Luke Litter swaps trebles for Trout at Target fishing event

Just two days after lifting the £200,000 World Matchplay title in Blackpool, Luke Littler swapped his signature treble 20 shots for a fishing rod at the Target sports start fishing championship, held at Tunnel barn farm lake in Warwickshire. The event included fellow darting stars such as Adrian Lewis and Rob Cross, who all came together to raise money for the Willow Foundation and Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity.

Littler, who has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in sport, turned up to the fishing event proudly wearing a hoodie with “Luke Littler MBE” stitched across the back. The title was recently awarded in recognition of his services to darts and his inspiring rise through the ranks. Still only 18, he joined a lineup of 32-strong sporting personalities including boxing’s Tony Bellew, snooker legend Steve Davis, and Olympic badminton star Gail Emms.

The event, usually open to fans, was closed to the public this year. However, it was filmed for a highlight reel set to be shown on ITV4, allowing fans to enjoy the fun, competition, and camaraderie of the day. Despite the serious talent pool present, the atmosphere was relaxed, giving these top-level athletes a break from the pressures of elite sport.

Adding to the entertainment, legendary promoter and Matchroom Sport founder Barry Hearn provided comic relief with a wild ride on a mechanical bull. Dressed in a cowboy hat and clearly enjoying himself, the 77-year-old managed to stay on the bucking machine for a respectable seven seconds before being launched off, much to the amusement of onlookers. It was a moment that perfectly captured the light-hearted spirit of the day and showed that even seasoned executives aren’t afraid to get involved for a good cause.

For Littler, the day marked a well-deserved breather from what has been a whirlwind rise. Since making his name at the 2024 PDC World Championship at just 16, he has captured the imagination of sports fans around the world. With six major titles now under his belt including the Premier League, Grand Slam, UK Open, World Series Finals, and most recently, the World Matchplay. He is now firmly established as a generational talent. His crowning achievement came earlier this year when he won the PDC World Championship, becoming the youngest player ever to do so at just 17 years-old.

Despite the pressure and the global attention, Littler has remained grounded. His days still include short, focused practice sessions and evenings playing Xbox, with a down-to-earth personality that has only made him more endearing to fans. Known for his love of kebabs, cheeky sense of humour, and refusal to let fame go to his head, Littler has become a relatable star in a sport that has suddenly found itself enjoying a new wave of popularity among younger audiences.

Events like the Target Fishing Championship give Littler and others a chance to unwind and reflect, while also supporting causes close to their hearts. Funds raised from the event go toward helping young people living with serious illnesses and supporting families dealing with rare degenerative diseases, causes that add deeper meaning to what might otherwise be a fun day out.

As Littler prepares to travel to Australia for his next major tournament, the fishing event served as both a celebration of how far he’s come and a reminder of the person behind the prodigy. Whether it’s reeling in carp or competing on the world stage, the young star continues to balance fame with humility. While Barry Hearn was busy getting tossed from a mechanical bull, Littler stood quietly by the water, fishing rod in hand, still soaking in the extraordinary life that has unfolded for him.