Luke Littler was seen smiling as he posed backstage at Alexandra Palace with friends and family after his painful loss in the World Darts Championship final.
The 16-year-old darts sensation was on the verge of making history by becoming the youngest ever winner of the tournament.
However, a spirited comeback from Luke Humphries – who was 4-2 down at one point in the match – changed the script to a lively Ally Pally.
Littler poses for a photo backstage and smiles as he holds the second trophy of this year’s World Darts Championship.
Following his defeat, Luke’s sister Caitlin posted a heartwarming message of support, insisting the family are ‘incredibly proud’.
Darts sensation Luke Littler poses for a photo with his second trophy with friends
Littler at one point looked set to make history after taking a 4-2 lead against the world number 1.
She wrote on Instagram: ‘So incredibly proud of what you have achieved, absolutely surreal.
‘You started this with the desire to win just one match and then reach the final on your debut at the age of 16, that is the greatest achievement!
“We all love you so much, now time to relax and enjoy @lukethenukelittler.”
Other friends of the 16-year-old posted on social media: ‘You can be so proud of yourself, you have achieved so much in the past three weeks. What a start…’
Another added: “I couldn’t be more proud, buddy, you’re incredible. Keep your chin up, I love you buddy.”
The Warrington-born star – nicknamed ‘Luke the Nuke’ – has had a fairytale performance at the tournament, toppling some of the best players. greatest legends in the sport including Raymond van Barneveld.
Caitlin Littler, pictured, offered a heartwarming message of support to her younger brother
However, Humphries regained his composure and took the final five sets of the match to stop Littler’s incredible run.
His form has even led to fans hailing Luke as the ‘Ronaldo of darts’ after the famous Portuguese football great.
After his victory over Brendan Dolan in the quarter-finals of the 2023/2024 season, his sister Caitlin once again supported her brother, writing: ‘The dream continues. Incredibly proud of you.’
In August, after he won his second Modus Super Series gong, she also wrote: ‘Speechless, he’s done it again! Never EVER been so proud of someone, what an evening! You continue to amaze us all every day, we all love you so much, keep crushing it.”
His girlfriend Eloise Milburn, 21, was seen in tears last night after losing the thrilling final.
Eloise looked pensive as she watched her boyfriend take on Luke Humphries on Wednesday
Milburn has been a passionate supporter throughout the tournament and they shared a kiss after he defeated Brendan Dolan in the quarter-finals
Eloise, who is a keen darts player herself, was dejected that her friend’s dreams of glory had been crushed for the time being.
Milburn has been an avid supporter of her boyfriend throughout the tournament, accompanying his family and cheering him on on a historic journey.
The two shared a passionate kiss after he defeated Brendan Dolan in the quarterfinals.
After booking his place in the semi-finals, Milburn wrote about her pride on Instagram, saying: ‘The dream carries on!’
