In a display of sheer determination and skill, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler overcame a last-minute dental emergency to claim the 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy title in Antwerp, Belgium. The reigning PDC World Darts Champion, known for his meteoric rise in the sport, nearly withdrew from the £30,000 tournament after enduring hours of dental pain that culminated in an emergency tooth extraction in Manchester. Yet, Littler’s grit and love for the game propelled him to a stunning victory, adding another chapter to his remarkable career.
The journey to the Flanders Darts Trophy was anything but smooth for Littler. Just days before the tournament, he found himself in agony, describing the ordeal on social media: “In pain for hours and hours, so had to get tooth out. Luckily they were able to do it and sort me out but hopefully it’s all good for Saturday.” The procedure left him “in shock and shaken,” as he admitted, uncertain about how it would affect his performance. “I’ve never had this done and I don’t know how I’m going to be feeling,” he shared, reflecting on the unexpected setback. Despite the discomfort, Littler boarded a flight to Belgium, determined to compete in the European Tour event at the Antwerp Xpo.
Littler’s resolve was tested early, as he faced Ireland’s Dylan Slevin in the second round on Saturday, August 30. Any concerns about his condition were quickly dispelled. Littler delivered a masterclass, demolishing Slevin 6-0 with a flawless 6/6 on doubles, a rare feat that echoed the precision of Danny Noppert earlier that day. “When I came up on stage, it just felt like home. I love coming here,” Littler told the PDC after the match, his confidence unshaken by the week’s challenges. His performance was a statement of intent, showcasing the finishing prowess that has made him a household name.
As the tournament progressed, Littler’s path was not without obstacles. The absence of top players like Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, and Gerwyn Price, who withdrew due to a hand infection, opened the field, but upsets were rife. Defending champion Dave Chisnall fell 6-4 to Leon Weber, and Michael van Gerwen was stunned 6-3 by Gian van Veen after leading 3-1. Littler, however, remained unfazed. In the third round, he faced Ryan Searle, who had staged a dramatic comeback against Raymond van Barneveld. Littler’s focus and consistency saw him through, and he continued to dominate, navigating a gauntlet of talented opponents with his trademark composure.
By Sunday, August 31, Littler reached the final, where his clinical finishing and high scoring overwhelmed his opponent. His victory secured the £30,000 top prize, a significant addition to his burgeoning career earnings, which have soared since his breakout at the 2024 World Darts Championship. The win also earned him valuable ranking points, further solidifying his position among the PDC’s elite. “I want to win here, but it’s only my first game,” Littler had said after his opening match, a humble nod to the long road ahead. Yet, his performance throughout the tournament proved he was ready to seize the moment.
Littler’s triumph was all the more remarkable given the context of his preparation. The dental emergency, which required urgent care at Night and Day Emergency Dentist in Manchester, could have derailed his campaign. Instead, it became a testament to his resilience. “I’m glad to play well tonight and now I can focus on tomorrow,” he said after his second-round win, a mindset that carried him to the title. His gratitude extended beyond the oche, as he publicly thanked the dental staff and his girlfriend, Faith, saying, “I love you,” in a heartfelt post.
The 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy was a microcosm of Littler’s career: unpredictable, challenging, and ultimately triumphant. At just 18, he has already won the Belgian Darts Open earlier in 2025 and the PDC World Championship, cementing his status as a generational talent. His ability to perform under pressure, even after physical and emotional strain, underscores why he’s a fan favorite and a formidable force. As Littler reflected on his love for Belgium, where he feels “at home,” fans witnessed a player not just competing but thriving in the face of adversity. With this latest title, Littler’s trajectory points to even greater heights, as he continues to sink his teeth into the darts world’s biggest prizes.
Leave a Reply