Luke Littler becomes first-ever darts player nominated for prestigious award

Luke Littler has made history by receiving a nomination for the prestigious Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award.

The teenage sensation is the first-ever darts player to be shortlisted for the prize, and will go head-to-head with Formula One star Lando Norris after both were recognised for outstanding years.

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Littler enjoyed a stellar 2025 season, lifting six televised majors, which included lifting his maiden world title in January.

This saw him become the youngest ever PDC World Darts champion, a crown he went on to successfully defend earlier this year.

In a glittering 12-month period, ‘The Nuke’ also completed the sport’s Triple Crown, by adding the World Matchplay to his 2024 Premier League title to his world title triumph.

‘Huge honour’

Reacting to his landmark award nomination, Littler revealed he was keen to continue growing the sport of darts.

He said: ‘’Being nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award is a huge honour – especially being the first darts player to get recognised on this list.

“It’s been an incredible 12 months and becoming double World Champion and World no.1 is a dream come true but I don’t want to stop there – I want to continue raising the profile of darts globally and bringing new fans into the sport.

“The nomination is a big moment for me and the sport of darts as a whole.”

Star-studded field

Having become the youngest-ever player in the sport to soar to world no.1 at just 18, it is hard to rival Littler’s 2025 exploits.

But he is joined by a host of stars on the Breakthrough award shortlist, namely fellow Brit Norris.

The 26-year-old is up for the prize after winning seven Grands Prix in 2025 on his way to a maiden Formula One Drivers’ Championship title with McLaren.

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Among the other nominees for the Breakthrough of the Year award are Paris Saint-Germain star Desire Doue, tennis player Joao Fonseca, NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 12-year-old swimming prodigy Yu Zidi.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Madrid on 20 April.

There is plenty more British representation among the nominees in other categories at the Laureus World Sports Awards

England women’s football team, McLaren Formula One team and the European Ryder Cup side have all been shortlisted for World Team of the Year.

The Lionesses famously defended their European Championship title at Euro 2025 with a thrilling penalty shoot-out win over Spain.

Meanwhile, Team Europe secured their first away win in the Ryder Cup since 2012 by clinching glory at Bethpage Black in New York.

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As for the Laureus World Comeback of the Year award, Masters champion Rory McIlroy, Lionesses captain Leah Williamson and cyclist Simon Yates have all been shortlisted.

Award winners from seven categories will be chosen by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, with the winner being announced at a glitzy ceremony.

2026 will mark the 26th edition of the awards gong, which first began in Monaco in 2000.