After Luke Littler’s sensational rise to the world darts final last year at the age of 16, many fans wondered if it would be a one-off.

But the youngster showed he is here to stay with Dutchman Michael van Gerwen, 35.

And Littler, nicknamed The Nuke, is being tipped to earn £50million over his career if winnings, ­sponsorships and endorsements continue as they are. The 17-year-old earned £1m in prize money last year, despite his final loss to Luke Humphries, and is believed to have added £2m in lucrative sponsorship deals.

It comes as the today reveals exclusive pictures of Littler leaving London’s Alexander Palace with his family after his ­semi-final victory on Thursday. Sponsorship and marketing consultant Nigel Currie said: “It’s just perfect timing for Luke.

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“Darts continues to grow and it’s ­lucrative for all players, especially top ones. The TV viewing figures are incredible and the money is pouring into the sport like never before.

“It’s an unbelievable story to have such a young player at the top. He earned over £1m in prize money last year, and I suspect at least the same in ­sponsorship money, if not more.

“That is only going to get bigger and will make him a very rich young man indeed. The sky is the limit.

“A lot of potential sponsors will have been holding back last year, waiting to see if it was a fluke tournament. But he has proven he is here to stay. He will be the pin-up boy of the sport for many years. The sponsors will be queuing up.

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“Darts players can play into their 40s and still be at the top of their game. And there is a high chance of cracking the American market.

“Every sport needs heroes. Snooker had Alex Higgins and Ronnie O’Sullivan, tennis had John McEnroe. Now darts has a hero in Luke Littler.”

, regarded as the sport’s greatest player, made £12m in a 36-year career. But most of his wins came when there was little interest in sport and less prize money. Van Gerwen, is the current richest player, with £9m.

Runcorn-born Littler was unknown outside of the darts a little more than a year ago. But all eyes were suddenly on him last year. He is known to love kebabs and pizzas, and was seen with a vape outside ­Ally Pally on Thursday, the venue of last night’s final.

But former darts champ Dennis Priestley, 74, warned him to look after his health for a long career.

He said: “While he’s young, Littler can get away with bad habits. He should shed some weight. To keep on the treadmill of darts, he may have to go on a treadmill of his own.”

Littler, who won the Young Sports Personality of the Year award last month, has been staying in a rented London flat. In October he moved into a Warrington mansion with shop worker mum Lisa Littler, 40, and dad Anthony Buckley, 43, a cabbie.