Luke Littler is a snapshot of everything that makes Britain great after World Darts Championship triumph
WATCH NOW: Luke Littler on Bullseye
I’ve never really understood the whole “darts isn’t a sport debate”. More often than not it’s a pointless argument, spouted by elitist snobs who wouldn’t be seen within a mile of a working man’s club with a set of arrows.
I grew up playing the sport. My two older brothers rarely let me throw though. Instead, they tasked me to keep score - ensuring I developed a very unique way to answer maths questions at junior school. Two times 20 quickly became double top in my exercise books much to the bemusement of my teacher.
But, as is often the case in the is-it-or-isn’t-it-a-sport debate, the truth lies in the details.
Skill. Talent. Endurance. Nerve. Mental strength.
Luke Littler won the World Darts Championship on Friday night with a thumping win over Michael van Gerwen
PA
They are the pillars which define any great sportsman. Greats like Sir Chris Hoy, who handed over the trophy to Luke Littler at the Ally Pally last night.
The blanket media coverage which will now follow as Luke prepares for a red carpet return in proud Warrington isn’t just because he is a 17-year-old wonderkid. It’s because he’s totally relatable, he’s pitch perfect in interviews and - most importantly - he’s proved if you get your head down and just work really, really hard in life your dreams actually can come true.
Of all the pictures that have emerged following Luke’s 7-3 win last night against Michael Van Gerwen one stands out more than any other.
It shows Luke proudly lifting his trophy next to his parents Lisa, 40, and dad Anthony, 43.
Anthony, a taxi-driver from Warrington, is Luke’s biggest champion. It was his father who persuaded Luke to kick football into touch at the age of nine and focus on darts. From there he never really looked back.
“I wasn’t really into school much,” Luke has been reported as saying. “It was always just darts.”
The hours of dedication Luke put in was matched by his parents. They’ve travelled hundreds of thousands of miles ferrying Luke to tournaments across the UK and Europe.
Never brash or in your face. They are always just there. At his side. Supporting their son.
Even on Friday, after he’d won, you sensed they probably had to be persuaded to put on a purple replica Luke The Nuke shirt and take to the stage.
But it was right they did because without them Luke wouldn’t have been holding that trophy.
And perhaps that’s the reason so many people across the country have become gripped by Littler fever.
This is the story of a normal kid from a normal family doing something totally abnormal.
It could be the kid-next door or over the road. Maybe next time it will be?
For Luke, superstardom now awaits. According to many experts he could well end up being worth £50m.
That's not bad for a lad who still can’t have his first legal pint until January 21.
Luke Littler is up to No 2 in the PDC Order of Merit following his triumph at the World Darts Championship
PA
With fame and wealth comes risk. But, so far, those managing Luke’s career haven’t put a foot wrong.
And Luke appears to have surrounded himself with a strong network of family and friends who will hopefully ensure he remains grounded.
Many will be putting up the bunting this weekend in Warrington. The Cheshire-town where Luke hails from is busy planning a Coronation.
To the outside world it’s the homecoming of the King of darts. But speak to folk in the town, and to them, it’s the return of one of their own. The homecoming of a local kid who did good - and who puts the Great into Britain.
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