The Antwerp Expo is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy, the tenth stop on the PDC European Tour, unfolds with electrifying action from August 29 to 31. A star-studded field, headlined by reigning world champion Luke Littler and Dutch legend Michael van Gerwen, has descended on Belgium, vying for the £30,000 top prize from a £175,000 prize fund. With a record-breaking 287 maximum 180s in last year’s inaugural event, the stage is set for another thrilling showcase of tungsten talent, and the Belgian crowd is ready to roar.
The tournament kicked off on Friday, August 29, with the first round delivering shocks and standout performances. Local heroes Kim Huybrechts, Mario Vandenbogaerde, and Mike De Decker thrilled the home crowd with victories, advancing to the second round. Huybrechts, overcome with emotion, declared, “This is going to be in the top three of my best moments in life,” as the Antwerp faithful cheered him on. Vandenbogaerde stunned former world champion Michael Smith in a dramatic 6-5 deciding leg, setting up a clash with Jonny Clayton. Meanwhile, De Decker dispatched Martin Lukeman 6-3, earning a shot at German star Martin Schindler. However, the biggest upset came from Leon Weber, who ousted defending champion Dave Chisnall 6-4 in the second round on Saturday, ending Chizzy’s hopes of back-to-back titles. “The reigning champion is out in Antwerp!” rang out across the venue, signaling the unpredictability of this fiercely competitive event.
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy dubbed ‘The Nuke,’ enters the fray on Saturday in the second round, facing Ireland’s Dylan Slevin after Slevin’s 6-3 win over Belgian qualifier François Schweyen. Littler, who clinched the Belgian Darts Open earlier this year, is returning to the European Tour after skipping several events due to a frosty reception in Germany. Despite a recent emergency dental procedure, Littler remains a favorite, with analysts like Mats Leering of DartsNieuws.com predicting, “A very strong field of participants, with top names among both the seeded players and the Pro Tour Qualifiers. Still, I would say Luke Littler is the top favourite.” His recent World Series triumphs in Australia and New Zealand, coupled with his 2025 World Championship victory over van Gerwen, underscore his formidable form. Littler’s 76 maximums in that championship, 20 more than his closest rival, highlight his scoring prowess, which he’ll aim to unleash in Antwerp.
Michael van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, faces a spicy second-round matchup against compatriot Gian van Veen, who impressed with a 155 checkout in his 6-2 rout of Adam Gawlas. Van Gerwen, whose form has been inconsistent this summer, is eager to reassert his dominance. “He can beat anyone on his day,” noted one observer, but van Veen’s hunger for a maiden European Tour title makes this a potential blockbuster. The Dutch duo’s clash is one of several mouthwatering ties, with James Wade taking on Huybrechts and Raymond van Barneveld facing Ryan Searle in Saturday’s evening session.
The tournament’s format sees the top 16 seeds, drawn from the PDC Order of Merit, receive a first-round bye, joining the action on Saturday. Notable withdrawals, including Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, and Gary Anderson, have reshuffled the seeding, elevating Josh Rock, Martin Schindler, and Ryan Searle. Gerwyn Price’s withdrawal due to a hand infection gave Ryan Joyce a bye to the last 16 after his 6-5 win over Ricardo Pietreczko, who hit a stunning 170 checkout but faltered at the finish. The event progresses with best-of-11 legs through the quarter-finals, best-of-13 for the semi-finals, and best-of-15 for Sunday’s final, ensuring intense, fast-paced battles.
Saturday’s action also saw Luke Woodhouse demolish Peter Wright 6-1, with Wright averaging a dismal sub-75, while Danny Noppert edged Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-4 with a clutch tops finish. Stephen Bunting, fresh off a Players Championship win, faces Joe Cullen, and Josh Rock takes on Karel Sedlacek, who averaged 99 in his upset over Wessel Nijman. With Sunday’s last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final looming, the Flanders Darts Trophy promises a crescendo of drama, fueled by a passionate Belgian crowd and a field brimming with talent.
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