In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 German Darts Grand Prix in Munich, 18-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” faced a crushing defeat that has left him questioning his future participation in German tournaments. The reigning world champion was outplayed in the semi-finals by Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen, prompting Littler to hint at a potential boycott of all German darts events until the European Tour finale in October. This dramatic reaction underscores the emotional toll of the loss and highlights the pressures faced by the young star in the fiercely competitive world of professional darts.
Littler’s journey to the semi-finals in Munich was nothing short of spectacular. Making his debut at the German Darts Grand Prix, he delivered a breathtaking performance in the second round, obliterating Cam Crabtree with a 6-1 victory and an astonishing average of over 107. His dominance continued as he dispatched opponents with precision, including a quarter-final win over Peter Wright. However, the Munich crowd’s allegiance to his rivals, particularly their vocal support for Wright and later van Veen, left Littler visibly unsettled. The hostile atmosphere, marked by chants and boos, seemed to weigh heavily on the teenager, who was uncharacteristically reserved after his semi-final exit, refusing to acknowledge the audience.
The semi-final clash against van Veen was a masterclass in darts from the Dutchman, who posted an extraordinary average of 110.81 compared to Littler’s respectable but insufficient 95.78. Van Veen’s relentless accuracy culminated in a 7-4 victory, sealed with a clinical double 16 finish. Littler, reeling from the defeat, took to Instagram moments later, sharing a cryptic post from the back of a car with the caption, “Shouldn’t have been in Munich but had to play anyway.” This comment fueled speculation about his dissatisfaction with the event and his experience in Germany.
Reflecting on his performance, Littler’s frustration was palpable. “Everything went well there, I’m very happy,” he had said earlier in the tournament after his win over Crabtree, exuding confidence about his chances of claiming another trophy. His optimism was understandable, given his meteoric rise in the sport. At just 18, Littler has already cemented his status as a global darts icon, becoming the youngest world champion in January 2025 and dominating the Premier League with multiple nightly wins, including a nine-darter against Michael van Gerwen. Yet, the Munich setback exposed a rare vulnerability, as the crowd’s antagonism and van Veen’s brilliance combined to halt his momentum.
The German Darts Grand Prix, held at the Kulturhalle Zenith, was a star-studded affair, with Michael van Gerwen ultimately lifting the title. Littler’s path to the semi-finals showcased his prodigious talent, but the crowd’s preference for his opponents highlighted the challenges of playing abroad. Unlike his earlier matches, where he thrived under pressure, the semi-final saw him struggle to connect with the audience, a dynamic that may have contributed to his post-match comments about skipping future German events.
Littler’s potential boycott raises questions about the toll of darts’ grueling schedule and the emotional demands on young players. The 2025 season has been relentless, with Littler