The electric atmosphere at the AFAS Live in Amsterdam is reaching fever pitch as the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals enters its decisive stages. Defending champion Luke Littler, the 18-year-old sensation dubbed “The Nuke,” is set to take center stage in the quarterfinals on Sunday afternoon, September 14, facing off against Ross Smith in what promises to be a nail-biting encounter. The match is scheduled to kick off around 1:00 p.m. local time (CET), which translates to 12:00 p.m. BST or 7:00 a.m. ET, as part of the afternoon session that gets underway at noon local time. This pivotal game, played to a best-of-11 legs format, will determine who advances to the semifinals, where the winner could face heavyweights like Gerwyn Price or Chris Dobey later that evening.
Littler’s journey to this point has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, embodying the raw talent and unyielding determination that have made him a global darts phenomenon. Seeded second in the tournament after a stellar World Series campaign that included back-to-back titles in Australia and New Zealand, the teenager kicked off his title defense with a gritty 6-4 victory over Australian veteran Simon Whitlock in the first round. Whitlock, a two-time world champion, tested Littler early, but the young star’s precision and composure shone through, firing in crucial checkouts to secure the win. Then came the second-round thriller against Jonny Clayton, where Littler found himself trailing 0-3 before mounting a stunning comeback. He reeled off five straight legs to edge out the Welshman 6-4, showcasing the mental fortitude that has defined his meteoric rise since bursting onto the scene as a 16-year-old at the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship.
Reflecting on his narrow escape against Clayton, Littler shared his post-match thoughts: “It was an incredible game. I wasn’t happy at 5-0 down [referring to an earlier moment], it was a slow start but I picked myself up.” This resilience has been a hallmark of Littler’s 2025 season, where he not only defended his Premier League title but also added the UK Open and World Matchplay to his trophy cabinet, cementing his status as the PDC’s brightest young star. Now ranked world No. 2, Littler enters the quarterfinals with momentum on his side, but Ross Smith presents a formidable challenge. The Englishman, who advanced with a solid 6-4 win over Dave Chisnall, brings a wealth of experience and a dangerous scoring ability to the oche. Smith, known for his smooth throwing action and ability to grind out results, has been in fine form, and a victory here would mark a career milestone in this prestigious non-ranking event.
The broader tournament narrative adds even more intrigue. The quarterfinal lineup features a blockbuster clash between world No. 1 Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen, the Dutch superstar who thrilled the home crowd with a last-leg 6-5 escape against Rob Cross in the second round. Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, fed off the raucous Amsterdam support, unleashing three ton-plus finishes to seal his progression. “The crowd were incredible,” van Gerwen said afterward, his eyes lighting up at the thought of facing Humphries in the quarters. Humphries, meanwhile, cruised past Kevin Doets 6-4, maintaining his cool under pressure. Other quarterfinal matchups include Josh Rock, who dazzled with a 107.36 average in a 6-0 whitewash of Danny Noppert, taking on Stephen Bunting, and Mike De Decker facing Chris Dobey after De Decker’s 6-4 upset over Damon Heta.
This World Series of Darts Finals, the culmination of a global tour that spanned continents from Bahrain to New Zealand, boasts a star-studded field of 24 players vying for a share of the £600,000 prize pot, with £60,000 and the coveted trophy going to the champion. The event’s unique format—featuring seeded players and qualifiers—has produced moments of pure drama, from Raymond van Barneveld’s controversial last-leg survival against Cor Dekker to Gerwyn Price’s swift 6-1 demolition of Danny Lauby. For Littler, success here would not only defend his 2024 crown—won emphatically 11-4 over Michael Smith—but also reaffirm his dominance ahead of a packed winter schedule, including the Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals.
As the afternoon session unfolds, all eyes will be on Littler versus Smith, a matchup that could swing the momentum of the entire tournament. Smith’s recent form, including deep runs in European Tour events, suggests he won’t go down without a fight, but Littler’s explosive potential—evidenced by his record-breaking averages and nine-dart teases—makes him the favorite. Fans tuning in via Sky Sports or PDC TV can expect a spectacle of tungsten wizardry, with the semis and final set for the evening session starting around 7:00 p.m. local time. Littler’s quest for back-to-back titles continues to captivate, blending youthful exuberance with professional poise in a way that’s redefining darts for a new generation. Whether he powers through to another Sunday night showdown remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the AFAS Live will be alive with anticipation as “The Nuke” aims to detonate the competition once more.
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