The UK and sporting world at large are currently being captivated by the fairytale story that is Luke Littler’s arrival at the World Darts Championship, and after going viral with his post-victory meal earlier in the tournament, a kebab house is offering him free kebabs for life he wins the whole thing.
Now these are the kind of stories we want to kick off the year with.
The 16-year-old darts sensation became the youngest player in history to reach the semi-finals of the Worlds, netting a cool £100,000 for himself in the process (not too shabby for a teenager), and is now a genuine heavy favourite to win his first ever PDC major on debut.
After telling Sky Sports that he planned on treating himself to “a kebab and a Coke” after his first wins, he delighted fans by sharing a simple but wholesome post of him doing just that at a London kebab house and, if he keeps on the way he’s going, he might never have to pay the pleasure ever again.
In a funny little twist and form of motivation from the world-famous chain and Britain’s biggest kebab shop, Kebhouze, their London site on Oxford Street has promised to give Littler free kebabs for life if wins the 2023 World Darts Championship final on Wednesday, 3 January.
The steaks (see what we did there?) have never been higher.
While he has occasionally switched things up with the likes of McDonald’s and revealed that he’s been treating himself to the post-match fast food tradition ever since he started playing darts “non-stop” from the age of 18, a doner wrap with nothing more than lettuce and mayo is his go-to.
Maybe it’s the humble, working-class relatability of it all, but it’s a running joke that hasn’t just been amusing fans and newbies to the sport alike but he’s been more than happy to lean into as he continues to take to the Ally Pally stage like a duck to water. The meme world has certainly appreciated it too.
Speaking on the tantalising offer that the Cheshire teen simply couldn’t refuse if he tried, Kebhouze’s Chief Marketing Officer Giulio Paternò told the Daily Star, “After hearing that Luke loves nothing more than a kebab to celebrate a win, we had to make him an offer that would further encourage the 16-year-old master player to win at this year’s PDC World Darts Championship”.
“Hopefully knowing that a lifetime supply of our premium kebabs as well as the esteemed title are just on the other side will give him more ammo to go on and win the Championship at Ally Pally. We wish Luke the best of luck – the next one is on us!”
Absolutely mint. With just two games between him and a first major title in his maiden World Championship (and kebab heaven, of course), having already wiped the floor with multiple senior and talented opponents with more pedigree to their name, we’re all starting to believe he can do it.
The Warrington teen faces Rob Cross, who also won the tournament on debut at 28 back in 2018, on Tuesday at 7:30pm, where he’ll make even more history if he manages to secure a place in the final two the following day and will play either Scott Williams or Luke Humphries for the Sid Waddell trophy.
When it comes to seeing how this spectacular story is going to end, we’re hungrier than Luke after a tense five-set quarter-final.
Featured Images — Luke Littler (via Instagram)/Live Darts (via X)/The Manc Group
Sport
Local LGBTQIA+ football team Manchester Laces are set to play in the FA Cup for the first time ever
Danny Jones
Inclusive football team Manchester Laces are set to break even more new ground are they prepare to compete in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the first time ever.
What a truly incredible few years it’s been for the club.
Set to play their maiden match in the female division of the sport’s oldest competition this weekend, Manchester Laces’ Yellows squad will be taking on rival Greater Manchester Women’s Football League (GMWFL) side, Northwich Victoria, in another historic milestone for the local outfit.
Announced last month, the game is now fast approaching, and they’re hoping that plenty of Manc natives will turn up in support.
For anyone unfamiliar with the story, Manchester Laces has grown to become the leading women’s, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ positive sporting bodies in the region.
In fact, as part of a wider family – which includes clubs in Hackney, South London and Limehouse Laces, not to mention players over in Canada too – they’re comfortably one of the biggest in the entire country.
Sticking with MCR Laces alone, founded by Helen Hardy, they have grown so much in reputation and size that they have six different teams besides just the Yellows: the other Manchester squads include the Blues, Greens, Oranges, Purples, as well as the budding new Reds and Blacks.
It’s this kind of impressive expansion and, crucially, representation that has seen them win two Football v Homophobia Awards and Grassroots Initiative of the Year back in 2023.
Side-note: they also happen to have one of our favourite fooy kits of the entire year so far…
Boasting a new regular stadium at Timpson Road and set to take part not only in the North West Women’s Regional Football League (NWWFL)/GMWFL, but now FA Cup and county cup games, 2025 could be their most momentous year yet.
Providing access to countless women and people from within the queer and non-binary community who love the beautiful game and may have otherwise struggled to find an outlet, their work has been crucial in and around Greater Manchester.
With that in mind, taking part in an inaugural run within the prestigious knockout tournament feels like yet another watershed moment for the organisation.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, the club wrote on social media: “In 2021, we started our journey in Div 2 of the GMWFL with the aim of creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all. After winning consecutive league titles and earning back-to-back promotions, we are now a Tier 6 team.
“Yellows are delighted to be stepping into the magic of the FA Cup for the very first time, and we would love to see you there!
Taking place at both Wythenshawe Town FC’s and the Yellows’ own new home ground of Ericstan Park on Sunday, 7 September (2pm KO), we wish them the best of luck.
A huge Hot Wheels monster truck event is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
A massive Hot Wheels-themed monster truck event is coming to Manchester city centre as part of a brand new UK tour.
You can file this under one for the kids and for the big kids.
Following the success of the brand’s award-winning ‘Glow-N-Fire’ event earlier this year, Hot Wheels is hitting the road once again and bringing the explosive show to yet more domestic audiences.
Whether you’re a monster truck enthusiast, part of the wider motorhead masses, or simply looking for something fun to do with the little ones, you should be all over this.
Credit: Pres shots (supplied)
What is Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire?
Produced by Family Entertainment Live, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ sees versions of the genuine collectable toys brought to life on the biggest scale possible.
Remember that old miniature car you had that looked like a shark? Yep, they’ve even got that.
But there’s much more than just colossally large vehicles; as well as the debut of an all-new truck called the ‘Rhinomite’ – the dynamite Rhino-themed truck which charges horn-first into challenges and looks to destroy the competition – the new and improved experience will feature never-before-seen stunts.
Performed not only by the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks drivers, but also by a talented roster of FMX (freestyle motocross), you can expect the likes of no-handed front flips and much more by these impressive professionals.
Returning not only to the capital but now Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds too, more and more Brits are going to be able to see the action for themselves.
Credit: Supplied
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live – UK tour dates
Saturday to Sunday, 3-4 January 2026: AO Arena, Manchester
Sat-Sun, 10-11 January: The O2 Arena, London
Sat-Sun, 28-29 March: First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds
Sat-Sun, 4-5 April: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Sat-Sun, 11-12 April: Utilita Arena, Birmingham
With special children’s pricing, VIP packages and even the chance to participate in the official pre-show party, held two and a half hours prior to every performance, there really is so much value-for-money to be soaked up from this high-octane piece of live entertainment at the AO Arena.
The pre-show party, specifically, gives fans a unique opportunity to access the arena floor where they can get up close and personal with the outrageous Hot Wheels designs and the truly epic size of a minster struck, as well as grab autographs and selfies with their favourites.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks – Manchester tickets
Glow-N-Fire won the most recent Pollstar ‘Family Show of the Year’ award and has sold thousands of tickets this year alone, so it goes without saying that you have every reason to give this one a go.
Tickets for next year’s Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live show at the AO Arena in Manchester go on sale this Friday, 5 September at 10am.
Danny Jones -
2nd January 2024 
