In the electric atmosphere of Gliwice’s PreZero Arena, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” returned to the Poland Darts Masters on July 4-5, 2025, aiming to defend his 2024 title. As the reigning PDC World Champion and world No. 2, Littler carried the weight of expectation into the third edition of this World Series of Darts event. His performance was a rollercoaster of brilliance, marked by two spectacular 170 “big fish” checkouts, but his title defense fell short in a semi-final upset against Stephen Bunting, who went on to lose to Gerwyn Price in the final. Despite the loss, Littler’s display in Poland showcased his flair, resilience, and unshakable star power.
Littler’s campaign began on Friday against Czech No. 1 Karel Sedlacek, a formidable opponent who had recently led Czechia to a World Cup quarter-final. The first-round match was a gritty affair, with both players averaging just under 98 in a tightly contested battle. Littler surged to a 5-1 lead, but Sedlacek fought back, leveling the score at 4-4 after Littler faltered, leaving 7 and busting a double-three attempt. Undeterred, Littler regained control with clinical 101 and 120 checkouts, sealing a 6-4 victory with a clutch 76 finish on tops. “Yeah, it was a very, very tough game,” Littler reflected post-match. “It’s what we Premier League players want. We want the best out of these Polish players and the Czech players. I didn’t expect that sort of performance from him, but he pushed me all the way.” He praised Sedlacek, noting, “I said to him, ‘Well played, keep it up.’ He’s a really top player.” The 5,000-strong crowd, though boisterous—booing and whistling in the final leg—couldn’t rattle Littler, who relished the energy: “It was pretty loud, obviously, when we hit the 180s and the big checkouts.”
On Saturday, Littler faced Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals, a rematch of their US Darts Masters clash where Aspinall had prevailed 6-4. This time, Littler turned the tables, delivering a 6-3 win with a stunning 120 checkout and a jaw-dropping 170 finish that electrified the Gliwice crowd. His average neared 105, a testament to his precision under pressure. “It was an amazing feeling to lift this trophy in front of a massive crowd, and hopefully I can defend the title this weekend,” Littler had said before the tournament, recalling his 2024 triumph over Rob Cross. That dream, however, was tested in the semi-finals against Stephen Bunting, who was in scintillating form. Bunting, the top seed with titles in Bahrain and Copenhagen earlier in 2025, stormed to a 5-1 lead. Littler fought back with another sensational 170 checkout—his second of the night—keeping him in the match. “CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?” rang out from the commentary as Littler landed the maximum checkout to stay alive. But Bunting’s relentless 104-plus average proved too much, and he closed out a 7-3 victory, ending Littler’s title hopes.
Bunting’s path to the final included a win over Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski, while Gerwyn Price claimed the title by defeating Bunting on Saturday night. Littler’s semi-final exit was a rare stumble for the teenager, who has amassed 13 PDC titles, including the 2025 World Championship and UK Open. His 2024 Poland Darts Masters victory—where he dispatched Peter Wright, Michael Smith, and Rob Cross with a 101.84 average—set a high bar. Reflecting on his 2025 performance, Littler acknowledged the challenge: “I just play my darts.” His two 170 checkouts in one night cemented his reputation for delivering in big moments, even in defeat. As he looks ahead to the Betfred World Matchplay, Littler’s hunger for more silverware remains undimmed, with the darts world eagerly awaiting his next explosive performance.
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