In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where precision meets pressure under the bright lights, teenage sensation Luke Littler has once again found himself at the center of controversy. Fresh off a dominant performance at the World Grand Prix in Leicester, the 18-year-old world champion has been called out for what some are labeling an “inappropriate” and “disrespectful” remark following his match against defending champion Mike De Decker. The incident has sparked debate among fans and former players alike, highlighting the fine line between confidence and cockiness in a sport known for its mental warfare and razor-sharp rivalries.
The drama unfolded during the second round of the tournament, a unique double-in, double-out format that demands players start and finish each leg on a double. Littler, already a household name after his meteoric rise to fame, faced off against De Decker, the Belgian star who had stunned the darts world the previous year by claiming the £120,000 prize. De Decker’s victory in 2024 had included a memorable upset over Luke Humphries, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with. Expectations were high for a thrilling clash, with many anticipating De Decker to push Littler to his limits, especially after their previous encounter at the Grand Slam where Littler had needed crowd support to edge out a win.
However, the match turned out to be anything but a nail-biter. Littler delivered a near-flawless display, cruising to a 3-0 victory that showcased his exceptional talent. He toyed with his opponent at times, opting for flashy finishes like aiming straight for the bullseye on 50 or wrapping up 91 with bull, 1, and tops. De Decker, in a rare off-night, struggled immensely, missing a staggering 41 doubles across 11 legs. Littler sealed the deal with a spectacular 170 checkout, a move that left the crowd buzzing. Reflecting on the win in his post-match interview, Littler didn’t hold back on his assessment of the game.
“I said to myself, ‘let’s leave with a big one’,” Littler recounted, referring to his impressive finish. He continued, “Mike didn’t play his best so I had to jump on it and lead early. This tournament is brutal. We have seen some shocks but I had to do a job.” Touching on his own form, he added, “I am hitting the double 20 and as a player you can feel that nine-darter coming…” But it was his candid evaluation of the match’s pace that raised eyebrows: “Mike didn’t play his best there and I just had to plod along. It was a bit boring at times because I expected something from the reigning champion and I just had to do a job.” He elaborated further, saying, “If my opponent is playing as good as me on the stage I’m obviously going to match it. He’s going to match me but Mike just didn’t show up there.”
These words, delivered with the unfiltered honesty of a young prodigy, quickly drew backlash. Former darts star Vincent van der Voort, a four-time PDC Pro Tour champion and three-time World Championship quarter-finalist, didn’t mince words in his criticism. Speaking on a popular darts podcast, van der Voort described Littler’s remarks as a unnecessary jab. “That’s just a tap on the chin you give someone like De Decker,” he said. “You don’t have to say that. It’s inappropriate and not very respectful.” Van der Voort pointed out the context of their rivalry, noting, “At the Grand Slam, Littler actually needed the crowd to beat De Decker. And then to make comments like that about someone who won a tournament just last year – putting him down like that, I don’t like it.” Yet, he acknowledged a silver lining: “But at the same time, it adds a bit of spice. Hopefully De Decker will take that personally and go into their next match with fire in his belly.” He wrapped up by praising Littler’s prowess, adding, “There’s no shame in De Decker losing heavily to Littler. He’s just unbelievably good right now.”
This isn’t the first time Littler’s bold personality has stirred the pot in the darts community. Since bursting onto the scene as a 16-year-old phenom, reaching the World Championship final in his debut and becoming the youngest-ever winner of multiple majors, he’s shattered records and redefined what’s possible in the sport. His seventh major TV title came in this very tournament, where he demolished Humphries 6-1 in the final, further cementing his status as the dominant force. But with great success comes scrutiny, and Littler’s youth—combined with his unapologetic confidence—has led to accusations of arrogance from some quarters.
Just a day after his Grand Prix triumph, Littler surprised many by entering the World Youth Championship in Wigan, an event he was still eligible for despite his elite status. As the overwhelming favorite, he advanced to the semi-finals but suffered a shock 6-5 defeat to 21-year-old Beau Greaves, the women’s No.1 and a rising star who had just earned her first PDC Tour Card. In a gracious response, Littler posted on social media, calling Greaves “some talent” and offering a simple “fair play” on her victory. When a troll commented that women shouldn’t compete with men, Littler fired back sharply: “Are you high?” It was a moment that showcased his quick wit and willingness to defend inclusivity in the sport.
Undeterred by the loss, Littler bounced back swiftly on the pro circuit. He endured a setback with a defeat to Ritchie Edhouse in Players Championship 31 but reclaimed his form by winning Players Championship 32 against Dennie Olde Kalter. Addressing critics who questioned his participation in the youth event, he remarked in a post-match interview, “The likes of Gian van Veen, tour holder, Keane Barry, tour card holder – but I’m the one who gets it in the neck. I didn’t win so obviously a lot of people were happy.”
As the darts world looks ahead, this episode with De Decker serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny that comes with being at the top. Littler’s comments, while blunt, reflect the competitive fire that has propelled him to stardom. Whether they motivate De Decker for a fiery rematch or simply add fuel to the ongoing narrative around Littler’s persona, one thing is clear: in a sport where mind games are as crucial as accuracy, Littler continues to keep everyone on their toes. With his talent showing no signs of waning, the young star’s journey is far from over, promising more thrills, spills, and perhaps a few more headline-grabbing moments along the way.
Leave a Reply