In the electric atmosphere of Gliwice’s PreZero Arena, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” delivered a performance for the ages at the 2025 Poland Darts Masters. On the second night of the World Series of Darts event, the reigning PDC World Champion wowed the Polish crowd with not one but two spectacular 170 checkouts—known as “The Big Fish”—in a single evening, cementing his reputation as a generational talent. Despite his title defense ending in a 7-3 semifinal loss to an inspired Stephen Bunting, Littler’s flair and precision left an indelible mark on the tournament, sparking awe and admiration among fans and players alike.
Littler, who stormed to the Poland Darts Masters title in 2024 with an 8-3 final victory over Rob Cross, returned to Gliwice aiming to defend his crown. The evening began with a hard-fought quarterfinal against Nathan Aspinall, a rematch of their US Darts Masters clash where Aspinall had prevailed 6-4. This time, Littler was determined to turn the tables. With the score tight, he unleashed his first 170 checkout, a dazzling bullseye-bullseye-double 10 combination, to move a leg away from victory. “It was almost inevitable!” one commentator exclaimed, capturing the crowd’s anticipation as Littler’s darts found their mark with surgical precision. He sealed the 6-4 win, averaging just under 98, and advanced to the semifinals, his confidence palpable.
Reflecting on the Aspinall match, Littler acknowledged the challenge: “It was a very, very tough game. We want the best out of these players, and Nathan pushed me all the way.” His words echoed the respect he holds for his rivals, a maturity that belies his youth. The quarterfinal wasn’t without its drama—Littler had survived a scare in the first round against Czech star Karel Sedlacek, who pushed him to a 6-4 decider. “I didn’t expect that sort of performance from him, but he’s a really top player,” Littler said of Sedlacek, praising the Czech’s tenacity. “I said to him, ‘Well played, keep it up.’”
The semifinal against Stephen Bunting, however, proved a bridge too far. Bunting, the world No. 4 and a two-time World Series winner in 2025, was in scintillating form, averaging over 104 and storming to a 5-1 lead before the break. Littler, refusing to go quietly, produced his second 170 checkout of the night after Bunting spurned match darts, a moment that brought the 9,000-strong crowd to its feet. “Littler does it again! Can you believe it?” the announcer roared as the teenager pinned another perfect 170 to stay alive. Despite the heroics, Bunting’s relentless scoring closed out the 7-3 victory, ending Littler’s hopes of back-to-back titles. Bunting later fell to Gerwyn Price in the final, but Littler’s double Big Fish heroics stole the headlines.
Littler’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of meteoric. At just 17, he became the youngest PDC World Champion in January 2025, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 to claim the title at Alexandra Palace. His 2024 season was a breakout, with wins in the Premier League, Grand Slam, World Series Finals, and UK Open, alongside two World Series titles in Bahrain and Poland. His three televised nine-dart finishes, including one at the 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters, have made him a fan favorite. “I want to win as much as I can,” Littler said after his 2024 Poland triumph, a mantra that continues to drive him. His 13 PDC titles, five of them majors, rank him ninth in PDC history, a remarkable feat for a player who turned pro just 18 months ago.
The Poland Darts Masters, the fifth stop on the 2025 World Series circuit, showcased a star-studded field, including former champions Michael van Gerwen and Littler, alongside top players like Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall. Notably absent was world No. 1 Luke Humphries, fresh off his US Darts Masters win, but the tournament didn’t lack for drama. Local hero Krzysztof Ratajski thrilled the crowd with a 6-3 upset over Jonny Clayton, while Price’s final victory over Bunting capped a thrilling weekend. The £60,000 prize pool, with £20,000 for the winner, underscored the event’s prestige.
Littler’s double 170 checkouts, a rare feat requiring two bullseyes and a double 10, highlighted his flair for the big stage. Social media erupted, with fans marveling at his composure: “Luke Littler doing Luke Littler things,” one post declared. Despite the semifinal exit, his performance reaffirmed his status as darts’ brightest star. As he looks ahead to the Betfred World Matchplay from July 19-27, Littler’s hunger remains undimmed. “This first half of the year has been really good,” he reflected last year, and with his sights set on more titles, the darts world braces for what “The Nuke” will do next.
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