Luke Littler leaked birth certificate after real age challenged | Other | Sport
World darts champion Luke Littler has secured his second Ally Pally triumph before reaching his 19th birthday. ‘The Nuke’ exploded into action against Gian van Veen in Saturday’s final, sealing a commanding 6-1 victory to defend his title.
As if Littler’s extraordinary abilities weren’t bewildering enough, the reality that he’s achieved such heights at just 18 is truly remarkable. In fact, his prowess on the grandest stages is so great that investigators have even gone to the lengths of digging up his genuine birth certificate. Littler’s age has faced scrutiny at every opportunity since he reached his debut World Darts Championship final at 16 before claiming his first title last year, aged 17. He’s now secured two titles in 12 months, just before his 19th birthday, reviving memories of when he faced questions about his age and mature appearance on live radio.
During a talkSPORT interview in January 2024, Andy Goldstein disclosed that he had a wager with a colleague that the teenager was actually older than stated. However, the Warrington-born sensation did his utmost to dispel any suspicions.
His reply to Goldstein demonstrated all the assurance of someone far beyond his years as he said: “You’ve had a bet? You’ve lost your money there, because I’m 16.”
Many supporters have remarked on Littler’s looks, implying he’s older than he says in recent times. The youngster has sported a full beard practically since entering the spotlight, with many fans suggesting he’s deceived everyone to prolong his career.
Littler went on: “I’d say [I’ve had the beard] a good two years now.” To settle the matter once and for all, what appears to be Littler’s genuine birth certificate was previously shared online.
TalkTV published an image of the document in January 2024 with the caption: “Proof he really is a wonderkid.” The paperwork shows he was born at North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust Warrington on January 21, 2007, which would confirm he’s due to celebrate his 19th birthday this month.
The Nuke has certainly made it a memorable occasion after demolishing Van Veen in such commanding style. In doing so, he also shattered prize money records by becoming the first player to claim the PDC’s bumper £1million winner’s cheque.
This triumph means he’s now accumulated over £3m in total prize earnings since joining the PDC. Nevertheless, he’ll be forced to surrender nearly half of Saturday’s windfall to the taxman.
With the Sid Waddell Trophy back in his grasp, Littler reflected at Saturday’s press conference: “It’s what dreams are made of. Nothing will ever beat a first world title – for anyone, in any sport, because that’s the first time you’ve done it. But this was all about retaining it. To go back-to-back feels amazing.”
Yet as he approaches his 19th birthday, he’s barely scratched the surface of his potential as he declared: “I want to dominate everything, I want to try to win everything.”
