Luke Littler is best known for his beyond impressive darts skills – and is currently ranked at number two in the world after soaring to notoriety when he reached the final of the PDC World Championship in 2024.
Just a year on, the 18-year-old, dubbed Luke the Nuke, has continued to take the sport’s world by storm.
And as well as bringing some much needed new life to the traditional pub game, the teen athlete has also shed a spotlight on another British classic – the humble kebab.
After each victory he has stuck to his familiar routine, celebrating with his family and tucking into the beloved wrap often enjoyed by clubgoers after a night out.
Aged 16 during his debut at Alexandra Palace in London in 2023, he revealed how the festivities would also includes ‘some bottle of coke, bottles of Fanta’ and ‘more vapes’.
His love of the delicacy is so well known that his local takeaway re-named his favourite offering after him- and said he can eat there for free.
Now the sporting star has teamed up with Deliveroo to reintroduce one of the takeaway delivery brand’s most iconic award categories – the newly named Luke Littler x Deliveroo Best Kebab Award.
Speaking to FEMAIL about his ambassadorship, Luke admitted he wants to ‘encourage the nation’ to celebrate their favourite local food spots after showing his hometown kebab lots of support.
Luke Littler is as well known for his love of kebabs as he is for his darts skills and with that in mind has teamed up with Deliveroo to reintroduce the Best Kebab Award (pictured at the World Darts Championship January 3, 2025
‘I have a really busy darts schedule so am always ordering food on the move – Deliveroo has amazing options so I’ve tried lots of different cuisines and am excited to be celebrating some of the best restaurants on the app,’ he explained.
Luke added that he had wanted the kebab category to return because ‘everyone knows I love a cheeky kebab every now and then’ and he thought it was important to ‘celebrate the best shawarmas, gyros, and shish across the country’.
The darts champion also revealed his go-to his kebab order that fuels him up for matches and tournaments.
Luke said: ‘I keep it simple and just have whatever I can find nearby the venue. Something filling but not too heavy — maybe chicken and rice or even a shish kebab. I’ll have some water or an energy drink and just focus on feeling comfortable and ready’.
And while the sport star is happy to tuck in to a kebab from any takeaway, his favourite is his old reliable spot from back home in Warrington – with a very specific request when it comes to the mayo.
‘A chicken shish from a local spot back home’ is his favourite, with ‘the meat fresh off the charcoal, really juicy with a bit of char’.
As well as rehabilitating the pub game’s reputation, Luke has also brought the humble kebab in to the spotlight, revealing it’s his post-match ritual (pictured)
Luke has now revealed his perfect kebab is chicken or lamb, fresh salad, naan bread, mayo (not garlic) and chilli sauce – and he’s not opposed to a few chips either
‘Mayo (not garlic), chilli sauce, fresh naan – it was just so good!’ he gushed.
Luke also revealed he enjoys chicken or lamb as long as it’s cooked properly before revealing that his perfect recipe is one that includes ‘fresh salad, naan bread and chilli sauce’ – and he’s not opposed to a few chips either.
However, the darts star stressed that while he enjoys mayo, he doesn’t want it to be infused with garlic.
When asked what he thought of ‘posh kebabs’ vs a proper charcoal grill kebab, the Nuke was clear: ‘Posh kebabs aren’t for me,’ he said.
‘I prefer the real thing – cooked over flames, full of flavour, proper portion. You can’t beat a classic charcoal-grilled shish.’
Luke’s partnership with Deliveroo comes after it was revealed he has renewed his exclusive partnership with BoohooMAN, signing a huge six-figure deal.
The teenage darts sensation triumphed over Michael van Gerwen last year in the final and has since cashed in on his success, landing a BoohooMAN deal almost immediately.
And the popular clothing brand has now tied him down to a long-term deal in what they say ‘highlights a commitment to authentic collaborations that transcend traditional fashion boundaries.’
Luke, who also has deals with Xbox, KP Nuts, Sidemen cereal and Target darts, said of the partnership: ‘Continuing with BoohooMAN feels like a natural fit for me.
‘They understood my style from day one and have been incredibly supportive throughout my journey.
‘I’m looking forward to creating something special together that connects with both darts fans and fashion enthusiasts. The best is yet to come.’
