In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where precision and composure reign supreme, 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler is no stranger to the spotlight. Known as “The Nuke” for his explosive talent, Littler has taken the darts world by storm, amassing titles like the World Matchplay, Australian Masters, New Zealand Masters, and the recent Flanders Darts Trophy. Yet, as he arrived in Prague for the 2025 Czech Darts Open, a late-night encounter with an overzealous fan turned his focus from the oche to an unsettling altercation that left the young star visibly shaken and furious.
It was just past 11:20 p.m. when Littler, accompanied by his father, Anthony Buckley, checked into his hotel in the Czech capital. Fresh off a long journey and preparing to face Cameron Menzies in the second round of the tournament, Littler was greeted by a throng of enthusiastic fans eager for photos and autographs. The teenage prodigy, despite the late hour and his packed schedule, graciously obliged, posing for a few snapshots. But the warm welcome took a sour turn when one fan crossed a line, grabbing Littler from behind as he attempted to head inside. The physical intrusion, coupled with verbal jabs from another individual, sparked a rare outburst from the usually composed world champion.
Taking to Instagram, Littler didn’t hold back, sharing a photo of his hotel room and venting his frustration. “Just came to the hotel in Prague, got a few pictures bearing in mind it’s 20 past 11 here,” he wrote. “It’s busy so got a few pictures with a few people and as I’ve gone to walk off someone has grabbed me and wanted a picture, you don’t grab someone just ask nice, how hard is it?” His words carried the weight of a young athlete navigating the pressures of fame, made all the more poignant by the late-night setting and his need for rest before a crucial match. He went on to address a second fan who had shouted at him and his father, accusing Littler of “bad behaviour” and suggesting he thought himself superior. “And for the fella who came up to me and my dad shouting ‘oi’ and then saying my behaviour is bad and I’m not bigger and better than anyone,” Littler fired back, “DO NOT GRAB ME FROM BEHIND because that’s bad behaviour, not me because as soon as he’s grabbed I said do not grab me and walked away.”
This incident wasn’t an isolated one for Littler, who has faced his share of hostile crowd interactions in the past. Earlier in 2025, he endured relentless booing in Germany during events in Berlin and Munich, prompting him to briefly consider boycotting tournaments there. “I had a little head loss moment,” he admitted to reporters, reflecting on the German crowds. “I don’t get it and can’t explain it. Obviously you do your walk-on but then as soon as I got on stage, I started getting booed.” Despite those challenges, Littler remains committed to competing, with plans to return for the German Darts Championship in Hildesheim next month, where a £175,000 prize fund awaits.
The Prague altercation, however, struck a different chord, highlighting the personal toll of fame for a young athlete still finding his footing. Littler’s rise to stardom has been meteoric since his breakout at the 2024 PDC World Championship, where, at just 17, he reached the final and captured global attention. Now, as the world No. 2 and a favorite to claim the £30,000 top prize at the Czech Darts Open, he’s learning to navigate the intense scrutiny that comes with being a sporting icon. Off the oche, Littler has leaned on his support system, including his girlfriend, Faith Millar, who joined him on tour after his manager, Martin Foulds, returned home due to illness. “I’m pretty lucky that my girlfriend has come over,” Littler shared earlier this year, acknowledging the grounding presence of loved ones amid his whirlwind career.
Despite the hotel incident, Littler’s focus didn’t waver when he stepped onto the stage at the PVA Expo on Saturday night. Facing Scotland’s Cameron Menzies, he delivered a commanding 6-2 victory, shrugging off the sweltering conditions and a brief dip in form to advance to the last 16. “It felt very hot,” Littler admitted post-match, “but as soon as you stepped on that first step, I was like: Wow, this is hot. It started off really well and then, as the game went on, it started to drop a bit under the treble. I thought Cammy was going to get into it, but I just had to get over the line.” His performance underscored his resilience, a trait that’s defined his rapid ascent in a sport dominated by veterans.
Menzies, for his part, acknowledged the daunting challenge of facing Littler, whom he called “the best athlete in the world” right now. “I’m absolutely buzzing to play him,” the Scotsman said before the match. “He may absolutely leather me, but just to play him up here in this venue will be an experience.” Littler’s ability to channel the weekend’s frustrations into a clinical performance only solidifies his status as a generational talent, one who thrives under pressure—whether from opponents or overeager fans.
As Littler continues his quest for another European Tour title, following his Flanders Darts Trophy triumph, the Prague incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges young athletes face in the public eye. His fiery response, both on social media and on the board, shows a player unwilling to let disrespect derail his focus. With the darts world watching, Littler is proving that while fans may occasionally cross boundaries, “The Nuke” remains in control, ready to dominate the sport for years to come.
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