Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy dubbed ‘The Nuke,’ has been at the heart of a swirling storm in the darts world, fueled by his recent decision to withdraw from the European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen, Germany. The reigning PDC world champion and Premier League titleholder faced intense scrutiny after a now-deleted social media post hinted at a potential boycott of all German tournaments until October, following hostile receptions from crowds in Berlin and Munich. However, Littler has put speculation to rest, confirming his commitment to represent England alongside world No. 1 Luke Humphries at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt from June 12-15, 2025. His decision, paired with a record-breaking Premier League performance, underscores his ability to rise above controversy and keep his focus on the oche.
The saga began after Littler’s semi-final loss to Gian van Veen at the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich, where boos from the crowd left him visibly frustrated. “Shouldn’t have been in Munich but had to play anyway. Next one in Germany for me is Dortmund and I am glad to say that,” he posted on Instagram, suggesting a hiatus from German events until the European Championship in October. The statement sparked concerns that he might skip the World Cup, a prestigious team event where he’s expected to partner Humphries, the defending champion alongside Michael Smith in 2024. Littler’s withdrawal from the European Darts Grand Prix, making him the only top-20 player absent, further fueled the narrative of a boycott, with fans and pundits debating whether his reaction was a youthful outburst or a calculated stand.
In a candid interview, Littler dispelled the rumors with enthusiasm. “Yeah, one hundred per cent I will do it,” he declared when asked about the World Cup. “Me and Luke are the top two English ranked players in the Order of Merit, and we get the first choice of saying yes or no. Luke won it last year with Michael Smith, and it’s a big thing winning the World Cup for your country.” He drew inspiration from darts legends, adding, “Phil Taylor and James Wade won it plenty of times back in the day, and I’m sure Luke will want to go back-to-back, and I want to get my first one.” His commitment quashed fears of a shake-up for England’s lineup, ensuring the ‘Lukes of Hazard’ duo will take the stage in Frankfurt, entering at the second round as defending champions.
Littler’s withdrawal from the Grand Prix, clarified by Sky Sports commentator Stuart Pyke as a scheduling decision, was not a boycott but a strategic move to manage his demanding calendar. “The reason he’s pulled out of this weekend’s Euro Tour is scheduling, nothing less. It’s all a bit of fuss out of nothing. He said something, he didn’t mean it,” Pyke explained. Littler’s emotional response in Munich, where he admitted to a “headloss moment,” reflected the toll of hostile crowds. “I just don’t get it, and I can’t explain it,” he said of the boos in Berlin and Munich, recalling a similar experience in Hildesheim in 2024. Despite the jeers, his performance in Birmingham on Night 13 of the Premier League—where he clinched a record fifth nightly win by defeating Michael van Gerwen 6-4—proved his resilience. “It feels amazing to be setting records in only my second year,” Littler said, noting his 35-point lead atop the table.
As Littler prepares for the World Cup, his focus is on national pride and personal growth. His 2025 season, highlighted by a World Championship title and a 113.91 average against Van Gerwen in Belfast, has cemented his status as a global star. The Frankfurt event offers a chance to add another major accolade to his resume, alongside his 2024 Premier League, Grand Slam, and World Series Finals titles. Fans have rallied behind his decision, with one posting on social media, “Littler’s got the heart of a lion—boos won’t stop him.” With the Premier League play-offs looming on May 29 at London’s O2 Arena, Littler’s journey is a testament to his ability to navigate adversity, silence critics, and let his darts do the talking.
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