Darts star Andrew Gilding stunned fans and opponents alike with his unexpected victory over 17-year-old sensation Luke Littler in the European Championship on Friday night. Gilding, known as “Goldfinger,” pulled off a 6-4 win in Dortmund, Germany, marking Littler’s third consecutive first-round loss in a major tournament this season. The upset is particularly noteworthy as it’s the first time Gilding has defeated Littler, adding to the match’s emotional weight for both players.
Reflecting on his victory, Gilding, a former butcher who has gained popularity for his unassuming style and relatable approach to the game, admitted he was taken aback by the win. He openly shared that his struggles with self-confidence left him doubting his chances against Littler, a rising star who has displayed impressive form over recent months.
“I didn’t expect this, especially with how well Luke has been playing lately,” Gilding admitted. “I’m always short on self-belief. I never go into a game expecting to win, particularly against someone like Luke who has been on such a great run.” He went on to reveal that he had been dealing with a lingering cold in the days leading up to the match, which he thought might affect his performance. “I was feeling pretty rough heading into this and didn’t feel great warming up either. I thought about the flights home on Saturday because, honestly, I’d almost resigned myself to losing,” he added. But, according to Gilding, something clicked in his final hour of practice, boosting his game just in time to pull off the unexpected.
Despite his own reservations, Gilding seemed determined to push past his limitations and admitted he’d set a personal goal of finally beating Littler after two previous losses to the young player. “This was the third time I’d played him, so I wanted to cross him off the list, as they say. Third time lucky,” Gilding said with a smile. “It’s a huge win and the last thing I had expected. Nobody expected this, including me.”
For Gilding, this victory is not only a significant achievement but also a hopeful turning point in his career. Often praised for his unique style and calm demeanor, he has sometimes been overshadowed by players with more brash personas. His win against Littler could now set the stage for an inspiring run, especially as he heads into the next round against Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko. The local favorite will have the home crowd behind him, making it a challenging environment for Gilding, but he remains focused on keeping his momentum.
Meanwhile, for Luke Littler, the defeat marks a concerning trend. The young player, touted as one of the most promising talents in darts, has now exited in the first round of three major tournaments in a row. While Littler’s exceptional talent and achievements—including his remarkable Premier League win earlier in the year—have set high expectations, the recent streak of early exits has cast some doubt on his ability to handle the pressure at major events. With the World Darts Championship approaching, Littler will likely need to regroup and refocus if he hopes to deliver a breakthrough performance at the sport’s biggest event.
Elsewhere in the European Championship, top-ranked Luke Humphries advanced with a dominant 6-2 victory over Nathan Aspinall. The 29-year-old Humphries, who hails from England and is a known Leeds United superfan, showed exactly why he’s the world No. 1 with an impressive display. He recorded seven 180s during the match and had a 46 percent checkout rate, a key factor that allowed him to control the game from start to finish. Next, Humphries is set to face Welshman Jonny Clayton, who also impressed with his own 6-4 win over Chris Dobey. The upcoming Humphries-Clayton matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, as both players have shown excellent form and consistency throughout the tournament.
The evening brought disappointment for reigning European Champion Peter Wright, whose tournament came to an abrupt end after a crushing 6-0 defeat at the hands of Jermaine Wattimena. Wright, a fan-favorite known for his colorful hairstyles and unique fashion choices on stage, was unable to find his rhythm and was outplayed by Wattimena. Wright’s early exit is a surprising turn, as many had expected him to advance deep into the tournament to defend his title. For Wattimena, the victory is a significant one, boosting his confidence as he heads into the second round, where he’ll face seasoned competitor James Wade.
The European Championship has already delivered plenty of drama, with unexpected upsets, dominant performances, and signs of promising talent that highlight the sport’s evolving landscape. For fans and analysts alike, Gilding’s victory over Littler has been one of the most talked-about moments so far. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Gilding can continue his surprising run and if Littler can shake off his recent struggles to regain the confidence that propelled him to the spotlight earlier this year.
With the second round underway, players like Humphries, Clayton, and Wattimena are gearing up for intense clashes that could shape their standing and momentum heading into the season’s final tournaments. As for Gilding, this victory could very well be the spark he needs to push further in a competition that already has fans buzzing with excitement.