The 2025 Czech Darts Open, set to unfold at Prague’s PVA EXPO from September 5 to 7, is shaping up to be a blockbuster event on the PDC European Tour. As the 11th stop of the season, this three-day darts extravaganza promises high-octane action, with 48 of the world’s top players vying for glory and a share of the £230,000 prize fund. All eyes are on Luke Littler, the 18-year-old sensation known as “The Nuke,” who arrives fresh off a thrilling victory at the Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp. With four wins in his last five events, Littler is the favorite to claim consecutive Euro Tour titles, but a stacked field featuring Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and rising stars like Josh Rock ensures the competition will be fierce. “It might be another dominating weekend from Littler,” observers predict, yet the unpredictable nature of darts guarantees nothing is certain.
Littler’s meteoric rise has captivated the darts world. At just 17, he clinched the 2025 PDC World Championship, defeating Michael van Gerwen to become the youngest world champion in history. His 2025 season has been a masterclass in consistency, with major titles at the UK Open, World Matchplay, New Zealand Darts Masters, and Australian Darts Masters, completing the coveted “Triple Crown.” His recent triumph over Josh Rock in a last-leg decider in Antwerp showcased his clutch performance under pressure, with Littler rallying from a 4-1 deficit to secure his fourth Euro Tour title. “I had to crawl back from 4-1 down, then I knew they’d get back on my side,” Littler said of the Belgian crowd, whose support he’s won over with his electrifying play. In Prague, he faces either Ian White or Cameron Menzies in the second round on Saturday, September 6, at approximately 8:30 PM BST, a matchup that could test his nerves early.
The defending champion, Luke Humphries, is determined to reclaim his crown after a dominant 8-1 victory over Kim Huybrechts in the 2024 final. Currently the world number one, Humphries faces a tough path, starting with either Dirk van Duijvenbode or Cor Dekker in the second round. His consistency on the European Tour is undeniable, but Littler’s relentless form makes him a formidable challenger. “Luke’s obviously the best player in the world,” Humphries admitted earlier this year, acknowledging the teenager’s brilliance. Meanwhile, Michael van Gerwen, a 38-time Euro Tour champion, is looking to rebound from an early exit in Antwerp. Facing either Mike De Decker or Ritchie Edhouse, both major winners in 2024, van Gerwen’s path is fraught with danger, especially given his recent struggles. “MVG will face a tough task amid personal struggles on and off the oche,” insiders note.
The tournament’s format adds to the drama, with 16 seeded players entering in the second round, facing winners from Friday’s first-round clashes. Sunday’s schedule, featuring the third round, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final, will test players’ endurance and precision. Stephen Bunting, ranked fourth, is a dark horse, with a favorable draw suggesting “at least a quarterfinal round appearance.” Other contenders like Gerwyn Price, Dave Chisnall, and Luke Humphries bring pedigree, while unseeded players such as Wessel Nijman, Niko Springer, and Dirk van Duijvenbode could spark upsets. “The bracket is set for some to go on runs,” analysts predict, highlighting the potential for surprises.
Josh Rock, who pushed Littler to the brink in Antwerp, is another player to watch. His recent form, including a Players Championship title and a World Cup of Darts win, has elevated him to a career-high 11th in the PDC Order of Merit. The Prague crowd, known for its passionate energy, will amplify the stakes, especially for the four Czech qualifiers joining the field. With Littler’s “breathtaking form” and a field brimming with talent, the 2025 Czech Darts Open is poised to deliver “high-octane matches” and unforgettable moments. Will Littler cement his dominance, or will a rival rise to steal the spotlight? Prague is ready to find out.
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