Birthday celebrations start early! Luke Littler enjoys time with family and friends between World Series events

Luke Littler, who earlier this month became world champion for the second year running, did not dwell long on his 6-2 defeat to Gerwyn Price in the quarterfinals of the Bahrain Darts Masters 2026. “The Nuke” will soon turn 19, but already marked the occasion with an early birthday celebration.

Littler, alongside his family and friends and filmed by one of the new ITV darts commentators Mark Wilson, enjoyed a moment of celebration away from oche, partaking in some slightly premature birthday drinks.

At the Bahrain Darts Masters, Littler saw an extraordinary run of 21 consecutive televised match wins come to an end. He started superbly in Sakhir, cruising past the legendary Paul Lim 6-1 on opening night with the help of a 106 average.

The quarterfinals proved his ceiling this time. Against Price, Littler never found his usual gear and ultimately went down 6-2. So no second title at this event for Littler, who won it in 2024 on his World Series of Darts debut. The tournament was eventually won by Michael van Gerwen, who was too strong for compatriot Gian van Veen in the final, 8-6.

This has no bearing on the world rankings, as World Series of Darts events do not count toward the PDC Order of Merit. In the meantime, Littler has built a substantial lead over the world number two, Luke Humphries.

Littler will not have long to brood, as he gets another crack next week at the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters. This second World Series of Darts 2026 event takes place on Monday, January 19th and Tuesday, January 20th in Riyadh.

In the meantime, Littler took the opportunity to celebrate his 19th birthday early with a few family members and friends. It may have been slightly premature, as his actual birthday is on January 21st, exactly one day after the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters.