Darts prodigy Luke Littler has once again had to prove his real age after facing a direct challenge during a live radio interview, with his birth certificate being produced to settle the debate. The teenager, known as 'The Nuke', retained his PDC World Darts Championship title on Saturday with a dominant 6-1 victory over Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace, securing a £1 million prize.
The Live Radio Challenge
Doubts about Luke Littler's age have followed him throughout his rapid rise to the top of the sport. This scepticism came to a head in January 2024 during an appearance on talkSPORT. Presenter Andy Goldstein revealed he had placed a bet with a colleague, claiming the darts star was older than his stated age of 16 at the time.
Littler responded with the confidence that has become his trademark, telling Goldstein: "You’ve had a bet? You’ve lost your money there, because I’m 16." The Warrington-born champion has consistently faced comments about his mature appearance, particularly his full beard, which he says he has had for around two years.
Birth Certificate Ends Speculation
To officially quash the rumours, a copy of what is reported to be Luke Littler's birth certificate was posted online by TalkTV in January 2024. The document states he was born at North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust in Warrington on 21 January 2007.
This evidence confirms that Littler, who has now won two world titles before turning 19, is indeed the sporting wonderkid he claims to be. The caption accompanying the certificate read: "Proof he really is a wonderkid."
A Career of Record-Breaking Achievement
Luke Littler's accomplishments defy his youth. He reached his first World Darts Championship final at 16, won his maiden title at 17, and has now successfully defended his crown just before his 19th birthday. His latest victory over Gian van Veen, where their combined age was just 41, cements his status as a once-in-a-generation talent.
Financially, his success is equally staggering. The win makes him the first player to claim the PDC's inflated £1 million top prize, bringing his total career earnings to over £3 million. However, it is noted that almost half of Saturday's prize will be claimed by HMRC in tax.
After retaining the Sid Waddell Trophy, Littler stated: "It's what dreams are made of. Nothing will ever beat a first world title... but this was all about retaining it. To go back-to-back feels amazing." Looking to the future, the champion added: "I want to dominate everything, I want to try to win everything."
As Luke Littler prepares to celebrate his 19th birthday on 21 January, any questions about his age have been firmly put to bed by the official documentation. His focus now remains on extending his dominance in the sport for years to come.
