Luke Littler served Double Big Tasty burgers from a McDonald's van yesterday to celebrate his remarkable journey from local academy player to world champion, in a nostalgic return to Sidac Social Club in St Helens.
The 18-year-old sensation distributed the fast food chain's new menu item to friends, family and former club members at the venue where his professional career first took shape.
The send-off event marked a homecoming for "The Nuke" ahead of his World Championship title defence, which begins on December 11 at Alexandra Palace.
Littler made history in January when he defeated Michael van Gerwen to become the youngest world champion in the sport's history.
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The Warrington teenager has since captured five major titles on his path to reaching the world's top ranking.
His championship defence would mark a significant achievement, as Gary Anderson was the last player to retain the title a decade ago.
Littler said: "I'll try to go back-to-back. Only three people have ever done it, the last time was 10 years ago. So I want to go back-to-back."
The defending champion's remarkable ascent began less than two years ago when he first competed at the World Championship.
Luke Littler served Double Big Tasty burgers from a McDonald's van yesterday
|PA
The day before his appearance at the burger van, Littler drew inspiration from a visit to Warrington Hospital, where he met patients in his hometown.
He said: "Warrington is my home, and the support from people here means everything.
"If I can bring a tiny bit of happiness to families and patients going through tough times, then it makes it all worthwhile.
"This visit and seeing people in this situation has definitely given me motivation and inspiration to defend my World Championship title."
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Luke Littler made a nostalgic return to Sidac Social Club in St Helens
|PA
The teenager enters the tournament as the favourite and will open his campaign against Lithuanian Darius Labanauskas.
Littler acknowledged the different pressures of defending his crown compared to last year's breakthrough run.
He said: "Defending is different. I have won the last few majors and now the big one is around the corner."
The world number one expressed confidence in handling the mental challenges this time around.
The 18-year-old sensation distributed the fast food chain's new menu item to friends
|PA
He explained: "If there is nerves I will know how to cope, I didn't have a clue last year, but this year I know what to expect."
The 18-year-old added that while his first-round opponent "is not the quickest player in the world," his focus remains on progressing past the opening match.
This year's tournament will see an expanded 128-player field competing for a share of the £5 million prize fund.
The winner will secure a £1million cheque.
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