Luke Littler Destroys Nijman 10–4 in World Grand Prix Masterclass

Luke Littler Destroys Nijman 10–4 in World Grand Prix Masterclass

Luke Littler continues to prove why he is the most feared young talent in darts, delivering a ruthless 10–4 victory over Wessel Nijman in their World Grand Prix showdown. In a night that showcased power scoring, icy composure, and the unmistakable swagger of a player destined for long-term dominance, Littler left no doubt that he is operating on a level few can match.

From the opening throw, it was clear that the teenager had arrived with intent. The World Grand Prix—known for its unforgiving double-in, double-out format—has a reputation for exposing weaknesses and rattling even seasoned professionals. But for Littler, the challenge once again brought out the best in him. He found his starting doubles with speed, kept Nijman under constant pressure, and refused to ease off once he built momentum. It was professional, clinical, and devastating all at once.

Nijman, to his credit, tried to stay with him. In patches, he produced the sharp scoring the darts world knows he is capable of. A couple of 140 bursts and a tidy 90 checkout showed glimpses of resistance. But every time he appeared ready to settle, Littler punched straight back with heavy visits—repeated 180s, ruthless 137s, and perfectly timed ton-plus checkouts that sapped Nijman’s confidence. The rhythm of the match kept swinging back to the same direction: towards the teenager who has made dominating big-stage opponents feel routine.

What stood out most wasn’t simply the scoring; it was Littler’s command of the match. His composure has become one of his trademarks. Whether leading, trailing, or locked in a tight leg, his expression rarely changes. There’s a maturity in his game far beyond his age, and moments that would cause other players to grip the darts tighter seem to make him relax. In this match, that calmness was on full display. Even when Nijman grabbed a leg or two to slow the onslaught, Littler never allowed frustration to creep in. Instead, he responded with legs that were close to perfection.

The turning point came midway through the match, when Nijman attempted to claw his way back from a 6–3 deficit. He had a chance to close the gap even further, stepping up with 56 remaining. But a missed dart at double-top opened the door, and Littler kicked it wide open with a cold-blooded 110 checkout. That finish didn’t just win a leg—it crushed any illusion Nijman may have had that a comeback was possible. From there, Littler tightened his grip and accelerated, putting together a run of clean holds and emphatic breaks that pushed the scoreline to 9–4.

The final leg was a statement in itself. Littler opened with a 160 start, nailed another 140, and wrapped up the match with an effortless 36 finish. It wasn’t just a win; it was a performance that reminded everyone why he generates headlines every time he steps on stage. Nijman could only watch as the young phenom brought the curtain down with the confidence of a player who expects to lift the trophy, not just progress through the early rounds.

This 10–4 victory is more than another notch in Littler’s growing list of convincing wins. It reinforces a pattern fans and analysts are noticing with increasing frequency: when Littler finds rhythm early, opponents are simply passengers. His scoring power creates constant pressure, his finishing is sharp, and his ability to control the pace of matches forces opponents into chasing mode—often leading to rushed darts, missed doubles, and widening scorelines.

The wider implications are just as important. The World Grand Prix is a tournament that rewards precision and punishes hesitation. Many young players struggle with the doubled-in format, but Littler appears to thrive in it. That adaptability is the hallmark of a future multiple major champion. With each performance, he strengthens his reputation not only as a prodigy but as a genuine threat in every event he enters.

For Nijman, this match will sting, but it also offers valuable lessons. He showed flashes of quality, enough to know he belongs on big stages. But against elite-level opponents—especially Littler, who is rapidly becoming a different category entirely—flashes aren’t enough. Consistency wins matches, and Littler delivered it from start to finish.

As the tournament progresses, the question is no longer whether Luke Littler can beat top players. It’s how far he plans to go, and how long the darting world will have to wait before he collects yet another major title. If this performance is anything to go by, the wait might be very short.