Anyone aiming to get too close to darts sensation Luke “The Nuke” Littler should probably think again, as the new darts world champion has boosted security.
The 17-year-old world champion’s management has employed a burly minder to protect him. The move comes weeks after his remarkable 7-3 victory against Michael Van Gerwen at London’s Alexandra Palace.
A source said: “Luke is now one of the most recognisable faces in the country and has a lot of new fans. Sometimes people can be a little overzealous when they see him, so it’s sensible to have someone alongside him who can step in to help if needed.”
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The darts sensation was grabbed by a fan during an event
Tattooed tough guy Peter Purkins has worked as part of security teams at professional darts events in the UK and Europe. He has also provided security at top football matches, where he has been spotted alongside players-turned-pundits including Thierry Henry and Peter Crouch.
Luke, who won the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award last month, reportedly had to be rescued by security in March after being grabbed by a fan before his Premier League clash with Michael van Gerwen in Belfast. He has become one of the biggest names in British sport since reaching last year’s PDC World Darts Championship final.
The decision comes weeks after his maiden world title win
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He repeated the feat on January 3 and won the crown by beating Dutch legend Van Gerwen, 35, making him the youngest person ever to win the tournament and pocketing the £500,000 prize. It is believed Luke has made up to £3million in prizes and deals in the past 12 months, and experts suggest he could make £50m over his career.
The star, who will turn 18 later this month, has said he is keen to buy a Mercedes A-Class car, despite not yet having passed his driving test. Luke moved into a mansion in Warrington, Cheshire, with shop-worker mum Lisa Littler, 40, and cabbie dad Anthony Buckley, 43, in October.
The family soaked up some sun in Benidorm last week after his win where he watched his big brother in a darts competition. The thrifty star flew out on budget airline Ryanair, despite winning £500,000 following his historic World Darts Championship victory last week.
Luke was joined by his parents Lisa and Anthony, along with sister Caitlin and brother Leon, who took his partner and baby. While in Spain Luke, who turns 18 in a couple of weeks, visited the Bar Players Sports Bar, in Albir where he watched 21-year-old Leon take part in a darts contest.
The bar posted pictures of the champ on social media, writing: “Last night saw the first darts tournament of 2025 and what a night it was. With a special appearance from the Darts Champion of the World Luke Littler and his family and friends.
“We were very honoured to be in the company of an amazing dart player and person. With Luke’s brother Leon taking part the night was a great one as you can expect.”