Luke Littler's burgeoning wealth and stardom will not go to his head, insists older brother Leon. '' is the talk of British sport right now after romping to victory at the PDC World Darts Championship, smashing in Friday's final at the age of just 17.

The 7-3 victory over the three-time world champion saw him collect the top prize of £500,000, adding to the £1million he banked in 2024 from winning tournaments like the Premier League and the Grand Slam. Littler has also topped up his earnings by signing lucrative endorsement deals, with after claiming the biggest title in darts.

Littler's family has been the backbone of his success, with his father, Anthony Buckley, getting him into the sport at just 18 months old. Brother Leon, 21, who was from his younger brother in the aftermath of the World final, is adamant Luke's success won't change him.

Leon said last year of his sibling, as per "Nothing's changed Luke and I know nothing ever will. He's very down to earth and keeps his feet on the ground. He's still the caring and devoted brother who grew up with me."

Littler's answer when asked about money supports Leon's faith. Shortly after winning the World Series Finals and £80,000, he revealed he had bought himself a "nice bag" with his winnings.

Littler, who turns 18 later this month, will be a tad more extravagant, though, in the wake of his half-a-million-pound payday. He revealed: "I've always loved a Mercedes A-Class - just a small car. Last year, I was looking at driving, and I loved the Ford Focus, but now I've gone up in the world just a little!

"I haven't had driving lessons yet because it's been so hectic, but I'm going to have to do it before I get into my 20s when it'll be too late and I can't be bothered. If I get a car, it won't be a birthday present from anyone. I think it would have to be a birthday present from me to me."

Littler's humbleness will please some darts legends who have aired concerns about how having so much so young could change him. Bobby George, a one of the greats of the 80s, said: "Money and fame, it can be awkward for some people. People can change. My advice to him would be to simply keep his feet on the ground and do exactly what he's done all year. Play darts and don't get involved in people saying, 'sign this contract, do this', because there's a lot of sharks out there."

Meanwhile, Phil Taylor advised Littler to skip last month's BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, which took place in the early stages of the World Championship. The Power said: "If I was Luke's manager I'd tell him, 'sorry, you're not going'. Do you want to hang out with a few celebrities on a red carpet, or do you want to win £500,000?"

Littler ignored that advice and picked up the Young Sportsperson of the Year gong and came second for the main award behind Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson, before going on to lift the Worlds title - showing what a journey it's been to date for him and his family.