‘You paid for my prize money’: Luke Littler shrugs off boos at PDC Worlds

Luke Littler brushed off a hostile crowd at the PDC World Championship after being booed during and after his victory over Rob Cross, telling fans their ticket money was helping fund his success.

The 18-year-old darts star advanced to the quarter-finals with a 4–2 win over former champion Rob Cross, but the evening at Alexandra Palace was far from comfortable. Much of the crowd appeared to be backing Cross, creating a tense atmosphere for Littler despite his dominant performance.

Speaking after the match, Littler appeared unfazed by the reaction.

“I’m not bothered by the booing. You guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize money, so thanks for booing me,” he said.

“No-one wanted me to win, but I proved them wrong yet again.”

Booed but unshaken

Littler, the defending champion and world number one, was visibly animated throughout the match and raised his level at key moments. After Cross drew level early on, the teenager responded with a blistering run that swung momentum back in his favour.

Although Cross managed to extend the contest, Littler regrouped to close out the win and book his place in the last eight. It marked another high-pressure performance from a player who has become one of the most talked-about figures in darts.

The Alexandra Palace crowd has gained a reputation for its partisan atmosphere, and Littler’s rise has increasingly cast him in a villain-like role for some fans eager for drama on the sport’s biggest stage.

A familiar stage for controversy

Littler reached the final of the tournament in his debut appearance two years ago and has since become one of the sport’s biggest draws. His confidence, youth and rapid success have made him a polarising figure, particularly when facing established names.

Asked about his next steps, Littler said his focus remained firmly on the title rather than the reaction around him.

“It’s not in reach just yet. You’ve got to get to the final,” he said, adding that he would enjoy a short break before returning on New Year’s Day.

Littler will face either Luke Woodhouse or Krzysztof Ratajski in the quarter-finals as he continues his title defence at the PDC World Championship.

For now, the teenager appears content embracing the noise around him, proving once again that boos are unlikely to slow his momentum.