Luke Littler confirms shock career decision after decisive World Grand Prix win

Luke Littler has confirmed he'll be competing in the PDC World Youth Championship. 'The Nuke' triumphed at the World Grand Prix on Sunday night following a 6-1 victory over world No. 1 Luke Humphries in Leicester's final.

Littler claimed the title for the first time in his short but incredibly sweet career, securing another prestigious trophy for his collection. However, the 18-year-old's appetite for silverware was clear as he explained after the match that he will be heading to compete in the World Youth Championship, kicking off Monday in Wigan.

Littler has previously claimed the tournament crown in 2023, defeating Gian van Veen 6-4 in the final to pocket the £10,000 winner's cheque. Given the competition welcomes players aged between 16 and 23, Littler remains qualified to participate, with no limitations based on ranking or accomplishments on the primary PDC circuit, reports the Daily Star.

Littler sat out last year's competition, which saw Van Veen emerge victorious after edging past Jurjen van der Velde 6-5. Speaking to Sky Sports on Sunday, Littler said: "It's true, I'll go to the world youths tomorrow and just have a bit of fun, see everyone.

"I don't think anyone is going to be my friend tomorrow but it's 20 minutes up the road and I'll try my best."

Supporters flocked to social media to offer their sympathies to the remaining competitors now that Littler has entered the fray. One fan posted: "Big fan of Luke Littler announcing he's going to the World Youth Championship tomorrow."

Meanwhile, a second said: "There's gonna be some 16 year old who's worked his a*** off all year to get to the World Youth Championship getting drawn against Luke Littler in the first round and watch him pump in a 110 average."

Littler now trails Humphries by just £70,000 in the PDC Order of Merit and could claim the world No. 1 spot before he has even completed two years on the circuit. Littler's road to clinching the World Grand Prix was far from straightforward, seeing the better of stiff competition to reign victorious.

The youngster dispatched Van Veen 2-0 in his opening match before securing a win over Mike De Decker. A close-fought 3-2 win over Gerwyn Price then ensued, ahead of a 5-1 drubbing of Jonny Clayton.

Littler then secured the title with a 6-1 win over 'Cool Hand' Humphries. Speaking after his win, he said: "Yeah it feels amazing, probably one of the hardest majors to win apart from the World Championships.

"But just to obviously beat three, four previous champions who have won in the past all in a row, and then to pick up the trophy, just feels amazing."

He added: "Until I get that World No. 1 spot I'll never call myself the best in the world. Whoever is No. 1, they're the best.

"But knowing I'm only £70,000 in prize money behind Luke, and then he's got to defend all of his prize money at the Grand Prix, the Players Championships and the World Championships. So yeah, I don't want to think about it too much, but I could be No. 1 before the World Championships.

"But I've just got to keep chugging away, and put as much pressure as I can on Luke."