The Upshot Luke Littler: Darts. Kebabs. Vapes. In that order.
Jan 2, 2026
Ruth Husko, a comedian and darts enthusiast, joins the conversation to dissect the meteoric rise of Luke Littler, darts' young sensation. They explore Luke's talent emerging as a toddler, his early competitions in pubs, and the pivotal decision to focus on darts over football. The podcast dives into his infamous 2023 World Championship run, the impact of social media and Xbox culture on his fame, and how he manages his newfound celebrity status. With hilarious anecdotes, including his splurges on kebabs and vapes, Husko adds color to Littler's unique journey.
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Prodigy From The Pub
- Luke Littler started throwing darts as a toddler after his dad bought a magnetic board and progressed to a proper board by age four.
- By six he was playing in pubs several times a week and hitting 180s, showing early parental support and immersion.
COVID Tournaments Fast-Tracked Development
- Online webcam tournaments during COVID accelerated Luke's exposure and competition experience.
- His dominance online provoked cheating accusations that he publicly vowed to dispel on the live stage.
16-Year-Old Crowd Favorite
- At 16 Littler arrived at Alexandra Palace and won over crowds with chants like "you've got school in the morning."
- His confidence and crowd interaction became a defining part of his breakthrough.