Word darts champion Luke ‘the Nuke’ Littler has allegedly threatened to sue a pub a sports bar in his hometown named in his honour using his moniker and likeness.
Littler has helped bring darts into the mainstream since he burst on to the scene at the 2024 World Championship, transcending the sport and becoming a global name.
The 18-year-old was named second in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, presented a Brit Award, appeared on the front of Forbes magazine and has been a guest on the Jonathan Ross Show.
In an ode to his phenomenal success, Nuke’s Sports Bar – named after the Warrington darts ace – is set to open in the Cheshire town this month.
Pub boss Owen Williams chose the name for the darts-themed watering hole after social media poll and planed to sell pints for as low as £2.40, whilst spending £5,000 branding using the famous local’s nickname.
Staff are also set to don purple polo shirts with yellow logos featuring his nickname, which he trademarked last year through his company, Luke Littler Darts.
However to the frustrated publican’s dismay, he has been slammed with a letter from lawyers acting on behalf of Luke Littler Darts about a potential infringement concerning the terms ‘the Nuke’, ‘Luke’, and ‘Luke The Nuke Littler’.
It also adds that their name as well as logo’s fonts of yellow and purple are well-known to be linked to Littler and that it could confuse customers into believing the darts pro is associated with the tavern.
Word darts champion Luke ‘the Nuke’ Littler has allegedly threatened to sue a pub a sports bar in his hometown named in his honour using his moniker and likeness
Nukes Sports Bar – named after the 18-year-old Warrington darts ace – is set to open in the Cheshire town this month (pictured: Nuke’s owner Owen Williams)
Littler was launched to stardom at the beginning of the year when he reached the Darts World Championship final
They also said that a bar using the sportsman famed moniker ‘Nuke’ could further baffle the public when it came to the watering hole and food and drink items he has registered under Littler’s name.
The letter demanded a response by ‘no later than 21 February 2025’.
In a message posted to Facebook, the bar wrote: ‘We are sure this isn’t Luke himself and he would be proud to have a bar recognising his achievements.
‘Lets tag him and see if we can stop the little man being crushed! Pray for the little man. Unfortunately we may have to change our name before it’s even begun!’
Social media users were divided by the letter with some claiming the landlord had ‘copied [Luke’s] logo.
One wrote: ‘How awful when you are simply trying to acknowledge how proud we are of young Luke, seeing as he lives here.
‘Our team colours of both the rugby and football clubs are primrose and blue so you shouldn’t be made to change the colour scheme.
‘But If the name has to change you could still name it with a connection to darts for example “The Little Oche” Sports bar.
It comes shortly after Halliwell Jones Stadium is set to be renamed the Luke Littler Stadium for Warrington Wolves’ clash against Castleford Tigers later this month
The Manchester United fan paraded the Sid Waddell trophy at Old Trafford when the Red Devils hosted Brighton last month
‘Good luck with it Owen hope you get a positive outcome and you can carry on with the chosen name.’
But some weren’t so sympathetic, with one bluntly remarking: ‘You’ve copied his logo, that is a trademark infringement, you can’t use someone else’s logo and purport to be them. You will need to rebrand your bar.’
Mr Williams previously said he wanted the boozer to be the town’s cheapest independent bar, open seven days a week from 10am to midnight.
It plans to show live sports across eight TVs and it will have two darts boards and a pool table, a jukebox and host karaoke nights.
He previously told the Warrington Guardian: ‘The cost of going out has increased so much now people would rather stay at home.
‘We are hoping to change that by keeping by trying to be Warrington’s cheapest independent bar.’
Draught prices per pint will range from £2.40 for Tetley, £3.25 for Somersby and £3.75 for Guinness.
The 18-year-old made history last month after beating Michael van Gerwen in the Darts World Championship final at Alexandra Palace and, in turn, claiming a £500,000 prize.
Luke Littler(pictured) was also among the nominees for Sports Personality of the Year award after a phenomenal year in darts
He later went on to bag the win in the Premier League – as well as his first major Grand Slam of Darts back in November all at the age of 17.
His net worth is reportedly in excess of £1.5 million after he earned an eye-watering £1 million prize money last year alone.
An incredible £618,500 came from ranking events, while winning the Premier League and World Series of Darts banked him the other £395,000.
MailOnline have approached both Luke Littler’s representatives and Nukes Sports Bar for comment.
It comes shortly after Super League side Warrington Wolves said they will rename their stadium to honour ‘their most famous son’ Littler.
The Warrington-native is set to be honoured for the Wolves’ game against Catalans Dragons on Friday, February 21, when their arena will be called the Luke Littler Stadium before reverting back to the Halliwell Jones Stadium afterwards.
‘Luke Littler’s of our most famous sons and a season ticket holder here,’ CEO Karl Fitzpatrick told Sky Sports. ‘What better way to honour his fantastic achievements than re-name the Haliwell Jones after him, for one night only!’
Littler told the club’s website: ‘It’s an absolute honour and I can’t thank the club enough.’
The teenager will parade his World Championship trophy on the pitch at half-time just as he did at Old Trafford when Manchester United hosted Brighton last month.
