At 17 years old, Luke Littler is perhaps the most famous dart player in the world, but Chris Mason believes the teenager will be done with the sport by the age of 30.
‘The Nuke’ has not yet been a professional player for six months, but has already achieved more than most will in their entire careers.
Last Thursday, he captured the Premier League to add to his World Championship final and his three Pro Tour titles.
The teenager’s success has already netted him over £600k in prize money but speaking on Matt Edgar’s YouTube channel, Mason and Edgar believe the riches of the sport could quench the youngster’s thirst.
Chris Mason suggests Luke Littler will retire early
As darts continues to boom, the money in the sport grows.
This is likely to increase significantly in the future with potential interest from Saudi Arabia and Mason and Edgar believe this could dampen Littler’s passion for the sport.
Mason said: “Even then, he’s in a position where he could have the longevity, but he will earn so much money, I think he will be out very quickly.”
Edgar added: “I agree, I don’t see him going beyond 30,” which prompted a comparison to the legendary Phil Taylor from Mason.
“Oh absolutely not, he has 13 years. Will he be around in 13 years? I don’t know. There’s so much money in the game, keeping that desire Phil had? I remember him winning that 10th world title. I remember the emotion and drive Phil had from winning it and I was like ‘How do you still apply yourself so religiously?’”
Is it too early to predict Luke Littler’s future?
Mapping out Littler’s future career is a near-impossible task with so many variables to consider.
In addition to his prize money, the newly crowned Premier League champion will have very lucrative sponsorship deals therefore money will not be a concern for ‘The Nuke’.
Darts can be a fickle sport though.
Similar conversations were had about Michael van Gerwen as he dominated the field in his 20s, though the three-time World Champion is finding success rare now with Mason concerned about the Dutchman.
The next few years will reveal how much hunger the Warrington teen has and whether the money in his bank account will stifle his desire for a long career.