Luke Littler skips BBC Sports Personality of the Year for World Championship focus
Luke Littler has confirmed he won’t be heading to next week’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, choosing instead to keep his eyes firmly on the prize at Alexandra Palace, reports BritPanorama.
The teenage darts sensation began his World Championship defence with a convincing 3-0 victory over Darius Labanauskas. He is now aiming for the first £1 million jackpot in the sport’s history.
“No, I’m not going to it,” Littler said, suggesting a strong intent to focus on his performance. The 18-year-old’s second-round match is scheduled just 48 hours after the awards gala at MediaCity in Salford on December 18, making his decision understandable.
Aside from prioritising his title defence, Littler has expressed his thoughts on the awards. He firmly believes that Formula One world champion Lando Norris will claim the trophy this year, a sentiment echoed by betting odds. “I think obviously the people in the top three on the betting odds will obviously go there. I think Lando will win,” he explained.
Currently, Littler is positioned fourth in the betting at 14-1, trailing behind Ryder Cup hero Rory McIlroy, Norris, and Lionesses star Chloe Kelly. His competition includes noteworthy athletes such as England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and rugby union World Cup winner Ellie Kildunne. “Good luck to whoever’s going to win it,” Littler added.
This year has marked a significant rise for the Warrington prodigy, who became the youngest world champion in January and subsequently accumulated five more major TV titles, reaching the status of the sport’s youngest world number one.
Last year, Littler finished as the runner-up in the public vote for the award, narrowly losing to Olympic 800 metres gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson. Reflecting on his year, he noted, “I think I’ve only missed out on four majors this year. So if I’d won them, do I win it? Who knows?”
Skipping the ceremony is not new; other stars, such as Jude Bellingham, have made similar choices in the past. This year’s 72nd annual awards night, hosted by Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott, will take place without Littler in attendance as he prepares for his next crucial match against either Belgium’s Mario Vandenbogaerde or Welshman David Davies.
While the world of sport often collides with glamour and accolades, Littler’s decision prioritises competitive commitment over public appearance, amplifying the notion that in darts, as in other sports, focus can often mean the difference between glory and regret.
