Luke Littler publicly discusses his MBE award, shared with rival Luke Humphries, prior to his World Cup debut against Germany.
Unleashing the Darting Dynamos: Luke Humphries and Luke Littler Shine
Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, two young darting marvels, stole the spotlight this king's birthday as they bagged their well-deserved MBEs. The pair has been making waves in the world of darts, written in the annals of history for their impressive feats.
Grit, Glory, and Growing Influence
At only 18, The Nuke, Luke Littler, attained the distinction of the youngest-ever World Champion, and Humphries, recognized for his maiden Premier League crown, marked a phenomenal year for the sport. The 2024 World Championship final, which Humphries clinched, captivated a peak audience of 3,680,000, and their influence has only been surging since.
They join an elite club of six dart stars, including Fallon Sherrock, Keith Deller, John Lowe, Trina Gulliver, and the late Eric Bristow, to receive this prestigious honor.
Humphries and Littler: A Power Packed Pair
In a heartfelt interview with Sky Sports, Littler expressed his joy, stating, "I'm very happy for myself. I didn't think I'd ever receive one." Humphries concurred, speaking about the award as "An incredible privilege... it gives us a little bit more fire" to strive for more and grow their sport.
Together, they will represent Britain in the World Cup's last 16, facing Germany on Saturday. The duo aims to match the success of Humphries and Michael Smith from the previous year, who clinched the crown in a tournament mostly dominated by British teams since its inception in 2010.
Rising Stars, Sky High Goals
With Littler's academy nurturing the next generation of darting talents, the pair is optimistic about their upcoming World Cup stint. "For myself, like we've said, so early in our careers, but what I've done for myself, opening up my own darts academy, seeing the younger generation come up, it's a massive boost for us two," said Littler.
Keeping It Real
Humphries admitted to struggles with anxiety and panic attacks in the past, but the MBE serves as a testament to his resilience and success. He remains humble about his achievements, acknowledging the demands that come with professional darts and its toll on his mental health.
Humphries' and Littler's MBEs are more than just honors; they're a symbol of their impact on the sport, a beacon for the younger generation, and a fuel for their ambitions to take the sport to unimagined heights.
For a Deeper Dive
David Beckham's Emotional Journey to Knighthood - In Pair with Luke Littler's Gong
Humphries and Littler, following their MBEs, acknowledged the significance of their awards in furthering their ambitions in sports. In a Sky Sports interview, Luke Littler shared his excitement, comparing his honor to that of sporting icon, David Beckham, who also received a knighthood.
Both Humphries and Littler aspire to bring similar distinction to the sport of darts, striving to elevate it to new heights in the world of sports news.
