Darts sensation Luke Littler has been given some characteristically blunt advice from a legend of the sport on how to handle his meteoric rise and multi-million pound fortune.
The King of Bling's Straight-Talking Wisdom
Following his emphatic 7-1 victory over Gian van Veen to secure a second consecutive World Darts Championship title, Luke Littler's career prize money has rocketed to an astonishing £3.3 million. The Warrington teenager, who only turned professional two years ago, has dominated the sport in 2025, winning the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, and Grand Slam of Darts.
Despite his newfound wealth and celebrity status, Littler has shown notable restraint, recently buying a new BMW only after passing his driving test. Eager to see the young star avoid common traps, 80-year-old darts favourite Bobby George – known as the 'King of Bling' – offered some frank counsel in an interview with the Daily Mail.
"Don't grow up. You'll never be skint if you don't grow up," George stated. "No girls, no flash cars, no hangers-on. Just do your f***ing thing and have your bubble gum." He warned that while Littler may feel in control, fortunes can change rapidly. "He is at darts, but ships can sink. Look at the Titanic. In darts, you can go from hero to zero overnight."
A Stark Contrast in Darts Earnings
The financial landscape of darts has transformed dramatically since George's heyday. Littler pocketed £1 million for his 2026 world title win, a prize boosted by a lucrative new Sky Sports deal. In stark contrast, George earned just £16,000 for finishing as runner-up in the 1994 BDO World Championship – a sum only slightly more than the £15,000 first-round losers received at the 2026 PDC tournament.
For Littler, however, the legacy means more than the cash. Becoming the first back-to-back world champion since Gary Anderson a decade ago was his primary focus. "Ever since coming into the tournament, everyone's talked about the prize money. But for myself, just going back-to-back [was the most important thing]," he said.
What's Next for the Champion?
After a short break, Littler's relentless schedule continues. He is set to compete in World Series events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia later this month. On February 5, he will then begin his Premier League Darts campaign in Newcastle.
He will be joined in the Premier League by fellow automatic qualifiers Gian van Veen, Luke Humphries, and Michael van Gerwen. Wildcard entries Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price, and Josh Rock complete the line-up for what promises to be another thrilling season.
With the wisdom of veterans like Bobby George in his ear, the darts world watches to see if Luke Littler can maintain his phenomenal success while keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
