'Completing it within 18 months, it's just crazy': Luke Littler continues to talk up 'controversial' Triple Crown success

Luke Littler has arrived in Sydney, competing for the second time at the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong. This stop is part of the World Series. Ahead of the tournament, he spoke with news.com.au about his meteoric rise in the darts world and the milestones he has already achieved at a young age.

In January 2024, he amazed friend and foe alike with his fairytale advance to the World Cup final at Alexandra Palace. The then 16-year-old sensation eventually lost in a spectacular final battle to Luke Humphries, but since then everything has changed. Far from becoming a one-day wonder, Littler became the new face of the sport. He won the Premier League Darts in May 2024, and his first ranking major followed at the Grand Slam of Darts. This year, Littler became world champion after all, after which he also won the UK Open and World Matchplay. This made him, at the age of 18, the fifth player ever to capture the illustrious "Triple Crown" in darts.

Controversial as for many it is not something that exists especially given the Premier League is an invitational event.

“Completing it within 18 months, it’s just crazy,” the teenager said," Littler says. “Obviously joining the list of only four or five players now to have completed it is a really big achievement. I’ve reflected a little bit, not had much time, but I know for myself what I’ve done for my friends and family.”

Meanwhile, his life has completely changed. With 1.9 million Instagram followers, he has become one of the UK's most popular athletes and is named as a top favorite for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Yet it's the ordinary things that keep him busy. Like ... passing his driving test, which for now is not going according to plan.

“It’s not easy is it. When I book one in (a test), once I’m back home, it’ll be number six. So hopefully sixth time lucky. But it’s one of the things. I want to get out there with my mates and obviously as an 18-year-old you just want to go out on drives with your mates. I hope that can pass very soon and be on the road.”

Because of his status as one of England's most popular athletes, Littler gets opportunities that ordinary people can only dream of. The best moment for Littler was the opportunity to show off his World Cup at Old Trafford at halftime of a Manchester United game to the thousands of fans sitting in the stands.

“Just a crazy experience going there, meeting all the players, and taking the trophy on at half time at Old Trafford,” Littler said. "Hopefully I get down for the new season and see how the boys get on.”