In a gripping finale at the 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp, Belgium, Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock came agonizingly close to claiming his first European Tour title, only to fall 8-7 to reigning PDC World Champion Luke Littler in a last-leg decider. The 23-year-old from Broughshane showcased his immense talent and resilience, pushing the world’s No. 2 player to the brink in a match that captivated the Antwerp Xpo crowd. Despite the loss, Rock’s performance earned him a substantial prize, valuable ranking points, and widespread praise for his tenacity, reinforcing his status as one of darts’ brightest stars.
Rock’s journey to the final was a testament to his growing prowess. Entering the tournament as the 14th seed, he began his campaign in the second round against Karel Sedlacek, surviving a tense 6-5 battle that included match darts from his opponent. “Rocky” found his rhythm in the third round, edging out Stephen Bunting in another 6-5 thriller, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. In the quarter-finals, he outlasted Luke Woodhouse 6-4, averaging 101.03 to secure his place in the semi-finals. There, he faced veteran James Wade in a rematch of their UK Open semi-final earlier in 2025. Rock’s 102.16 average and clinical finishing led to a 7-5 victory, setting up a blockbuster final against Littler, a repeat of their epic World Matchplay semi-final in July, where Littler had prevailed 17-14 after Rock’s blistering start.
The final on August 31, 2025, was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Rock roared out of the gates, leveraging a 117-finish and an 86-checkout on the bullseye to surge to a 4-1 lead. “I started off okay, but obviously I wasn’t the quickest there,” Littler admitted, acknowledging Rock’s early dominance. However, Littler’s relentless scoring, averaging 107.40, began to turn the tide. Rock’s double troubles allowed Littler to claw back, leveling the score at 5-5 with a crucial 11-darter. The Northern Irishman refused to buckle, answering with a stunning 161 checkout to force a deciding leg. “When Josh hit the 161, it wasn’t a good feeling,” Littler said, highlighting the pressure of the moment. In the final leg, Littler’s 11-darter on double 18 sealed the title, leaving Rock to reflect on missed opportunities. “I’m always a bit too hard on myself, but I maybe should have done better,” Rock said, gracious in defeat. “He’s not officially world No 1 yet, but he will be soon, and that’s why he is the world champion. He knows how to win games.”
Rock’s runner-up finish earned him £12,000 from the tournament’s £175,000 prize pool, a significant boost to his career earnings, which have grown steadily since his breakout performances in 2024. As a seeded player, his prize money contributes to the PDC Order of Merit, where he remains a strong contender in the race for major event qualifications. The final also netted him 80 ranking points, further solidifying his position in the world’s top 20. His performance in Antwerp, coupled with his World Matchplay semi-final run, where he and Littler set a record for the most 180s in a match, underscores his potential to challenge the sport’s elite.
The road to the final was not without challenges. Rock navigated a field depleted by the withdrawals of top players like Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, and Gerwyn Price, who cited a hand injury. Yet, upsets abounded, with defending champion Dave Chisnall falling to Leon Weber and Michael van Gerwen stunned by Gian van Veen. Rock’s ability to capitalize on these opportunities highlighted his readiness for the big stage. His semi-final win over Wade, a seasoned campaigner, was particularly notable. “Rocky had the nose in front,” one observer noted, referencing his 102 average and ability to punish Wade’s early double misses.
Off the oche, Rock’s journey has been one of growth. Hailing from Broughshane, he has become a pride of Northern Ireland, carrying the hopes of a darts-mad nation. His camaraderie with Littler, despite their fierce rivalry, adds a layer of intrigue to their matchups. “It’s going to be special,” Littler had said before their World Matchplay clash, a sentiment that carried into Antwerp. Rock’s own reflection on the final was candid: “If you go to a final-leg decider with the world champion, you have to give it all, but fortunately I didn’t do that.” His self-criticism belies a player hungry to improve, a trait that bodes well for his future.
As Rock looks ahead to the Czech Darts Open and the remainder of the 2025 PDC season, his Flanders performance is a stepping stone. The £12,000 prize and 80 ranking points are tangible rewards, but his ability to trade blows with Littler in a high-stakes final signals his readiness to claim a major title. With his powerful scoring, highlighted by 29 maximums alongside Littler in their World Matchplay epic, and his growing composure, Rock is poised to continue his ascent. For now, the Flanders Darts Trophy final is a bittersweet memory, but for “Rocky,” it’s a clear sign that his moment at the top is not far away.
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