Quick Read
- Luke Littler defeated Ryan Searle 6-1 to reach his third World Darts Championship final.
- ‘Angry Ginge,’ recent ‘I’m A Celebrity’ winner, cheered Littler on at Alexandra Palace.
- Littler faced crowd criticism but remained focused, supported by his family and friends.
On a charged Friday night at Alexandra Palace, Luke Littler again proved why he’s the talk of the darts world. The 18-year-old “Nuke” powered through his semi-final, defeating Ryan Searle 6-1 to secure a spot in his third straight World Darts Championship final—a feat almost unheard of for someone his age. With the sport’s record £1 million prize looming, Littler’s dominance was on full display, and the crowd’s reaction was anything but subdued.
Littler’s Relentless Form and Searle’s Remarkable Challenge
Littler’s path to the final was defined by precision and composure. After dropping the opening set, he shifted gears, rattling off 11 consecutive legs. His match stats were eye-catching: a 105.35 average, 10 maximum 180s, and a 59% checkout rate. The only blemish was missing the elusive nine-dart finish—twice coming close, only for Searle to land a “Big Fish” 170 checkout that briefly stole the spotlight. Yet, Littler’s dominance never waned.
Ryan Searle’s journey to the semi-final was itself a story of grit. The 38-year-old, battling Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy—a condition that impairs his vision—had dropped just two sets en route to the last four. His rise to world number eight was a testament to his skill and determination. Littler was quick to acknowledge Searle’s achievement, telling Sky Sports, “Big shout to Ryan, he has done amazing this tournament, he can be proud.”
‘Angry Ginge’: Celebrity Support and Jungle Fame
Among the crowd, one face drew nearly as much attention as the players: Morgan Burtwistle, better known as “Angry Ginge.” Fresh off his triumph in ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!—where he shattered voting records and was crowned King of the Jungle in December 2025—Angry Ginge was there cheering Littler on. Their friendship is well documented; Littler and his family rallied for Burtwistle during his jungle stint, and the darts star had personally invited his celebrity pal to Ally Pally for this crucial match.
With other notable supporters present, including musician Lewis Capaldi, the occasion took on a celebratory air. Littler’s walk-on included embraces with his parents, Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler, and a kiss from his girlfriend, Faith Millar—an image of a young champion buoyed by his inner circle.
Family, Criticism, and Defiance: Navigating Fame’s Turbulence
Littler’s remarkable rise has not been without controversy. Despite his performances, he faced boos from the crowd—most notably during his last-16 win over Rob Cross. Littler responded directly, telling fans, “You guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize money. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Come on!” His unfiltered reply drew both applause and criticism, with some fans branding him “arrogant” online.
The tension spilled onto social media, where Littler’s mother, Lisa, became a vocal defender. Responding to criticism and insults, she did not hold back, mocking detractors and defending her son’s achievements. Her posts, often laced with sarcasm and emojis, highlighted the family’s resilience against negativity.
Even as the debate raged, Littler kept his focus. “I’ve got to focus on my game. It’s easy to get caught up in all the attention, but at the end of the day, it’s just me and the oche,” he told reporters. His sights are set on Saturday’s final, where he will face either Gary Anderson or Gian van Veen—a chance to become the first to defend the title in a decade.
Making History: Littler’s Meteoric Rise
Littler’s journey is one of rapid ascent and historic achievement. He stunned the darts world in the 2023/2024 championship, reaching the final as a debutant but falling short against Luke Humphries. He rebounded in the 2024/2025 tournament, defeating Michael van Gerwen to become the youngest world champion ever—just 17 years and 347 days old—and claimed the world number one spot. Now, defending his title and aiming for a second championship, Littler stands at the threshold of another milestone.
The Alexandra Palace crowd may be divided, but Littler’s talent is not in question. With celebrity friends, unwavering family support, and a steely determination, he enters the final ready to further cement his legacy.
Based on the available facts, Luke Littler’s ability to remain focused amid intense scrutiny and public debate, bolstered by strong personal relationships and resilience, has been key to his continued success on darts’ biggest stage.