Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy who has taken the sport by storm, finds himself at the center of a brewing controversy as the 2025 World Cup of Darts looms. The reigning world champion and Premier League titleholder, known for his electrifying performances and unflappable demeanor, recently sparked concern with a cryptic social media post that suggested he might skip the prestigious event in Frankfurt. This unexpected hint drew a sharp response from darts legend Colin Lloyd, who expressed that he would be “disappointed and surprised” if Littler opted out of representing England alongside world No. 1 Luke Humphries. As the darts world buzzes with speculation, Littler’s potential absence raises questions about his priorities and the pressures of his meteoric rise.
Littler’s journey from teenage sensation to global superstar has been nothing short of remarkable. Since bursting onto the scene at the 2024 World Darts Championship, where he reached the final at just 16, ‘The Nuke’ has rewritten record books. His 2025 World Championship triumph over Michael van Gerwen cemented his status as the youngest-ever world champion, while his Premier League dominance—culminating in a title win at the O2 Arena—has made him a household name. Yet, his recent comments following a semi-final loss to Gian van Veen at the German Grand Prix have cast a shadow over his upcoming commitments. Posting a photo from inside his car, Littler wrote, “Shouldn’t have been in Munich but had to play anyway,” hinting that he may not return to Germany until the European Championships in October, effectively ruling out the World Cup in June.
This “strange comment,” as Lloyd described it on talkSPORT, sent shockwaves through the darts community. The World Cup of Darts, held at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt, pairs the top two players from each nation based on the PDC Order of Merit. With Humphries and Littler ranked No. 1 and No. 2, England is favored to dominate, making Littler’s potential withdrawal a significant blow. Lloyd, a former world No. 1, emphasized the rarity of such an opportunity, stating, “I’ll be disappointed and surprised if he didn’t, because those opportunities don’t come along very often, the number one and number two player in the world (pairing up).” He expressed confidence that Littler would reconsider, adding, “I can’t see that Luke will not take the opportunity to partner up with Luke Humphries for the World Cup of Darts, I can’t see it.”
The speculation around Littler’s intentions may stem from his frustration with German crowds, which some reports suggest have been less than welcoming. After his Munich defeat, Littler’s post hinted at reluctance to return, a sentiment that has fueled debate about his commitment to international events. However, Lloyd downplayed these concerns, noting that even Michael van Gerwen once pulled out of the World Cup, suggesting Littler’s youth and emotional reaction might not reflect a final decision. “It would be a great opportunity for him, pull on an England shirt, partner himself up with the world number one and my god what a formidable pairing that would be,” Lloyd enthused, envisioning the ‘Two Lukes’ as a powerhouse duo.
Should Littler opt out, Stephen Bunting, currently ranked fourth, is poised to step in. Bunting, ever the opportunist, commented, “Well if he doesn’t go back to Germany that means I’ll be in the World Cup of Darts doesn’t it.” His enthusiasm contrasts with the uncertainty surrounding Littler, whose absence could open the door for ‘The Bullet’ to shine. Meanwhile, Littler’s focus remains on the Premier League, where he leads by four points with four nights left, and upcoming tournaments like the Bahrain Darts Masters, where he was recently celebrated with a surprise birthday event.
As the PDC prepares to confirm pairings on May 13, the darts world awaits clarity on Littler’s plans. His cryptic remark has ignited a narrative of doubt, but it also underscores the immense pressure he faces as a young star. Whether he dons the England shirt or takes a step back, Littler’s next move will shape perceptions of his legacy in a sport he has already transformed. For now, Lloyd’s warning serves as a reminder that even prodigies must navigate the weight of expectation.
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