In a dazzling display of precision and poise, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler clinched the Australian Darts Masters title, defeating Belgian debutant Mike De Decker in a thrilling 8-4 final. The event, held on August 9, 2025, marked a significant milestone for Littler, who redeemed his runner-up finish from the previous year with a commanding performance that solidified his status as one of darts’ brightest stars. The victory, his third World Series of Darts title, underscored his relentless rise in the sport and left the Australian crowd in awe of his skill.
Littler’s journey to the final was a testament to his growing dominance. After a less-than-stellar performance in the opening round against Haupai Puha, the young Englishman found his rhythm on Saturday. He dispatched home favorite Damon Heta with a convincing 6-3 scoreline in the quarter-finals, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. In the semi-finals, Littler faced top seed Stephen Bunting, a formidable opponent known for his consistency. Unfazed, Littler secured a 7-4 victory, setting the stage for his showdown with De Decker. “It feels very good. It’s another one I can tick off,” Littler said after the match, reflecting on his triumph. “I played very well tonight; I didn’t play so well last night, but tonight is when it really matters.”
Mike De Decker, known as ‘The Real Deal,’ brought his own story of resilience to the final. The 29-year-old Belgian, making his World Series debut, had stunned the darts world by whitewashing world number one Luke Humphries in an earlier round. His path to the final included a hard-fought victory over Chris Dobey, highlighting his potential to compete with the sport’s elite. Despite his impressive run, De Decker found himself outmatched by Littler’s precision. “He needs to retire because it’s not fun anymore,” De Decker quipped after the defeat, a lighthearted nod to Littler’s overwhelming talent.
The final itself was a showcase of Littler’s composure, though it wasn’t without its dramatic moments. At 6-3, Littler faltered, missing six attempts at double-16—a rare lapse for the teenager. Yet, this misstep barely dented his momentum. He regained control, leveraging his superior checkout rate to close out the match. “It’s not gone to plan this year in the World Series, but there are plenty of opportunities to win, and I’ve finally picked one up tonight,” Littler told reporters, his confidence tempered by humility.
De Decker’s journey, while ending in defeat, was a breakthrough moment. His performance in Australia, particularly his upset over Humphries, signaled his arrival as a serious contender. The Belgian’s ability to compete on such a stage, especially in his first World Series event, earned praise from fans and players alike. “Stellar debut from Mike De Decker on the World Series, but Luke Littler is just… Luke,” one fan remarked, capturing the sentiment of many who witnessed the final.
Littler’s victory adds another chapter to his remarkable 2025 season. Already the reigning World Matchplay and Premier League champion, the teenager has now conquered the Australian Darts Masters, a title that eluded him last year when Gerwyn Price delivered an 8-1 thrashing in the final. This year, Littler’s focus and maturity shone through, proving he has learned from past setbacks. His performance in Australia, marked by six 180s and a commanding average, positions him as a favorite heading into future tournaments, including the upcoming Premier League showdown with Humphries.
As Littler continues to amass titles, his rivalry with De Decker is one to watch. Their encounters, including a dramatic Grand Slam of Darts match in 2024 where Littler staged a comeback to win 10-9, suggest that De Decker will remain a formidable opponent. For now, though, Littler stands atop the Australian Darts Masters, a young champion whose star continues to rise in the world of darts.
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