𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗢𝗗𝗚𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗧 ☢️ Luke Littler is through to his first World Series event final of the year after defeating top seed Stephen Bunting (102.3) with a 98.8 average, four 180s and a 170 checkout!

In a display of darting brilliance that has become his trademark, 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler has surged into his first World Series of Darts final of 2025, overcoming top seed Stephen Bunting in a gripping semi-final clash at the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong. The young prodigy, nicknamed “The Nuke,” showcased his extraordinary talent with a 98.8 average, four 180s, and a stunning 170 checkout, leaving fans at the WIN Entertainment Centre and viewers worldwide in awe of his meteoric rise.

Littler’s journey to the final was anything but straightforward. Facing a formidable opponent in Bunting, who posted an impressive 102.3 average, the teenager from Warrington had to dig deep to secure the victory. The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with both players trading high-scoring legs and clinical finishes. Littler’s composure under pressure was evident as he nailed the “Big Fish” 170 checkout—a moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy and underscored his ability to deliver in clutch situations. “I knew I had to bring my A-game against Stephen,” Littler said post-match, reflecting on the intensity of the encounter. “That 170 finish was massive—it gave me the edge I needed to push through.”

The path to the semi-final saw Littler tested by New Zealand’s Haupai Puha, who pushed him to the brink in a nail-biting 6-5 victory in the last 16. Despite the scare, Littler’s resilience shone through, a quality that has defined his rapid ascent in the darts world. His performance against Bunting was a testament to his growing maturity, blending raw power scoring with pinpoint accuracy on the doubles. With four 180s in the match, Littler continued his knack for producing maximums, a trait that has seen him shatter records, including the 64 maximums he hit during his triumphant World Matchplay campaign earlier this year.

Littler’s 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular. Already the youngest PDC World Champion in history after defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace in January, he followed that up with a World Matchplay title in July, completing the prestigious Triple Crown alongside darting legends Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries. His victory over James Wade in that Blackpool final, where he overcame an early 5-0 deficit to win 18-13, showcased his ability to stage dramatic comebacks. “I’ve been here before,” Littler remarked about his knack for overturning deficits, a mindset that has carried him to new heights.

Now, as he prepares for the Australian Darts Masters final, Littler stands on the cusp of adding another chapter to his remarkable story. The final promises to be a blockbuster, with Littler facing either Gerwyn Price, the defending champion, or another elite contender from a star-studded field that includes Luke Humphries, Damon Heta, and Josh Rock. The £30,000 top prize is within reach, but for Littler, it’s about more than money—it’s about cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. “I’m just focused on playing my game,” he said. “Every match is a chance to prove myself.”

The Australian Darts Masters, held over August 8-9, has seen Littler navigate a tough draw, including a PDC contingent featuring former champions and rising stars. His ability to thrive under pressure has endeared him to fans, who have watched him evolve from a teenage prodigy to a global superstar. With his signature double 10 finishes and a fearless approach, Littler is redefining what’s possible in darts. As he steps onto the oche for the final, the darting world will be watching, eager to see if “The Nuke” can detonate once more and claim his first World Series title of 2025.