Luke Littler is managing his astronomical earnings well, previously admitting that his most extravagant buy since emerging was a new bag.
The 17-year-old phenom went one better at Alexandra Palace last week, 12 months after his defeat to Luke Humphries, living up to the favouritism and claiming a first Sid Waddell trophy in a 7-3 win over Michael van Gerwen.
Aside from reasserting his status as the PDC’s best, Littler also bolstered his staggering career earnings – having spent just one year amongst the darting elite – adding £500,000 to an already impressive £1million in prize money. This figure doesn’t consider the various endorsements and brand deals The Nuke has earned himself, either.
However, though many may have expected the teenager to splash out, Littler’s admission on the back of a title on the Pro Tour last summer painted a quite opposing picture.
After claiming the Players Championship 20 title in September, less than a week on from pocketing £80k from the World Series of Darts in Amsterdam, Littler was asked what his biggest buy had been – and his answer was telling.
“I bought myself a nice bag” the teenager chuckled, indicating that his then-roughly-£500,000 in oche-based winnings were not being squandered.
He does now have a first car in his sights. Speaking after his Ally Pally triumph – which catapulted him to World No. 2 - Littler was asked about whether taking up driving was on the agenda, and what would be his vehicle of choice.
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“I've always loved a Mercedes A-Class - just a small car,” Littler explained. “Last year, I was looking at driving, and I loved the Ford Focus, but now I’ve gone up in the world just a little!
“I haven’t had driving lessons yet because it’s been so hectic, but I’m going to have to do it before I get into my twenties when it’ll be too late and I can’t be bothered. If I get a car, it won't be a birthday present from anyone. I think it would have to be a birthday present from me to me.”
Though the price paid for a new bag will assumedly be dwarfed should Littler take to the roads in a shiny new vehicle, his preferred model is not of atmospheric proportions.
Still a teenager with a long and promisingly fruitful career ahead of him, The Nuke’s spending habits are telling, and though his level of talent is sky-high, he continues to remain firmly grounded.
“I have knuckled down. I don’t go out wandering around the streets,” Littler added when speaking after becoming world champion. “I have really knuckled down, and now it has paid off. This is why we play the game - for the titles. Obviously the money is there, but one thing I do enjoy when I do lift the trophy is when all the confetti comes down and the sparkles go up.”
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