The PreZero Arena in Gliwice, Poland, buzzed with anticipation on July 4, 2025, as the third edition of the Superbet Poland Darts Masters kicked off with a thrilling first-round clash. Reigning champion Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy known as “The Nuke,” launched his title defense with a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Czech star Karel Sedlacek. The match, part of the fifth event in the 2025 World Series of Darts, showcased Littler’s resilience as he fended off a late surge from Sedlacek, who pushed the world champion to the brink. With a £60,000 prize pool on offer—£30,000 for the winner—Littler’s triumph secured his place in the quarter-finals and reaffirmed his status as a global darts sensation.
Littler, who stormed to victory in 2024 by defeating Peter Wright, Michael Smith, and Rob Cross, returned to Poland with high expectations. Facing Sedlacek, the Czech No. 1 who recently led his nation to a World Cup of Darts quarter-final, Littler started strongly, racing to a 4-1 lead with a stunning 120 checkout that electrified the 9,000-strong crowd. His six 180s and a 97.88 average highlighted his precision, but Sedlacek, averaging 97.58, refused to buckle. The Czech star clawed back, winning three consecutive legs and missing two darts to force a deciding leg. “I started off well, but I struggled with the pace of the game,” Littler admitted post-match. “There was always going to be a little bit of rust after my week away, but it was good to be back on stage in front of a great audience.” His composure under pressure, capped by a clinical 76 finish, ensured his progression.
The Poland Darts Masters, held over two days, pits eight elite PDC players against eight Eastern European representatives in a best-of-11-legs format for the first round and quarter-finals. Littler’s victory sets up a potential quarter-final clash with Nathan Aspinall, provided the latter defeats Poland’s Radek Szaganski, a PDC title holder and Cork-based bus driver. The tournament’s star-studded field includes 2023 champion Michael van Gerwen, who faces Croatia’s Pero Ljubic, and top seed Stephen Bunting, up against Poland’s Tytus Kanik. Other notable matchups feature Gerwyn Price versus Sebastian Białecki, Rob Cross against Krzysztof Kciuk, and Chris Dobey making his Poland debut against Hungarian qualifier Gyorgy Jehirszki. “It was an amazing feeling to lift this trophy in front of a massive crowd, and hopefully I can defend the title this weekend,” Littler reflected, underscoring the electric atmosphere that makes the Polish event a fan favorite.
Littler’s path to defending his title is fraught with challenges. Last year, he survived a tense semi-final against Smith and delivered a 164 checkout in an 8-3 final rout of Cross. “I think the first game in any tournament is the biggest, because then you’ve got that winning feeling on stage and you know how to win,” Littler said, emphasizing the importance of his opening victory. His recent loss to Aspinall in the US Darts Masters quarter-finals added extra motivation, as did his week off in Orlando, which he admitted left him slightly rusty. The £1,750 guaranteed for all participants, with £16,000 for the runner-up and £30,000 for the champion, does not count toward the PDC Order of Merit but contributes to the World Series Order of Merit, determining qualifiers for the September finals in Amsterdam.
The Gliwice crowd, known for its passion, roared as Littler sealed the win, a testament to darts’ growing popularity in Poland. Broadcast live on ITV4, DAZN, Viaplay, and PDCTV, the tournament continues on July 5 with the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final. As Littler eyes a second consecutive Polish crown, his blend of youthful exuberance and steely determination makes him the player to beat. Sedlacek, despite the loss, earned praise for his spirited performance, proving the depth of talent in Eastern Europe. For Littler, this victory is just the first step in what he hopes will be another triumphant weekend.
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