At just 18, Luke Littler has taken the darts world by storm, not only with his pinpoint accuracy but also with his unflappable confidence. The reigning world champion and current world No. 2 recently peeled back the curtain on his rivalry with three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen, revealing what he sees as the Dutchman’s failed attempts to unsettle him before matches. “Every time I’ll go over to Michael van Gerwen, and he’ll try to get in my head about hitting the bullseye first but [I] always get it before he does,” Littler shared during a lively discussion on a popular football podcast. This bold claim underscores the mental warfare that defines their electrifying encounters, with Littler proving he’s more than ready to hold his own against one of the sport’s giants.
The stage for this revelation is the pre-match ritual where players throw darts at a practice board to determine who starts—a seemingly routine moment that Van Gerwen, according to Littler, turns into a psychological battleground. The 35-year-old veteran, known for his commanding presence and relentless competitive spirit, allegedly tries to rattle Littler with mind games during this warm-up. But Littler, dubbed “The Nuke” for his explosive talent, remains unfazed. His assertion that Van Gerwen’s tactics “fail every single time” isn’t just bravado—it’s backed by a remarkable record. Littler has triumphed in seven of their last 10 meetings, including a resounding 7-3 victory in the 2025 World Championship final at Alexandra Palace, where he became the youngest world champion in history.
This rivalry, simmering since Littler’s breakout run to the 2024 World Championship final at age 16, has evolved into one of darts’ most compelling narratives. Their clashes are marked by high stakes and higher averages, with both players often exceeding 100 points per throw. Littler’s dominance in 2025’s Premier League, where he leads second-placed Luke Humphries by eight points, further highlights his edge. “The pressure moments are my favourite part of the sport,” Littler said, explaining his love for the spotlight. Whether it’s nailing a 161 checkout or silencing a raucous crowd, he thrives when the heat is on, a trait that has helped him shrug off Van Gerwen’s attempts to disrupt his focus.
Van Gerwen, for his part, is no stranger to mind games or rivalries. A titan of the sport with 16 World Series titles and a storied career, he’s faced down legends like Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld. Yet, Littler presents a unique challenge—a prodigy whose meteoric rise has reshaped the darts landscape. “He’s got years!” Van Gerwen once remarked about Littler’s potential to break his record as the youngest world champion, a record Littler snatched in January. Despite the loss, Van Gerwen remains gracious, often praising Littler’s impact. “What he’s done for the sport is great,” he said after their latest World Championship clash, acknowledging the teenager’s role in boosting darts’ global appeal.
Littler’s comments about Van Gerwen’s tactics add fuel to their ongoing saga, but they also reveal his growing maturity. No longer the quiet kid glued to his PlayStation, as fellow player Nathan Aspinall once noted, Littler now joins the pros at the hotel bar, trading cards and banter. His confidence extends beyond the oche—he’s set his sights on Taylor’s record of 16 World Championships. “If I can be bothered to stay in darts for that time, I could maybe beat his record,” Littler mused, aware that at 52, Taylor was still winning titles. But he’s realistic about the challenge: “It’ll take some doing.”
Their rivalry isn’t just about personal bragging rights; it reflects a generational shift. Littler believes today’s competition is tougher than ever, suggesting even Taylor might “struggle” against the current field. Van Gerwen, meanwhile, insists he’s far from done, pointing to his 150-tournament lead over Littler as proof he’s still the one to chase. Their latest Premier League encounter in Belfast, a nail-biting quarter-final where Van Gerwen edged out Littler in a last-leg decider, showed neither is backing down. As Littler prepares for the International Darts Open, his decision to skip it for a breather—“The only reason why I pull out of tournaments is to get a bit of a break from the sport”—highlights his strategic approach to a grueling schedule.
With the Premier League play-offs looming in May, Littler’s ability to stay cool under Van Gerwen’s pressure will be tested again. For now, he’s sent a clear message: mind games or not, he’s ready to keep winning. As darts’ popularity soars, fueled by moments like these, Littler and Van Gerwen are writing a rivalry for the ages—one dart at a time.