Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation, delivered a stunning display of skill and composure to win the 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp, Belgium, overcoming Josh Rock in a gripping last-leg decider on August 31. Known as “The Nuke,” the world champion dominated, dropping just one leg in a 7–1 semi-final thrashing of Daryl Gurney before outlasting Rock to claim his second European Tour title of the year. The victory, celebrated by a fervent Lotto Arena crowd, further solidified Littler’s meteoric rise, proving his ability to maintain excellence after a stellar 2024 and silencing critics questioning his staying power.
The Flanders Darts Trophy, a marquee European Tour event, saw top-seeded Littler shine after a 2025 season already boasting a PDC World Championship and multiple high-profile victories. His journey to the final was relentless: a 6–0 whitewash of Dylan Slevin in the third round with flawless 6/6 doubles, a hard-fought last-leg win over Damon Heta, and a commanding semi-final against Gurney, where he conceded just one leg, as noted by the PDC: “Luke Littler concedes just one leg in a 7-1 rout of Daryl Gurney.” These performances highlighted his blend of precision and poise, a signature of his game since his breakout at 16.
The final against Rock, a talented Northern Irish prospect, was a tense best-of-13-leg battle. Littler’s clutch finishing and composure under pressure secured the £30,000 prize, with the PDC declaring, “Luke Littler shines again, edging Josh Rock in a last-leg thriller for his second Belgium title this year.” The win bolstered his trophy haul, including the 2025 Australian and Bahrain Darts Masters, and reinforced his No. 1 PDC Order of Merit ranking.
Despite facing a tough 32-player field with stars like Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, and Dave Chisnall, Littler remained unfazed. His perfect doubling against Slevin and resilience against Heta showcased a maturity reminiscent of darts icon Phil Taylor. The Gurney semi-final was a masterclass, leaving the veteran with little response to Littler’s precision.
Beyond the oche, Littler’s charm and fan connection have made him a global star. His infectious grin and crowd engagement in Antwerp, where fans chanted his name, amplified the electric atmosphere broadcast on PDCTV and DAZN. “The crowd pushes me to play better,” he said post-match, shrugging off the pressure of fame. His mental strength, paired with his skill, has captivated darts fans worldwide.
With a £175,000 prize fund, the Flanders Darts Trophy is a cornerstone of the European Tour, and Littler’s win fuels his momentum heading into the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam on September 12. His 2025 season, marked by triumphs in Bahrain, Australia, and Belgium, plus a Premier League semi-final, reflects remarkable consistency. Yet, Littler stays humble, bracing for challenges from Price, van Gerwen, and Luke Humphries, with a blockbuster clash against Raymond van Barneveld looming in Amsterdam.
Littler’s Antwerp triumph is more than a title—it’s a testament to his ambition to dominate darts for years. At 18, he’s rewriting records with a blend of raw talent and showmanship, leaving the darts world eager to see how far “The Nuke” will soar.
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