Luke Littler's retirement hint, tournament withdrawal and theory on what he really means

Darts lovers and sports fans have come up with a gaming-inspired theory after Luke Littler appeared to hint at retirement in a social media post. On Thursday, the reigning World Darts champion announced that he would be 'taking a step back' to do something that he loved.

The cryptic post sparked multiple theories, with some suggesting that he was walking away from the oche, despite his astronomic rise in the last 18 months. Some joined the dots and believe that Littler may be moving to the realm of video games ahead of the release of EA Sports FC 26.

The social media post came as a shock with Littler looking to surpass current world number one Luke Humphries ahead of his defence at the Alexandra Palace next year. There are host of tournaments that the Warrington-born darts player can get his hands on in the coming months with the prize money in excess of £1.5million.

The 18-year-old is well-known for his love of the football video game EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) having mixed with football heroes and online personalities since he became a household name in the sport of Darts.

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EA Sports FC theory emerges after Littler announcement

The theories were sparked after Littler's 50 second video was posted across social media. "I've had an awesome career, I couldn't have asked for much better for myself," he said as he sat down in the chair with sombre music playing in the background.

"You know it's been full on for two years, I've done many great things, the Premier League at the age of 17 on debut, the nine-darters on tele, winning the World Championships at 18 - the youngest to ever do it.

"I just want to say thanks to all my fans for the support over the last two years, it's been phenomenal.

"It'll shock some people that I'm taking a step back, it's not been an easy decision, now I want to do something that I love." At the end of the video, he can be heard saying: "Do you think they'll fall for that?"

It comes amid the release date for EAFC on Friday, for those with early access, ahead of the full global release at the end of September. Littler is known to be a keen player of the video game and many believe his video is a nod to the game.

Pre-match routine playing FIFA 'upsets' opponents

According to darts commentator Dan Dawson, Littler's pre-match routine of sweets and playing FIFA upset his fellow professionals.

During his participation in the Dutch Masters in 2024, before taking on Dirk van Duijvenbode in his opening match, Littler was said to have been spotted scrolling through his Ultimate Team on the EAFC 24 Web App.

Then 17, Littler would go on to beat Van Duijvenbode in front of a home crowd before he progressed with wins over Humphries and Gerwyn Price before he slipped to a 8-6 defeat against Michael van Gerwen.

Luke Littler's bizarre admission in FIFA claim

His love for the football simulation game doesn't stop there. Littler has gone live on social media platform TikTok playing the video game and featured prominently with online personality Angry Ginge and Manchester United hero Wayne Rooney.

During an interview with The Mirror, he revealed that he isn't a fan of television and opts to watch YouTube or other online platforms including his time on Pro Clubs, a feature on EAFC.

"I don't watch the telly - I'm just a YouTube or a TikTok guy," he confessed.

"I usually watch the Sidemen. Sometimes, I watch us back on Pro Clubs, me and AngryGinge."

Littler added: "It's just a case of being at home. The Xbox, it's always going to be there.

"So there's always time to chill out and to come home and see my friends... FIFA is my favourite game because I'm live-streaming now. So people can watch it."

Hilarious FIFA points quip after £200,000 win

In late 2023 and early 2024, Littler hit astronomic heights after reaching the World Darts Championship final as a 16-year-old after qualifying as a wildcard.

The jaw-dropping display earned him global media coverage and thrust the sport to the forefront of the conversation.

Despite not being old enough to drive, Littler banked an eye-watering £200,000 for his route to the final, where he lost out to Humphries - earning revenge 12 months on when he became the youngest-ever winner of the World Darts Champion.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Radio after his heroics in his first Championships, he joked that he would spend some of his lucrative prize money on FIFA points, a virtual currency for the games Ultimate Team game mode.

“No idea. The first thing that comes into my head is FIFA points,” he responded with a chuckle.

Littler accused of pulling out of tournament

This time last year, Littler was accused of pulling out of the Hungarian Darts Trophy to play the newly released EA Sports FC. Reports on social media suggested that the release for the 2025 edition of the video game was a reason for his absence from the tournament in Budapest.

In a tongue-in-cheek response, Littler posted a comment: "What a coincidence,” accompanied by a tongue-sticking emoji. The Hungarian Darts Trophy returns this weekend but Littler will be in attendance in Budapest as he is due to face either Joe Cullen ir Lukas Wenig.

Should Littler be playing EAFC, he will have until 6pm on Saturday before he steps up to the oche.