The darts world witnessed a blend of heartbreak and history at Players Championship 24 in Milton Keynes, where 17-year-old sensation Luke Littler’s return to the ProTour ended in the last 16, while Jeffrey de Graaf etched his name into the record books as the first Swedish player to claim a PDC ranking title. The event, held on August 25, 2025, at the Arena MK, was a rollercoaster of high-stakes matches, jaw-dropping averages, and a thrilling final that saw De Graaf edge out Stephen Bunting 8-7 to secure his maiden PDC crown.
Littler, the reigning World Champion, marked his ProTour comeback after a five-month hiatus with a performance that showcased both his prodigious talent and the challenges of re-entering the competitive fray. Facing Beau Greaves, a three-time WDF women’s world champion, in the third round, Littler was pushed to the brink in a match that captivated fans. The clash was a generational showdown, with Greaves averaging an impressive 102 to Littler’s 96, and the pair splitting eight 180s. The match went to a deciding leg, where Littler’s composure under pressure shone through, clinching a 6-5 victory. “What a game between two generational talents!” exclaimed a commentator, capturing the electric atmosphere of the contest. However, Littler’s run ended in the last 16 against Rob Cross, who outplayed the young star 6-4, halting Littler’s 16-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
While Littler’s exit was a disappointment, the spotlight belonged to Jeffrey de Graaf, the Dutch-born Swede who defied the odds to claim the £15,000 top prize. De Graaf’s journey to the final was a testament to his resilience and skill. He began with a nervy 6-5 win over Adam Paxton, followed by a 6-4 victory against Ryan Searle and another last-leg decider against Jose de Sousa. In the last 16, he dispatched former World Champion Michael Smith 6-2, showcasing his growing confidence. Dominant 6-1 and 7-2 wins over Alan Soutar and Scott Williams, respectively, propelled him into his second Players Championship final. Facing Stephen Bunting, a world No. 4 in scintillating form, De Graaf trailed 4-1 early in the final. Undeterred, he reeled off four consecutive legs to take a 5-4 lead, ultimately holding his nerve in a last-leg decider to clinch the title with a 102 average against Bunting’s 106. “It means a lot, it’s my first title ever in the PDC, so it’s a great feeling, it’s fantastic,” De Graaf said, his voice trembling with emotion. “I’m still shaking! I’m happy to be the first [Swedish player to win a Players Championship title], but hopefully not the last.”
Bunting, despite the loss, was a standout throughout the day, averaging over 99 in all seven of his matches. His path included a 105-average win over Adam Hunt, victories against Cam Crabtree and Sebastian Bialecki, and a 6-1 rout of Rob Cross in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, he swept aside Ross Smith 7-2 with a 106 average, but the final proved one step too far, marking his seventh defeat in eight Players Championship finals since 2024.
Elsewhere, the tournament was brimming with notable performances. Scott Williams struck a nine-darter in a 6-0 thrashing of James Hurrell, though he fell to De Graaf in the semi-finals. Michael van Gerwen, another heavyweight, was eliminated in the last 16 by Williams despite a staggering 107.97 average. Greaves, before her loss to Littler, made waves by defeating Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld 6-4 after a 107-average whitewash of Dennie Olde Kalter. Mike De Decker delivered the day’s highest average, posting 108 in a 6-2 first-round win over Wesley Plaisier.
De Graaf’s triumph was a historic moment for Swedish darts, breaking new ground and easing the pressure on his shoulders. “For me, this is massive… it takes the pressure off me too, so it is great,” he reflected. As the PDC ProTour continues with Players Championship 25, De Graaf’s victory serves as a reminder of the sport’s unpredictability and the emergence of new stars, while Littler’s early exit only fuels anticipation for his next chapter in an already remarkable career.
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