Luke Littler Sparks Speculation by Hinting at Darts Hiatus

In a surprising turn of events, Luke Littler, the reigning World Darts Champion, hinted at taking a step back from competitive darts in a recent social media post. On Thursday, Littler, who has rapidly risen to fame over the past 18 months, announced he would be pursuing something “close to his heart,” igniting speculation among fans and analysts alike.

The 18-year-old darts prodigy has been a standout performer, and his announcement has led many to wonder if he is shifting his focus towards video gaming, particularly with the impending launch of EA Sports FC 26. The timing of his post, which comes as he prepares to defend his title at Alexandra Palace next year, raises questions about his future in the sport.

Social Media Announcement Raises Eyebrows

In a 50-second video shared on social media, Littler reflected on his impressive career thus far. “I’ve had an awesome career, I couldn’t have asked for much better for myself,” he expressed, accompanied by a melancholic soundtrack. He highlighted milestones such as debuting in the Premier League at age 17 and becoming the youngest player to win the World Championships at 18. Littler concluded the video by thanking his supporters, stating, “It’ll shock some people that I’m taking a step back; it’s not been an easy decision.”

The video ended with a cryptic remark: “Do you think they’ll fall for that?” This statement, coupled with the launch of EA Sports FC on September 29, has led to rampant speculation that Littler may be transitioning into the gaming world.

Impact of Gaming on Darts Career

According to darts analyst Dan Dawson, Littler’s passion for gaming has had noticeable effects on his professional relationships. The young star has cultivated a reputation for his pre-match rituals, which include consuming sweets and playing video games. During the 2024 Dutch Masters, he was seen engaging with his Ultimate Team on the EAFC 24 Web App before his match against Dirk van Duijvenbode.

Littler’s gaming interests extend beyond casual play; he has actively streamed his gameplay on platforms like TikTok and collaborated with football icons such as Wayne Rooney and online personality Angry Ginge. “I don’t watch the telly – I’m just a YouTube or a TikTok guy,” he said in an interview with the Mirror. “There’s always time to chill out and see my friends… FIFA is my favourite game because I’m live-streaming now.”

His affinity for the game has even led to humorous remarks about his prize money. After earning £200,000 for reaching the World Darts Championship final at just 16 years old, he jokingly mentioned using some of his winnings for FIFA points, the in-game currency for EA Sports FC.

Past Controversies and Future Prospects

Littler’s recent hint at stepping back from darts is not his first encounter with controversy. Just a year prior, he faced criticism for allegedly withdrawing from the Hungarian Darts Trophy to focus on the launch of EA Sports FC. In a light-hearted response, he remarked, “What a coincidence,” accompanied by a tongue-out emoji.

As the Hungarian Darts Trophy approaches this weekend, Littler is set to compete against either Joe Cullen or Lukas Wenig. Should he choose to pursue a gaming career, he will have until 18:00 on Saturday to make his decision.

With a wealth of tournaments and over £1.5 million in potential prize money available in the coming months, Littler’s choice will have significant implications for his career in darts. As fans eagerly await his next move, the future of this young champion remains uncertain but filled with possibility.