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LUKE LITTLER has experienced a phenomenal 2024, with his parents supporting him every step of the way.
This article delves into the lives of darts star’s parents, Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler, as Luke sets his sights on the 2024/25 World Darts Championship.
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Who are Luke Littler’s Parents?
Luke Littler’s parents are Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler.
In addition to being his parents, Anthony and Lisa are also The Nuke’s most devoted fans.
They have been by Luke’s side throughout his darts journey since he was just a little one.
To foster Luke’s development in the sport, his parents gifted him a “real” dartboard and brought him to local pubs for practice.
What are Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler’s Occupations?
Luke’s father, Anthony, is a taxi driver based in Warrington, Cheshire.
On the other hand, his mother, Lisa, works at a shop specializing in scented candles.
Reflecting on Luke’s path in the sport, Buckley told The Times: “He was an amazing footballer and loved playing football, like many kids. But when he turned nine, I suggested he concentrate on darts.
“He could continue playing football for fun, but if there was a darts competition on weekends, that should take priority.”
“I saw potential in him for darts — and he has proven me right.”
“When I encouraged him to keep pursuing darts, he agreed wholeheartedly. We registered him for every competition we could find online.”
“At times, we were getting up at 7 am on my only day off to take him to practice. There were definitely no lazy mornings.”
How Old Are Luke Littler’s Parents?
Currently, Luke’s father Anthony is 43 years old.
His mother Lisa is 40 years old.
Lisa often shares her pride for her son’s incredible achievements in the sport on social media.
She was the one who posted the adorable video of 18-month-old Luke laughing and tossing darts while still in his nappy.
When he first started coming as a child, it was evident that he was exceptional and kept improving every year.
Karl Holden
Are Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler Involved in Luke’s Darts Career?
In December 2023, a video emerged featuring a toddler Luke, just 18 months old, throwing darts at a magnetic board.
This board was a present from his dad, Anthony Buckley, who has also casually participated in darts.
Even at such a tender age, Luke’s dart-throwing technique was apparent.
Seven years later, he began training at the renowned St Helens Darts Shop, which has nurtured several successful players, including Michael Smith, Dave Chisnall, and Stephen Bunting.
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Luke’s childhood coach, Karl Holden, who trained him at the shop northeast of Liverpool city center, emphasized that he was already dominating rivals when he was just nine years old.
He stated, “He’s been visiting this shop since he was nine. We are all very proud of him.”
“From the moment he first came in as a child, it was clear he was special, and he continued to improve each year.”
“We moved him up to the U14s when he was only nine, and within three months, he was effortlessly defeating everyone.”
He added, “At nine, he was already impressive, and before turning 11, he was extraordinarily skilled.
“He’s genuinely a natural talent, to put it honestly; I’d liken him to the (Cristiano) Ronaldo of darts.”
“At 16, he is already among the top players in the world.”
By the age of 11, he was facing off against and defeating adult competitors.
The following year, he went up against Humphries — an opponent he later met in the world championship final, where he ultimately lost 7-4— during a competition on Hayling Island.
This match occurred in November 2019, as Humphries, now 28, triumphed over Littler.
Looking back, Littler commented: “I lost in the quarter-finals the previous night at the Hayling Island competition to Luke Humphries; I missed some chances to take the lead and a bull for a 164, but I played a great match.”
Discussing his remarkable journey with the BBC, Littler shared: “By the age of four, I transitioned to a proper dartboard. Since I was 18 months old, I’ve been training relentlessly.
“After moving to Warrington when I was around eight or nine, we began visiting pubs regularly, about four to five times a week for practice.”
Littler has garnered numerous new fans following his impressive rise to fame, but his father Anthony has always been his most loyal supporter.
In a 2017 social media post from Junior Darts Co, Anthony remarked, “Keep an eye on 10-year-old Luke Littler this year!”
Both of Luke’s parents were present at Ally Pally, enthusiastically supporting him during his outstanding performance in the 2023/24 PDC World Darts Championship.
After defeating Campbell, Littler remarked: “I started to get emotional when I noticed my mom in the stands.
“She seemed nervous, her head in her hands. I reassured her, saying, ‘The dream continues,’ to which she echoed my sentiment.”
Luke is set to compete in the Darts Premier League 2024, after earning his place in the lineup due to his remarkable performance at the World Championships earlier this year.
