Baetens, James Wade, and someone else, then lost out to Jonny (Clayton). But it is what it is, that’s the format. That’s what we’ve got to get used to. I’ll be more than ready,” he said.

Littler’s victory over Michael van Gerwen, who won the Bahrain Darts Masters last week, was a standout moment. “Michael’s always been there, always about. He’s been playing very well recently. We’ll see how it goes for the rest of the year with the Premier League coming up and stuff. For myself, I want him back at his best—I want to be battling with him week in, week out in the Premier League once again,” Littler said.

Turning 19 tomorrow, Littler is preparing to enjoy his birthday while travelling to Dubai. “Usually it’s Xbox and chilling out. But now I’m on a flight for three nights, so I’m going to enjoy it,” he said.

Despite his youth, Littler already has immense experience on the stage. “Like you said, the experience comes into hand. I’m getting older, getting that more experience on stage. And yeah, for myself, I’m just getting better,” he said.

On the subject of birthday gifts, Littler laughed: “No idea. We’ll have to see when I get home if they’ve got me anything.” He also reflected on a cherished gift from his childhood, a magnetic dart board: “I think that was golden. That was the chosen one for myself. Without that, who knows where I’d be now.”

Littler’s father was once again wearing his signature beanie during the event, something that has become a bit of a tradition. “Yeah, I think it’s a hat. We were on the Michael McIntyre show. And yeah, I think it’s spreading awareness, some fella lost his son at a young age and he’s given us hats, well not wristbands, but something you put on your wrist just to spread that awareness. But if it’s a superstition to him, it is what it is. It’s just showing a bit of awareness,” Littler said.

He also reflected on how unusual it is to see his dad wearing a beanie in Saudi Arabia, where the auditorium has been cooler. “People were surprised he didn’t have it on last night. Especially in Saudi, where someone wearing a bobble hat or a beanie just seems so foreign,” Littler said.

When asked about his practice routine, Littler explained: “When I practice, it’s just 5-0-1 set play against a dart bot. And obviously whatever the format is, I just do that. I don’t really play online. And when I do practice, it’s always just 5-0-1.”

Looking back over the last two years since turning professional in Bahrain, Littler admitted there have been highs and lows. “There’s been so many positives. I’ve won as much as I can. If it weren’t for me miscounting and missing that double two, I could be a three-time champion. But yeah, I think I’ve overachieved. I’ve definitely got better as I’ve got older and the calendar’s gone on and we’ve entered more tournaments. But yeah, we don’t stop here—we try and get better.”

Littler also emphasized that he still enjoys the lifestyle that comes with being a professional. “If you’re not enjoying it, then there’s no point travelling. There’s no point even stepping on stage. I’m still hungry for more titles,” he said.

This is Littler’s first birthday spent abroad. “I’ve mostly been at home. The first year in Bahrain I was travelling back the day before my birthday, so I just spent it at home. And last year the paparazzi actually caught my dad going to the chippy instead of me going bowling. But yeah, this year we’re in Dubai, and there’ll be no paparazzi, I’m sure,” he said.

One of the highlights of the trip was seeing a mural created by a young fan. “Yeah, my PR team sent it over and it’s just, wow, it’s just an absolute masterpiece. The kid, Josh Billingham, he’s 10 years old. He had viral meningitis. He’s only nine years younger than me. The inspiration he’s got off me must be through the roof, because no normal person goes and gets that in the darkroom. But yeah, he can practice and obviously look at my face 24-7 if he wants,” Littler said.

Finally, Littler spoke about the trophy itself. “Yeah it looks like a World Cup. I’m glad I can pick it up. Whenever we’ve been abroad and won a title, we just put it in a case and wrap it up with clothes to make sure it doesn’t get damaged,” he said.