Luke Littler's close friend Morgan Burtwistle, better known as YouTube personality AngryGinge, has disclosed that the teenage darts sensation found the spotlight difficult to handle following his meteoric rise to prominence.
The 19-year-old captured global attention as a 16-year-old when he reached the PDC World Championship final in 2024, where only then-world number one Luke Humphries managed to halt his remarkable run.
Speaking on the Double Tops podcast, Burtwistle revealed that despite his extraordinary talent at the oche, Littler experienced genuine anxiety when facing cameras and media obligations during those early days of stardom.
The Warrington-born player has since transformed into a self-assured presence both on stage and in interviews.
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Burtwistle offered insight into his friend's transformation during the podcast appearance, stating: "He struggled at first speaking on camera and stuff like that. You can tell he's a bit nervous. His first time ever doing it."
The YouTube star, who shares a bond with Littler through their mutual passion for FIFA, darts and their Manchester roots, acknowledged the remarkable progress the young champion has made.
"Obviously he's got so much better now. He's done that much media. You'd expect it," Burtwistle added.
The friendship between the pair has given Burtwistle a unique perspective on Littler's development from a nervous teenager into one of sport's most recognisable young personalities.
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Five things to know about Luke Littler | PABurtwistle was present at Alexandra Palace when Littler claimed his second consecutive world title against 23-year-old Gian Van Veen in January, becoming a double world champion before his 19th birthday.
The YouTube star recounted the remarkable confidence his friend displayed even when the match began poorly, saying: "I was there for the final against Gian and he's come in, he's got his AirPods in or whatever, he's practised a few, he's had a margherita pizza, practised a few more then gone on."
After Van Veen took the opening set, Littler sent a clear message to his supporters in the crowd.
"I don't know if anybody saw it but as he walked off he looked over to where we're all stood and he goes: 'No more.' Then he gets seven on the bounce," Burtwistle revealed.
Luke Littler is the best player on the planet
| GETTYLittler has carried his imperious form into 2026, supplementing his World Championship triumph with victories at the Saudi Arabia and World Masters events.
The teenager also secured the UK Open title, one of the few major trophies that had eluded him during his extraordinary two-and-a-half year journey to the summit of professional darts.
His dominance continues in the Premier League, where he has claimed victory on three of the past four nights ahead of Thursday's event in Manchester.
Last week's final in Germany saw Littler produce a stunning display against Michael van Gerwen, hitting two maximum 170 checkouts including one to seal the match.