The 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters concluded with a thrilling spectacle at Auckland’s Spark Arena, where 18-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler claimed the title with a commanding 8-4 victory over Belgium’s Mike De Decker on Saturday, August 16. The electrifying final, witnessed by a record-breaking crowd of over 5,500, showcased Littler’s brilliance, but it was De Decker’s passionate response to online detractors that added a fiery subplot to the event. After facing criticism on social media for his performance, De Decker took to the digital stage to confront his critics, delivering a powerful message about resilience and the fickle nature of online commentary.
De Decker, known as “The Real Deal,” had battled his way to the final, marking his second consecutive World Series final appearance after falling to Littler in the Australian Darts Masters the previous week. Reflecting on the contrasting reactions to his performances, he remarked, “When I reached the final in Australia and I lost to Luke, I opened up social media and I didn’t see one bad comment. I was thinking ‘where are all the haters now?’ Everyone is slagging you off when you have a bad performance and forgetting what you’ve done before.” His frustration was palpable, as he called out the inconsistency of critics who had targeted not only him but also world No. 1 Luke Humphries. “They have been slagging off Luke Humphries as well. Look at what he’s done the last two years,” De Decker added, defending his peers against the onslaught of negativity.
The Belgian’s journey to the final was no small feat. After a challenging period following his World Grand Prix triumph in August 2024, De Decker faced scrutiny over his World Series participation. Yet, he silenced doubters with a strong showing in Auckland, defeating Michael Smith in a tight 6-5 quarter-final and Peter Wright 7-5 in the semifinals. His run culminated in a valiant effort against Littler, who delivered a record-breaking 115.02 average—the highest ever in a World Series final—along with seven 180s and a 50% doubles success rate. Littler himself acknowledged the crowd’s energy, likening it to a Premier League night, and noted, “I saved the best for last,” after a 170 checkout that electrified the arena.
De Decker’s social media clapback resonated with many in the darts community, highlighting the pressures athletes face in the digital age. “It’s not only with me but it is with everyone,” he said, pointing to the broader issue of online criticism that often overlooks players’ achievements. His confidence surged from reaching back-to-back finals, a feat he described as “a big confidence boost to reach the finals and shutting them up to be honest.” The support from fans and peers, including Littler’s own gracious acknowledgment of the competitive field, underscored the camaraderie that persists despite online vitriol.
The tournament itself was a landmark for darts in New Zealand, drawing 10,000 fans over two days and earning praise from PDC chief executive Matt Porter for its vibrant atmosphere. Littler’s victory, which earned him $68,000 and his fifth World Series title, was celebrated with a stunning tribute as his image illuminated Auckland’s Sky Tower. “It felt very much the same as last week,” Littler said, reflecting on his Australian triumph. His dominance, coupled with De Decker’s spirited performance and defiance, highlighted the sport’s growing appeal and emotional intensity.
As Littler prepares for the World Series Finals in Amsterdam from September 12-14, where he is the defending champion, De Decker’s resolve to rise above criticism sets a compelling narrative for his future campaigns. “So, it was a big confidence boost to reach the finals,” he reiterated, signaling his intent to keep proving detractors wrong. The New Zealand Darts Masters not only crowned a champion but also spotlighted the resilience required to thrive in the face of adversity, both on the oche and online.
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