The 2025 Premier League Darts season kicked off with a blaze of intensity in Belfast’s SSE Arena, but the real sparks flew off the oche before a single dart was thrown. Teenage sensation Luke Littler, the reigning world champion and defending Premier League titleholder, found himself at the center of a fiery controversy after arriving late to a pre-season media event. Michael van Gerwen, the three-time world champion, didn’t hold back, slamming Littler’s tardiness and urging the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) to “stop treating him like a baby.” Littler’s poised and playful response, coupled with their thrilling quarter-final clash on Night One, has set the stage for a riveting rivalry, proving that the 18-year-old is ready to let his darts—and his wit—do the talking.
The incident unfolded during a promotional photoshoot near Belfast’s Titanic Museum, where Littler kept seven fellow players, including Van Gerwen, waiting for what the Dutchman claimed was 45 minutes. Littler, admitting he overslept after a morning nap, pegged the delay at 25 minutes. “I was in the city. I was upstairs. Oh, I was 25 minutes late. Michael called me lazy. I was just laughing at him,” Littler said with a chuckle, brushing off the criticism with characteristic nonchalance. Van Gerwen, however, was less amused, emphasizing the need for professionalism. “They need to stop treating him as a baby. He’s not a baby anymore, he’s 18 years old now,” he fumed. “If he turns up late for an interview, I don’t really mind. But seven other people were waiting for him, that’s not really nice, is it?” Stephen Bunting, another competitor, added that the group was left “frozen” in the cold, amplifying the frustration.
Littler’s response showcased his maturity. Rather than escalating the feud, he owned his mistake and shifted focus to the competition. “I always let my darts do the talking, but he’s not wrong. I was late and now I’m 18, I’m responsible for my actions,” he admitted, earning praise from fans for his humility. Social media buzzed with admiration, with one supporter noting, “Fair play to him for owning it and not giving any excuses,” while another called it “the reaction of a mature man.” The incident added spice to their quarter-final matchup, a rematch of Littler’s 7-3 World Championship final victory over Van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace in January 2025. “He’s going to be up for it, he’s going to be hungry. But I’m up for it as the reigning champion,” Littler said, relishing the challenge.
On the oche, the clash lived up to the hype. Littler, averaging an astonishing 113.91, surged to a 2-1 lead with a 144 checkout, but Van Gerwen’s experience shone through. The Dutchman weathered Littler’s barrage, missing three match darts in the 10th leg before sealing a 6-5 victory with a clinical finish. As Belfast fans booed Van Gerwen, Littler wagged his finger, urging respect for his rival—a gesture that culminated in a post-match embrace where Littler raised Van Gerwen’s arm to the crowd. “I’ve not watched the whole [Ally Pally] final back—only the winning double,” Littler quipped, signaling his focus on the present.
The loss didn’t dim Littler’s star. As the youngest Premier League champion, having won on debut in 2024, he’s embraced the target on his back. “This is the biggest tournament I’m going to defend all year round until the Worlds,” he said, eyeing a strong start in Belfast, where he secured his first Premier League win last year. Van Gerwen, despite his victory, acknowledged Littler’s impact. “Most of the tournament I produced some really good darts… To lose is always annoying but I get a lot of positives out of this World Championship campaign,” he said, reflecting on their recent battles, including a Dutch Darts Masters loss to Littler.
As the 17-week Premier League roadshow unfolds, featuring stars like Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price, Littler’s blend of talent and composure ensures he remains the player to watch. His response to Van Gerwen’s jab—equal parts accountability and defiance—has only endeared him further to fans, setting the tone for a season where every night promises drama, darts, and a dash of cheeky charm.
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