In the electrifying world of professional darts, few moments shine as brightly as a young player’s breakthrough against a rising star. For Adam Gawlas, a Czech darts talent, that moment came in March 2023 at the UK Open, where he became the first player to defeat the teenage sensation Luke Littler in a senior Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) event. The match, a gripping 10-8 victory, showcased Gawlas’ skill and composure against a 16-year-old Littler, who averaged an impressive 100, while Gawlas countered with a solid 96. Yet, two years later, Gawlas finds himself at a crossroads, no longer holding a PDC tour card and embarking on a significant lifestyle transformation, marking a new chapter in his darts journey.
The 2023 UK Open was a defining moment for Gawlas. His semi-final run, which included a commanding 10-3 win over William O’Connor and a thrilling 10-8 upset against then-world number four Rob Cross, earned him £30,000 in prize money and secured his tour card for another year by ranking within the top 64. Littler, competing as a qualifier without a tour card, was already turning heads, but Gawlas’ victory over him underscored his potential as one of Europe’s brightest prospects. Reflecting on his ambitions during the 2022 World Darts Championship, where he became the first Czech player to reach the second round by defeating Richie Burnett, Gawlas expressed a desire for change: “I’m really happy [to win], but now I can just focus on myself, and maybe focus to lose some weight because I’m too fat.” This candid admission hinted at the personal transformation he sought, which has now become a central focus of his life.
Gawlas’ early career was marked by promise. Born in 2002, he burst onto the scene as a youth player, reaching the final of the 2019 PDC World Youth Championship and winning multiple Development Tour titles. His 2020 PDC tour card debut showcased his talent, with a notable run to the last 16 of the Players Championship Finals. However, maintaining consistency at the elite level proved challenging. By 2025, Gawlas lost his tour card, a setback that relegated him to the PDC Challenge Tour, a secondary circuit used to top up Players Championship events. After the first weekend of Challenge Tour events in 2025, Gawlas earned 700 points, placing him 31st in the Order of Merit. To return to the Players Championship stage, he likely needs a tournament win in the next set of events, a steep but achievable goal for a player of his caliber.
Off the oche, Gawlas’ commitment to a healthier lifestyle has become a defining narrative. His 2022 pledge to focus on weight loss has evolved into a broader transformation, encompassing physical and mental well-being. This shift coincides with his transition away from the PDC’s main tour, allowing him to recalibrate his approach to darts and life. While some might view the loss of a tour card as a step back, Gawlas’ resilience suggests otherwise. His recent performances, including a weekly title win in the MODUS Super Series in 2025, demonstrate his competitive fire remains intact. The Super Series, which lowered its age limit to accommodate young talents like Littler, has been a platform for Gawlas to showcase his skills, reinforcing his status as a formidable player.
The darts community continues to watch Gawlas with anticipation. His victory over Littler, now the PDC World Champion and world number two, remains a testament to his potential. Littler’s meteoric rise, culminating in a 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 World Championship, has only amplified the significance of Gawlas’ 2023 triumph. As Gawlas navigates the Challenge Tour and his lifestyle changes, his story resonates as one of perseverance and reinvention. Whether he reclaims a tour card or carves a new path, Gawlas’ journey from defeating a prodigy to embracing personal growth is a compelling chapter in the ever-evolving saga of professional darts.
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