Luke Littler, known as ‘The Nuke,’ has confirmed his participation in the upcoming PDC World Youth Championship following his recent victory at the World Grand Prix where he defeated world No. 1 Luke Humphries in a 6-1 final showdown held in Leicester.
This win marks a significant milestone in Littler’s career, adding another prestigious trophy to his collection. Despite his young age of 18, Littler expressed his hunger for further success by announcing his entry into the World Youth Championship starting in Wigan on Monday.
Having previously clinched the tournament title in 2023 by defeating Gian van Veen in the final, Littler remains eligible to compete in the championship, which caters to players aged between 16 and 23. His decision to participate comes with no restrictions based on his ranking or achievements on the main PDC circuit.
In a statement to Sky Sports, Littler shared his excitement about joining the World Youth Championship, emphasizing his intention to enjoy the experience and give his best effort on the competition day. Fans have shown their support for Littler’s decision, acknowledging the impact his participation may have on the event.
With his recent success at the World Grand Prix, Littler now trails Humphries by a mere £70,000 in the PDC Order of Merit rankings. Surpassing Humphries could potentially lead Littler to claim the coveted world No. 1 position in a remarkably short period on the circuit.
Reflecting on his journey to winning the World Grand Prix, Littler highlighted the challenges he faced and the satisfaction of overcoming formidable opponents to secure the title. His determination to continue striving for success was evident as he expressed his goal of reaching the top spot in the rankings and maintaining consistent performance pressure on his competitors.