In the electrifying world of professional darts, where precision and pressure collide, Luke Littler continues to rewrite the record books at a staggering pace. The 18-year-old prodigy, known as “The Nuke,” cemented his status as a generational talent by clinching the 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp, defeating Josh Rock in a thrilling 8-7 final. This victory marked Littler’s second European Tour title of the season and his fourth overall, but it’s his scoring prowess that has the darts world buzzing. Littler’s relentless performance in Belgium has brought him tantalizingly close to one of Michael van Gerwen’s most coveted European Tour records, showcasing a strike rate that outpaces even the sport’s greatest legends.
Littler’s Antwerp triumph was a masterclass in high-octane darts. Across his five matches, he averaged over 100 in three, with a blistering 110.33 against Ryan Searle in the third round, a performance that left the crowd in awe. This effort propelled him to joint third place on the all-time European Tour list for 110+ averages, tying him with Dave Chisnall at six such performances. What makes Littler’s achievement jaw-dropping is the efficiency: he’s reached this milestone in just 39 European Tour matches, compared to Chisnall’s 284 and Van Gerwen’s 404. The Dutch maestro, a three-time world champion, leads the list with 19 110+ averages, followed by Gerwyn Price with seven in 284 matches. Littler’s rapid ascent has sparked inevitable comparisons to Van Gerwen, with fans and pundits marveling at his ability to challenge records set by a player once considered untouchable. “I keep saying it, but that first game… really mattered, and throughout I’ve just settled,” Littler said after his World Championship win earlier this year, a mindset that’s carried him to new heights in Antwerp.
The Flanders final against Rock was a showcase of Littler’s resilience and flair. Trailing 5-2 after Rock capitalized on early misses, Littler roared back, winning four consecutive legs to seize control. Even when Rock fired a sensational 161 finish on the bull to force a deciding leg, Littler remained unfazed, closing out the match with an 11-darter on double 18 to claim the £30,000 prize. “Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. You’ve got to get through a tough field,” Littler remarked, echoing his sentiments from his World Championship triumph over Van Gerwen. His ability to deliver under pressure—evidenced by a 56 percent checkout ratio in the World Championship final and a tournament-leading 76 maximums—sets him apart as a player who thrives in clutch moments.
Van Gerwen, whose dominance once saw him win nine of ten major titles in 2016-17, remains a towering figure in darts. His 19 110+ averages reflect a career of unmatched consistency, but Littler’s trajectory suggests he could surpass this mark in record time. The teenager’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular, with victories at the Belgian Darts Open, UK Open, World Matchplay, and both the Australian and New Zealand Darts Masters. His third televised nine-darter in the Premier League against Van Gerwen and a 140.91 set average at the World Championship highlight his scoring power. Yet, Van Gerwen, ever the competitor, refuses to cede the spotlight. “We all know I’ve come from a far distance and I’ve been battling my own game,” he admitted after his World Championship loss to Littler, acknowledging the challenge posed by the young star.
Littler’s Belgian success is particularly poignant, as he’s now claimed both the Belgian Darts Open and Flanders Darts Trophy in 2025, completing what fans call his “Belgian double.” His 110.57 average against Van Gerwen in the 2024 Czech Darts Open quarter-final, despite the Dutchman’s record-breaking 112.19 losing average, underscored Littler’s ability to outshine even the best on their finest days. “This is 𝗻𝗼𝘁 gonna happen again. 😤🤣 Fantastic game by @LukeTheNuke180 what a talent,” Van Gerwen posted online, playfully conceding Littler’s brilliance while vowing a comeback.
As the European Tour heads to the Czech Darts Open, where Luke Humphries defends his title, Littler’s absence from some 2025 events, like the Austrian and European Darts Opens, reflects strategic choices to balance his schedule. Still, his impact is undeniable. At 18, he’s not just chasing records but redefining what’s possible in darts. With Van Gerwen’s 157 PDC titles and Phil Taylor’s 16 world championships looming as benchmarks, Littler’s trajectory suggests he could dominate for decades. As Glen Durrant, a three-time BDO champion, tweeted, “Wow I’ve just witnessed a genius at work,” capturing the awe Littler inspires. The darts world watches eagerly as this teenage sensation closes in on Van Gerwen’s records, one dart at a time.
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