In the electrifying world of professional darts, few names shine as brightly as Luke Littler, the teenage sensation who’s been dominating the oche with a maturity far beyond his years. As the 2025 Jack’s Casino World Series of Darts Finals unfold at the vibrant AFAS Live arena in Amsterdam, all eyes are on the defending champion, who is methodically carving his path toward another potential triumph. This prestigious 32-player showdown, running from September 12 to 14, boasts a mouthwatering £400,000 prize fund, with £80,000 on offer to the victor—a sum that could further cement Littler’s status as darts’ golden boy.
The tournament kicked off with a bang on Friday evening, setting the stage for a weekend of high-stakes drama. Eight first-round matches lit up the boards, featuring nail-biting encounters like Kevin Doets edging out Jermaine Wattimena 6-5 and world number one Luke Humphries surviving a scare against James Wade in another 6-5 thriller. Michael van Gerwen, the home favorite, also advanced with a gritty 6-5 win over Wessel Nijman, while Josh Rock upset Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3. Damon Heta demolished Joe Cullen 6-1, Mike De Decker dispatched Gabriel Clemens 6-3, Danny Noppert stunned Stephen Bunting 6-4, and Rob Cross breezed past Haupai Puha 6-3. These best-of-11-leg battles showcased the depth of talent in the PDC ranks, blending veterans with rising stars.
Saturday brought even more intensity, splitting into afternoon and evening sessions that ramped up the excitement. The afternoon first-round ties saw Chris Dobey cruise past Luke Woodhouse 6-2, Cameron Menzies knock out Peter Wright 6-3, and Ross Smith overcome Jonny Tata 6-4. Raymond van Barneveld fought back to beat Cor Dekker 6-5, Gerwyn Price thrashed Danny Lauby 6-1, and Nathan Aspinall fell 6-2 to Dave Chisnall. But the moment everyone anticipated was Littler’s entrance. The 18-year-old, seeded second behind Bunting in the World Series rankings, faced Australian Simon Whitlock in his opener. Littler, drawing on his recent successes in the Australian Darts Masters and New Zealand Darts Masters earlier in 2025—where he lifted both trophies—settled any nerves with a composed 6-4 victory. His checkout percentage hovered impressively, and he sealed the win with a clinical double to advance.
The evening session turned the heat up for the second round, again best-of-11, and Littler delivered yet another masterclass. Paired against the in-form Jonny Clayton, who had whitewashed Jason Brandon 6-0 earlier, Littler found himself in early trouble, trailing 3-0. But true to his reputation for resilience, he mounted a stunning comeback, reeling off five straight legs to turn the tide. Clayton, who missed eight darts at double in a potential decider, couldn’t recover, and Littler clinched it 6-4. “That was tough, but I knew I could get back into it,” Littler reflected post-match, his voice steady despite the adrenaline. This back-to-back 6-4 wins have propelled him into the quarter-finals, where the stakes escalate to best-of-19 legs.
Sunday’s schedule promises non-stop action, starting with the afternoon session at 11:45am BST (12:45pm local time). The quarter-finals lineup is a darting dream: Mike De Decker takes on Josh Rock, followed by the blockbuster clash of Humphries versus van Gerwen—a rematch of recent rivalries that could steal the show. Then comes Littler’s pivotal matchup against Ross Smith, the Englishman who advanced with a 6-4 upset over Chisnall. Smith’s form has been solid, but Littler holds the edge as the favorite, with his quarter-final slated around 3:00pm local time. The final quarter-final pits Gerwyn Price, who powered through 6-4 against van Barneveld, against Chris Dobey, who dismantled Menzies 6-1.
If Littler navigates past Smith, his semi-final awaits in the evening session from 6:00pm BST, facing the winner of Price versus Dobey in a best-of-21 encounter. The other semi will feature the survivor of Rock/De Decker against Humphries/van Gerwen, leading to a grand final that same night—best-of-21 legs for all the glory. The venue’s electric atmosphere, with Dutch fans roaring for their heroes like van Gerwen, adds to the pressure, but Littler thrives in such spotlights. His journey this year has been remarkable: after clinching the 2024 World Series Finals with an 11-4 demolition of Michael Smith, he’s added two more World Series titles in 2025, beating Humphries in the New Zealand final. At just 18, Littler’s precision and mental fortitude have drawn comparisons to darts legends, and retaining this title would mark a historic three-peat in the series.
Beyond Littler, the field is stacked with threats. Humphries, fresh off the Czech Darts Open win, seeks redemption after losing to Littler Down Under. Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, is hungry for a deep run on home soil. Price and Dobey bring Welsh and English firepower, while Rock aims to build on his recent finals appearances. The £17,500 for quarter-finalists, £25,000 for semi-finalists, and £40,000 for the runner-up ensure every leg counts.
As the finals reach their climax on September 14, the darts world holds its breath. Littler’s updated schedule positions him perfectly for another shot at immortality, but in this unpredictable sport, nothing is guaranteed. Will the prodigy defend his crown and pocket that £80,000? Amsterdam is buzzing, and fans can’t wait to find out. With his blend of youthful exuberance and veteran savvy, Littler isn’t just playing darts—he’s redefining it.
Leave a Reply