In a dramatic turn of events at the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler, known to fans as ‘The Nuke,’ faced a crushing defeat that has sparked speculation about his future participation in German tournaments. The reigning World Darts Champion was knocked out in the semi-finals by rising star Gian van Veen, prompting Littler to hint at a potential boycott of upcoming events in the country until the European Tour finale in Dortmund this October. His frustration, fueled by an unusually hostile crowd and a challenging match, has sent ripples through the darts community.
Littler, who has become a household name since his meteoric rise to the World Darts Championship title earlier this year, is accustomed to adoring crowds. However, the atmosphere in Munich was markedly different. Fans, typically chanting his name, instead rallied behind his opponents, cheering loudly for Peter Wright in the quarter-finals and erupting in support for Van Veen during the semi-final clash. This shift in crowd dynamics visibly rattled Littler, who chose not to engage with the audience after his 7-4 loss to Van Veen. The Dutchman, aged 22, delivered a commanding performance, averaging an impressive 110.81 compared to Littler’s 95.78, sealing the victory with a precise double 16.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Littler started poorly, trailing 3-0 before switching his darts in a bid to turn the tide. His resilience shone through as he clawed his way to a 4-3 lead, igniting hopes of a comeback. But Van Veen, unfazed by the pressure, responded with four consecutive legs, showcasing why he’s considered one of the sport’s most promising talents. Littler’s disappointment was palpable as he left the arena, and his subsequent Instagram post laid bare his frustrations. “Shouldn’t have been in Munich but had to play anyway. Next one in Germany for me is Dortmund and I am glad to say that,” he wrote, hinting at skipping four upcoming German events: the European Darts Grand Prix, the European Darts Open, the Baltic Sea Darts Open, and the German Darts Championship.
This isn’t the first time Littler has faced adversity in Germany. Earlier this month, during a Premier League night in Berlin, he endured jeers from the crowd after a lackluster 6-2 loss to Chris Dobey. That night, Littler missed 11 of 13 checkout opportunities, a stark contrast to his usual precision. His response then was defiant, cupping his ear to the crowd, but the Munich experience seems to have pushed him to a breaking point. The cumulative effect of these hostile encounters has led Littler to question his participation in a country where he once hoped to build his legacy.
Littler’s journey to the semi-finals in Munich was no small feat. He began the tournament with a dominant 6-1 win over Cam Crabtree, averaging over 107, and followed it with victories against Joe Cullen and Peter Wright. These performances underscored his status as a top seed and a fan favorite. Yet, the Munich crowd’s unexpected allegiance to his rivals left him feeling alienated. “I feel a bit emotionless,” Littler had admitted earlier this month after competing in the International Darts Open in Germany, a sentiment that seems to have intensified in Munich.
The darts world is now abuzz with speculation about Littler’s next moves. His decision to potentially boycott German events could have significant implications for the European Tour, where he’s a major draw. Meanwhile, Littler is set to shift his focus to the Premier League, where he faces Michael van Gerwen in a highly anticipated quarter-final in Liverpool. The Manchester United fan is bracing for another challenging atmosphere at the M&S Bank Arena, but his supporters are confident he’ll channel his Munich disappointment into a fierce performance.
As Littler navigates this turbulent chapter, his resilience and talent remain undeniable. The darts community watches eagerly to see whether ‘The Nuke’ will indeed snub Germany until October or if he’ll return sooner, ready to silence the doubters with his darts.