At just 18 years old, Luke Littler, the darts prodigy known as “The Nuke,” continues to rewrite the script of professional darts with his electrifying performances. His latest triumph came at the 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp, Belgium, where he edged out Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock in a heart-pounding 8-7 final to claim his fourth PDC European Tour title. The victory, sealed with a nerveless 11-darter on double 18, not only added £30,000 to his burgeoning prize money but also earned him a quirky keepsake—a trophy shaped like a giant flan, a nod to the tournament’s playful branding. As Littler prepares for what he calls the “craziest months” of the darts calendar, his latest win underscores his meteoric rise and unshakeable composure under pressure.
The Flanders Darts Trophy final was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with Littler trailing 5-2 after Rock’s blistering start, including a clinical 117 finish and an 86 checkout on the bullseye. Rock’s spectacular 161 checkout late in the match forced a deciding leg, momentarily shaking Littler’s resolve. “When Josh hit the 161 checkout, it wasn’t a good feeling,” Littler admitted, “but then I knew all I had to do was break the throw and win the game.” True to form, he delivered, silencing a lively Antwerp crowd with a composed 11-darter. “I think ever since I’ve been playing darts, it might sound crazy but I love a last-leg decider,” he said. “I back myself near enough every time, whether it’s with or against the darts.” His ability to thrive in high-stakes moments has become a hallmark of his game, earning him comparisons to darts legends like Phil Taylor, who remarked in 2025, “Darts has gone crazy. You wouldn’t believe the difference since young Luke came along.”
Littler’s path to the final was no less impressive. Despite an emergency tooth removal days before the tournament, he stormed through the competition, starting with a 6-0 whitewash over Dylan Slevin. His third-round clash with Ryan Searle saw him average a staggering 110.33, outgunning Searle’s 104.22 in a 6-3 victory. “When I came up on stage, it just felt like home,” Littler said of the Belgian crowd, where he’s become a fan favorite. “I love coming here.” He followed with a tight 6-5 win over Damon Heta in the quarter-finals, where his 40% checkout rate belied his clutch finishing, including a 79 checkout on double 11. In the semi-finals, he dismantled Daryl Gurney 7-1, capping the match with a 113 finish. “I think I started off okay, I wasn’t the quickest away, my cover shooting, my doubles, they all went well,” he reflected, highlighting his technical prowess.
The £30,000 prize brings Littler’s career earnings to £1,533,000, narrowing the gap to world number one Luke Humphries to just £249,750 on the PDC Order of Merit. With five ranking titles in 2025, including the Premier League, World Championship, World Matchplay, and now two European Tour events in Belgium, Littler is closing in on the sport’s top spot. His dominance in Belgium, where three of his four European Tour titles have been won, has led him to advocate for a Premier League event there. “The European Tour stage, I love it,” he said. “They love me here, I love them. They wanted Josh to win for a bit in that game, but for myself I had to crawl back from 4-1 down, then I knew they’d get back on my side.”
Beyond the oche, Littler’s fame has skyrocketed. His World Championship win in January 2025, at just 17 years and 347 days, made him the youngest world champion in darts history, surpassing Jelle Klaasen’s record. His trophy parade at Manchester United’s Old Trafford and the temporary renaming of Warrington Wolves’ stadium to “Luke Littler Stadium” reflect his cultural impact. However, his rapid rise hasn’t been without challenges. A recent social media scam involving a “good mate” left Littler apologizing to fans after promoting a fraudulent ticket-selling account. “Everyone ignore this account, don’t buy any tickets because I have had numerous messages saying I’ve been scammed,” he posted, devastated by the betrayal. Despite such setbacks, his focus remains on the “craziest months” ahead, including five Players Championship events, three more European Tour stops, and the World Grand Prix in October.
Littler’s unique flan-shaped trophy, a lighthearted nod to the tournament’s “Flantastic” theme, adds a whimsical chapter to his story. Yet, it’s his relentless drive and ability to perform under pressure that truly define him. As he prepares for a packed autumn schedule, Littler’s blend of youth, talent, and charisma continues to captivate the darts world, with fans and analysts alike eagerly watching to see if he can overtake Humphries and cement his legacy as the sport’s next great icon.
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