At just 18 years old, Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” has taken the darts world by storm, and this weekend, all eyes are on him as he aims to claim back-to-back European Tour titles at the 2025 Czech Darts Open in Prague. Fresh off a thrilling victory at the Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp, Littler is riding a wave of momentum that has solidified his status as the reigning PDC World Champion and world number two. His meteoric rise, marked by a string of high-profile wins and record-breaking performances, makes him the favorite to dominate once again. But with a stacked field of competitors and the pressures of a grueling schedule, can the young star maintain his blistering form and add another trophy to his growing collection?
## A Prodigy’s Unstoppable Rise
Littler’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular. Kicking off the year with his first PDC World Championship title at the age of 17 years and 347 days, he became the youngest world champion in darts history. He followed that triumph with a commanding UK Open victory, defeating James Wade 11–2, and later completed the prestigious PDC Triple Crown by winning the World Matchplay in July. His dominance continued with back-to-back World Series titles in Australia and New Zealand, and last weekend, he clinched his fourth European Tour title at the Flanders Darts Trophy, edging out Josh Rock in an 8–7 nail-biter. “I had to crawl back from 4–1 down, then I knew they’d get back on my side,” Littler said of the Belgian crowd’s support, reflecting his ability to thrive under pressure.
With four European Tour titles already under his belt—matching the legendary Phil Taylor’s tally in just 11 events—Littler’s efficiency is staggering. His earlier wins at the Belgian Darts Open and Austrian Darts Open in 2024, coupled with another Belgian triumph this year, showcase his affinity for the European stage. “The European tour stage, I love it. I love coming here,” he remarked after his Antwerp victory, hinting at his comfort in high-stakes environments. His heavy scoring, rapid pace, and signature double 10 checkouts have made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent.
## The Czech Darts Open Challenge
The Czech Darts Open, held from September 5–7 at Prague’s Kralovka Arena, presents Littler with both opportunity and challenge. As the second seed, he skips the first round and enters the fray on Saturday, September 6, facing either Ian White or Cameron Menzies at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time. A win would pit him against the victor of the Danny Noppert matchup, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster run to the final. Littler’s recent form suggests he’s more than capable of navigating this path. His 110 average against Ryan Searle in Antwerp and a 6–0 drubbing of Dylan Slevin underline his ability to overwhelm opponents with sheer scoring power.
However, the competition is fierce. Josh Rock, who pushed Littler to a last-leg decider in Antwerp, is hungry for redemption and could make waves. “I’m always really hard on myself, maybe I should have been better, but I’m happy with my performance,” Rock said after the Flanders final, signaling his intent to challenge the elite. Michael van Gerwen, despite a shock early exit last weekend, remains a threat, though he faces a tricky opener against either Mike De Decker or Ritchie Edhouse, both major winners in 2024. Top seed Luke Humphries, the defending champion, is eager to rebound after missing Antwerp, while Gerwyn Price, Dave Chisnall, and Stephen Bunting are also in the mix. Unseeded players like Wessel Nijman and Dirk van Duijvenbode could spring surprises, adding unpredictability to the bracket.
## Littler’s Mental and Physical Edge
Littler’s success isn’t just about talent; it’s about preparation and resilience. Known for his quick-throwing style and 45mm-pointed Target darts, he maximizes efficiency on the oche. “Darts has gone crazy. You wouldn’t believe the difference since young Luke came along,” said 16-time world champion Phil Taylor, a testament to Littler’s transformative impact. Off the board, Littler manages his demanding schedule with strategic breaks, opting out of events like the European Darts Trophy in March to avoid burnout. “I chose not to go and it’s just another chilled week off,” he explained, showcasing a maturity beyond his years.
His mental fortitude will be key in Prague. After a mid-season dip where he struggled to meet his own lofty standards, Littler roared back with a string of titles, proving his ability to regroup. “From now it’s back-to-back with tournaments, September and October are some of the craziest months of the calendar, I know how to deal with that,” he said, exuding confidence in his ability to handle the grind.
## The Verdict: Can He Do It Again?
Littler’s blend of raw talent, mental toughness, and crowd-pleasing flair makes him the man to beat in Prague. His recent performances, including three televised nine-dart finishes and a record-breaking 140.91 set average at the 2025 World Championship, demonstrate his capacity to dominate. Yet, the depth of the field and the physical toll of consecutive tournaments could test him. If he maintains his Antwerp form—where he averaged over 100 and hit six 180s in the final—another title feels within reach. As the darts world watches, Littler has the chance to cement his legacy as a generational talent. Will “The Nuke” detonate in Prague? The stage is set for another explosive performance.
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