The Antwerp Xpo is set to ignite with darting drama from August 29 to 31, 2025, as the Flanders Darts Trophy, the 10th stop on the PDC European Tour, unfolds in Belgium. The spotlight is firmly on Luke Littler, the 18-year-old reigning PDC World Champion, who is chasing the £30,000 top prize from a £175,000 prize fund. After a turbulent week marked by emergency dental surgery, Littler’s return to the European Tour—his first since April—has fans and rivals alike buzzing with anticipation. As the second seed, he faces either Ireland’s Dylan Slevin or Belgium’s Francois Schweyen in the second round on Saturday, August 30, at 6:00 PM BST, aiming to add to his glittering resume in a star-studded field.
Littler, nicknamed “The Nuke,” has been a phenomenon since bursting onto the scene. His 2025 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, with victories in the World Championship, Premier League, Grand Slam, and World Series Finals, alongside two European Tour titles at the Belgian and Austrian Darts Opens. His £2.2 million in career prize money, amassed in just 19 months, underscores his dominance. However, his last appearance at the Flanders Darts Trophy in 2024 ended in a shock third-round exit to Dirk van Duijvenbode, a memory he’s keen to erase. “I cannot wait to get back to Belgium,” Littler said, reflecting his fondness for the region where he’s won twice before. Yet, his preparation was thrown into chaos on Thursday, August 28, when he underwent emergency tooth extraction in Manchester after enduring “hours and hours” of pain. “I don’t know how I’m going to be feeling,” he admitted, revealing the uncertainty surrounding his condition. “I’m in shock and shaken as I didn’t know what to expect.”
The Antwerp crowd, known for its electric atmosphere, will welcome a formidable lineup. Defending champion Dave Chisnall, who claimed the 2024 title with an 8-6 win over Ricardo Pietreczko, returns to defend his crown. Michael van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, faces a tricky second-round clash against Gian van Veen or Adam Gawlas. Stephen Bunting, fresh off a Players Championship triumph with a 101.7 average, takes on Joe Cullen or Ian White, while Gerwyn Price, recovering from a recent hand infection, meets Ryan Joyce or Pietreczko. Notably, top seed Luke Humphries, along with Nathan Aspinall and Gary Anderson, withdrew, elevating Josh Rock, Martin Schindler, and Ryan Searle to seeds. “It’s a stacked field,” noted darts analyst Mats Leering, predicting Littler as the favorite but highlighting Schindler’s European Tour prowess and Bunting’s red-hot form.
The tournament’s format adds intensity, with best-of-11 legs in the early rounds, escalating to best-of-13 in the semifinals and best-of-15 in the final on Sunday, August 31. Littler, benefiting from a first-round bye as a top-16 seed, must navigate a challenging draw. Slevin, a heavy scorer, or Schweyen, buoyed by home support, could test his resolve, especially if post-surgery discomfort lingers. “Hopefully it’s all good for Saturday,” Littler said, expressing cautious optimism. His recent performances, including a 108 average against Gerwyn Price in the New Zealand Darts Masters and a nervy 6-5 win over Beau Greaves at Players Championship 24, showcase his ability to thrive under pressure, but consistency will be key.
Belgium holds fond memories for Littler, who won the Belgian Darts Open earlier this year with a nine-dart finish. The Antwerp Xpo, hosting over a million visitors annually, erupted with 287 maximum 180s in 2024, and fans expect more fireworks. Littler’s viral moments off the oche—parading his World Championship trophy at Old Trafford and renaming Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium for a night—have cemented his status as darts’ biggest star. Yet, he remains grounded, thanking his girlfriend Faith and the Manchester dental team for their support. “I love you,” he wrote to Faith, a personal touch amid the whirlwind.
Rivals like Bunting, who won the International Darts Open in April, and Schindler, with three European Tour titles in 2025, pose significant threats. Van Gerwen, despite an inconsistent season, remains a danger with his explosive scoring. Price, battling back from injury, could also disrupt Littler’s path. “Luke Littler is the likely champion,” Leering predicted, but added, “Schindler or Rock could fire their way to victory.” The tournament, streamed live on DAZN and PDCTV, promises high drama, with ranking points crucial as majors loom. For Littler, it’s a chance to silence doubters, overcome his physical setback, and cement his legacy in the city where darts dreams are made.
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