Darts prodigy Luke Littler, the teenage sensation who took the sport by storm, is ready to defend his crown at the 2025 Jack’s Casino World Series of Darts Finals, set to electrify Amsterdam’s AFAS Live from September 12-14, 2025. The 18-year-old, who clinched the title last year with a commanding 11-4 victory over Michael Smith, faces a formidable first-round challenge against Australian veteran Simon Whitlock. This high-stakes tournament, the culmination of the 2025 World Series tour, brings together 32 of the world’s top players, battling for a £80,000 top prize and a share of the £400,000 prize pot. For fans eager to witness Littler’s quest to retain his title, here’s everything you need to know about this unmissable darts spectacle.
The World Series of Darts Finals, now in its 11th year, is a showcase of precision, flair, and raw competitive spirit. Held at the iconic AFAS Live, the event features a star-studded lineup, including world number one Luke Humphries, five-time champion Michael van Gerwen, and top seed Stephen Bunting, who earned his spot by dominating the 2025 World Series Rankings with victories in Bahrain and Copenhagen. Littler, seeded second after back-to-back triumphs in the Australian and New Zealand Masters, is no stranger to the spotlight. His meteoric rise, marked by a staggering 10 titles in his debut year, has cemented him as a fan favorite and a formidable force. Reflecting on his 2024 Amsterdam triumph, Littler admitted to feeling invincible: “I felt ‘unbeatable’ after racing to victory on my Jack’s World Series of Darts Finals debut.” That confidence will be tested as he faces Whitlock, a seasoned campaigner known for his relentless accuracy, in a first-round clash that promises fireworks.
The tournament kicks off on Friday, September 12, with the opening round split across two sessions. The evening session, starting at 6:00 p.m. UK time (7:00 p.m. local time), features marquee matchups like Humphries against 2018 champion James Wade and Bunting facing Dutch star Danny Noppert. Littler’s bout with Whitlock is slated for Saturday afternoon’s session at 11:45 a.m. UK time, ensuring fans have plenty of chances to catch the action. Saturday evening brings the second round, while Sunday’s double sessions—starting at 11:45 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. UK time—will see the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final crown the champion. The format, with best-of-11-leg matches in the early rounds escalating to best-of-21 in the final, guarantees intense, fast-paced battles that keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
For UK viewers, ITV4 and ITVX will broadcast every dart live, starting at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and continuing with dual sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Internationally, fans in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland can tune in via DAZN, while PDCTV offers worldwide streaming for those outside restricted regions. In the US, where darts is gaining traction, streaming options are available, though major events like this one may not yet be on platforms like Peacock, which has covered select PDC tournaments. The global broadcast reach underscores the sport’s growing appeal, fueled by players like Littler, whose youth and charisma have drawn new audiences.
This year’s field is a blend of veterans and rising stars. Van Gerwen, a Dutch legend, faces compatriot Wessel Nijman in a generational showdown, while Gerwyn Price, the Poland Masters champion, takes on American Danny Lauby. Other notable first-round clashes include Rob Cross versus Haupai Puha and Nathan Aspinall against Dave Chisnall. The inclusion of six Tour Card qualifiers, like Joe Cullen and Cameron Menzies, adds unpredictability, making every match a potential upset. Littler, however, remains the player to watch. His recent performances, including a 7-1 rout of Daryl Gurney at the Flanders Darts Trophy, showcase his blistering form. “Just happy I came away from it with the title,” Littler posted on X after a grueling final against Josh Rock, a sentiment that reflects his hunger for more silverware.
Amsterdam’s AFAS Live, with its electric atmosphere, is the perfect stage for this drama. Last year, Littler thrived under its bright lights, and he’ll need to channel that same energy to navigate a treacherous draw. The event’s global flavor—featuring players from Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and beyond—highlights the World Series’ mission to expand darts’ reach. For Littler, it’s a chance to solidify his legacy as more than a one-hit wonder. His 2024 victory was a statement; a repeat would be a coronation.
Fans can expect a weekend of high drama, with Littler’s precision and swagger at the forefront. Whether you’re watching from a pub in London, a living room in Sydney, or streaming on your phone, this is darts at its finest—raw, relentless, and utterly captivating. Don’t miss the chance to see if “The Nuke” can detonate once more and claim the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals crown.
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