In the electrifying atmosphere of Copenhagen’s Forum arena, the 2025 Nordic Darts Masters kicked off on June 6 with a performance from teenage darts prodigy Luke Littler that left fans and analysts buzzing—for all the wrong reasons. The 18-year-old, nicknamed “The Nuke,” secured a 6-3 victory over Sweden’s Viktor Tingstrom in the first round, but his uncharacteristically shaky display drew sharp scrutiny from former player and Sky Sports pundit Mark Webster. Despite the win, Littler’s average of 90.19—a far cry from his usual triple-digit brilliance—prompted Webster to label it a “puzzling display,” though he remains optimistic about the young star’s prospects in the quarter-finals.
Littler, who burst onto the darts scene with a fairytale run to the 2024 PDC World Championship final at age 16, has been a revelation in the sport. His meteoric rise includes a Premier League title, a World Series triumph, and a UK Open crown in 2025, cementing his status as a global sensation. Yet, on Friday night, the Warrington native struggled to find his rhythm against Tingstrom, a relatively unheralded opponent. Littler’s game was marred by missed doubles and inconsistent scoring, a stark contrast to the clinical precision that has made him a household name. “It was a puzzling display from Littler,” Webster remarked, highlighting the teenager’s subpar performance despite the comfortable scoreline. “He knows he’s got a lot to work on, but he’s through, and that’s what matters.”
The Nordic Darts Masters, a World Series event featuring eight PDC stars and eight regional qualifiers, is a high-stakes stage for Littler to continue his ascent. His first-round win sets up a quarter-final clash against Jonny Clayton, a formidable opponent known for his consistency. Littler’s 90.19 average was the lowest among the PDC players advancing, with Nathan Aspinall’s 95.65 against Germany’s Dominik Gruell also drawing attention for its scrappy nature. Webster noted Aspinall’s performance was “neat and tidy at the end of legs,” but equally telling was his observation about German debutant Dominik Reus, who suffered a 6-0 drubbing for the fourth consecutive year at this event. “It was really cruel on Reus, who is still to win a leg here,” Webster said, underscoring the tournament’s brutal competitiveness.
Littler’s off-night has not dampened expectations. His ability to win despite being below his best speaks to his resilience, a trait that has defined his young career. “I’m not going to get too down about it. I got the job done, and I’m looking forward to the next one,” Littler said post-match, exuding the confidence that has endeared him to fans. His preparation for the quarter-finals will be crucial, especially against Clayton, who is riding high after a strong 6-2 win over Finland’s Marko Kantele. The Welshman’s experience could test Littler’s ability to bounce back, but his track record suggests he thrives under pressure. Earlier in 2025, Littler averaged 105.68 in a Players Championship final, a reminder of his devastating potential when firing on all cylinders.
The Copenhagen crowd, known for its raucous energy, will be a factor as Littler aims to silence doubters. His fanbase, which has grown exponentially since his World Championship heroics, remains unwavering, with social media abuzz about his “off-day” being a mere blip. “He’s 18, he’s allowed a bad game. He’ll smash it in the quarters,” one fan posted online, capturing the sentiment of many. The Nordic Darts Masters, with its £20,000 top prize and global broadcast on ITV and DAZN, offers Littler a chance to add another title to his burgeoning resume. Other quarter-final matchups include Michael van Gerwen against Denmark’s Benjamin Drue Reus and Gerwyn Price facing Latvia’s Madars Razma, promising a thrilling weekend of darts.
Webster’s measured optimism reflects the broader narrative around Littler: a generational talent navigating the highs and lows of professional sport. “He’s got the talent to turn it around. He’s been in tougher spots than this,” Webster noted, pointing to Littler’s ability to rebound from setbacks, like his loss to Michael Smith in the 2024 World Championship final. As the quarter-finals loom on June 7, all eyes will be on whether Littler can rediscover his explosive form. With the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix on the horizon, a strong showing in Copenhagen could set the tone for another dominant summer for “The Nuke,” proving that even a puzzling display is just a detour on his path to greatness.
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