Luke Littler has secured the biggest payday of his life following his third-round win over Canada’s Matt Campbell.
The 16-year-old has been on a fairytale run since his shock victory against Christian Kist in the first round of his maiden World Darts Championship last week, which saw the teenager cruise to a 3-0 result.
Amid chants of ‘you’ve got school in the morning’ from an impassioned home Alexandra Palace crowd, Littler later defeated UK Open champion Andrew Gilding 3-1 on Thursday evening to book his shot at securing a slot in the final 16.
Too young to wear the event’s banner sponsor Paddy Power on his shirt as he steps up to the oche, Littler had an impressive pedigree heading into the competition due to a handful of youth titles, but has inspired in his championship debut.
The English sensation secured a comfortable 4-1 win over Canada’s Matt Campbell on Wednesday to continue his impressive run at Ally Pally.
Luke Littler has been enjoying a fairytale in the capital after defeating Christian Kist and Andrew Gilding
The 16-year-old notoriously celebrated his opening win with a kebab and his second with a chicken burger
He would go on to beat Matthew Campbell in the third round to extend his stay in the competition
Following his sensational win over Campbell, the 16-year-old pocketed a large sum of £35,000, with quarter-finalists at the storied competition earning £50,000 if they’re sent home before the final four.
From there, the guaranteed prize money doubles to £100,000, and finalists will scoop a £200,000 prize as a consolation for missing out on the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy.
The winner of the world championship is a line for a staggering payday of £500,000, which has been the total prize money for the last four years.
Littler has already been catapulted to relative stardom in the wake of his run thus far, and interest in the prodigy will likely only increase tenfold if his campaign in the capital can continue.
‘The Nuke’s’ celebrations after his landmark victories however have been modest, with Littler indulging in first a kebab and then a chicken burger after his two wins, rather than popping open the champagne.
His youth was further highlighted by a post on social media shared by his mother Lisa, who took a picture of her son opening his presents on Christmas morning.
‘Just a 16 year old opening his prezzys,’ the caption read, prompting one cheeky fan to ask whether the youngester knew ‘Father Christmas isn’t real yet’.
Claiming the ultimate victory at the Ally Pally to kick off 2024 would see Littler smash Michael van Gerwen’s record win at the age of 24 in 2014, but regardless of whether he can win the top prize, the teenager’s talents are clear to see.
Littler has the chance to smash his career earnings total with a win against Matt Campbell
On Christmas Day however Littler was the picture of a normal teenager opening his presents
Former player and commentator Wayne Mardle described Littler as ‘extraordinary’ and possibly ‘the most naturally talented player I’ve ever seen’.
For his part, Littler is taking some adjusting to his new-found popularity, which has seen his 4,000-strong Instagram following shoot up to 28,500.
‘It’s unbelievable that so many people know about me,’ Littler said after victory over Gilding.
‘I wanted to come back after Christmas and I’m doing that, no matter what. I’ve overachieved.’
