The electrified atmosphere of Amsterdam’s AFAS Live arena was palpable on September 14, 2025, as 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler faced off against Dutch legend Michael van Gerwen in the World Series of Darts final. Despite falling 11-7 to the resurgent three-time world champion, Littler’s poise both on and off the oche captured hearts, culminating in a heartfelt social media post that showcased his class and sportsmanship. The young star from Warrington, England, known as “The Nuke,” may have lost the title, but his gracious words and electrifying performance underscored why he’s a force reshaping the darts landscape.
Littler’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 17, he clinched the 2025 PDC World Championship, defeating Van Gerwen 7-3 to become the youngest world champion in history. His 2025 season dazzled with 17 PDC titles, including the Premier League, Grand Slam, and back-to-back World Series wins in Australia and New Zealand. Entering Amsterdam as the defending champion, Littler navigated a gauntlet of elite players, starting with a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Simon Whitlock, followed by a gritty 6-4 win against Jonny Clayton. His quarter-final triumph over Ross Smith, where he averaged an astonishing 107.31, and a thrilling semi-final comeback against Gerwyn Price set the stage for a blockbuster final against Van Gerwen, a hometown hero chasing his first televised title since 2023.
The final was a rollercoaster, with Van Gerwen, backed by a raucous Dutch crowd, seizing an early 3-2 lead with three 180s in the opening five legs. Littler, unfazed, leveled the score at 3-3 with a 10-dart leg, but the momentum swung when he missed crucial darts to tie at 7-7, allowing Van Gerwen to pull ahead 9-6. A pivotal moment came when Littler, distracted by crowd whistles, missed a dart at tops, but he responded with a nerveless 85 checkout to claw back to 6-5. Despite his 100+ average and 12 maximums, Van Gerwen’s clinical 130 checkout sealed the £80,000 prize. “We all know what difficulties I’ve had in the last few months, but to do it in front of my home crowd means a lot to me, it’s amazing,” Van Gerwen told reporters, his voice thick with emotion as he celebrated with his daughter Zoe on stage.
Littler’s response to the loss was a masterclass in humility. Taking to social media, he wrote, “May not have won but has been another great tournament for me🫡 really good seeing @MvG180 back playing his best and congrats on the title🤝🏼.” His words reflected admiration for Van Gerwen’s resurgence, a nod to the Dutchman’s battles with personal challenges, including a recent divorce. Fans lauded Littler’s maturity, with one posting, “Classy from Littler, showing respect to a legend like MVG while still proving he’s the future of darts.”
The Amsterdam crowd, fiercely loyal to Van Gerwen, didn’t make it easy for Littler. Known for thriving under pressure, he’s faced hostile receptions before—in Liverpool, Leeds, and Germany—often responding with cheeky gestures like his crybaby taunt in Newcastle. In the final, as boos and whistles rained down, Littler paused before nailing a double 10, pointing to himself in defiance, a moment fans called “top shithousery.” “It depends on how the fans react, but like the thing in Newcastle and Liverpool, I will always give it back to them,” he once said, embracing his role as darts’ pantomime villain.
Littler’s journey to the final was no cakewalk. His semi-final against Price required a comeback from 5-2 down, showcasing his mental fortitude. Earlier, his quarter-final win over Smith saw him hit a 170 checkout, silencing doubters. Despite the loss, his £40,000 runner-up prize and world number two ranking affirm his dominance. “It’s good to see him back,” Littler said of Van Gerwen post-match, adding, “The fans wanted Michael to win, and like I said to him, he played the best darts this weekend.” His comments highlighted a mutual respect, forged through their rivalry, including Littler’s 7-3 World Championship win over Van Gerwen in January.
As Littler looks ahead to the World Grand Prix in Leicester and a potential World Cup of Darts pairing with Luke Humphries, his Amsterdam performance—though not a victory—proved his mettle. With five Premier League nightly wins and a record 45 points in the 2025 season, he’s rewriting darts’ record books. His ability to blend audacious flair with genuine class ensures that even in defeat, Littler remains a phenomenon, ready to ignite the oche wherever he throws next.
Leave a Reply