
In 2024, LUKE LITTLER has embarked on an amazing journey, with unwavering support from his parents along the way.
This article explores the lives of darts star’s parents, Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler, as Luke aims for success in the 2024/25 World Darts Championship.
Who Are Luke Littler’s Parents?
Luke Littler‘s parents are Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler.
Not only are they his parents, but Anthony and Lisa are also his most ardent supporters.
They have been by Luke’s side throughout his darts career since he was a child.
To facilitate Luke’s growth in the sport, his parents acquired a “real” dartboard and took him to local pubs for practice.
What Do Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler Do?
Luke’s father, Anthony, is a taxi driver based in Warrington, Cheshire.
Meanwhile, his mother, Lisa, is employed at a shop that specializes in scented candles.
Reflecting on Luke’s path in the sport, Buckley mentioned to The Times: “He was an excellent football player and enjoyed football, just like many kids. But at nine, I encouraged him to focus on darts.”
“He could still play football for fun, but if there was a darts tournament on the weekend, that should come first.”
“I recognized his talent in darts — and he has proven that belief right.”
“After I motivated him to continue with darts, he was all in. We entered every competition we could find online.”
“Often, we were up at 7am on my only day off to take him to darts practice. There were no lazy mornings for us.”
What Age Are Luke Littler’s Parents?
Currently, Luke’s father Anthony is 43 years old.
His mother, Lisa, is 40 years old.
On social media, she often celebrates her son’s accomplishments in the sport.
Lisa was the one who shared a touching video of 18-month-old Luke laughing as he threw darts while wearing a nappy.
When he first joined as a toddler, it was clear he was something special, consistently improving year after year.
Karl Holden
Are Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler Involved in Luke’s Darts Career?
A video surfaced in December 2023 featuring a young Luke, just 18 months old, throwing darts at a magnetic board.
This board was a gift from his dad, Anthony Buckley, who has also enjoyed darts casually.
Luke’s dart-throwing technique was evident even at this young age.
Seven years later, he began training at the prestigious St Helens Darts Shop, which has developed numerous professional players, including Michael Smith, Dave Chisnall, and Stephen Bunting.
Luke’s childhood trainer, Karl Holden, who worked with him at the shop located northeast of Liverpool city center, noted that Luke was already outperforming his competitors by the age of nine.
He said, “He’s been here since he was nine. We are all incredibly proud of him.”
“From the moment he first walked in as a child, it was clear he possessed exceptional talent, and he improved significantly year after year.”
“We moved him up to the U14s at just nine years old, and within three months, he was beating everyone easily.”
He added, “At nine, he was astonishing. Before his eleventh birthday, he was extraordinarily skilled.”
“He is truly a natural talent; I’d liken him to the (Cristiano) Ronaldo of darts.”
“At just 16, he is already competing among the top players globally.”
By age 11, he was challenging and defeating adult players.
The following year, he competed against Humphries at a tournament on Hayling Island — a competitor he would later meet again in the world championship final, where he lost 7-4.
This matchup occurred in November 2019, as Humphries, now 28, triumphed over Littler.
In hindsight, Littler remarked: “I lost in the quarter-finals at the Hayling Island tournament to Luke Humphries; I missed a few vital chances to take the lead and a bull for a 164, but it was a great match.”
Discussing his extraordinary journey with the BBC, Littler revealed: “At four, I upgraded to an official board. Since I was 18 months, I’ve been practicing continuously.”
“After moving to Warrington around the age of eight or nine, we started going to pubs four to five times a week for practice.”
Littler has gained many new fans with his remarkable ascent, yet his father Anthony has always been his most devoted supporter.
A post from Junior Darts Co back in 2017 featured Anthony stating, “Watch for 10-year-old Luke Littler this year!”
Both of Luke’s parents were at Ally Pally, cheering for him during his incredible run in the 2023/24 PDC World Darts Championship.
Following his victory over Campbell, Littler said: “I felt emotional when I spotted my mom in the crowd.”
“She looked anxious, covering her face with her hands. I reassured her by saying, ‘The dream goes on,’ and she echoed that back to me.”
Luke is gearing up to compete in the Darts Premier League 2024, having secured a spot in the lineup following his impressive showing at the World Championships earlier this year.