In a surprising twist, darts prodigy Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” has announced he will forego the Australian Darts Masters in 2026, marking his second consecutive year skipping the prestigious event. The 18-year-old reigning world champion, who clinched the title in 2025, revealed his decision after a hard-fought first-round victory in Woll setiap
At just 18, Littler has already cemented his status as one of darts’ brightest stars. His meteoric rise began with a stunning run to the 2024 PDC World Championship final at age 16, where he fell to Luke Humphries. Undeterred, he captured the 2025 World Championship title, defeating Michael van Gerwen to become the youngest world champion in darts history at 17 years and 347 days. His trophy cabinet boasts an impressive array of titles, including the 2024 Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts, World Series of Darts Finals, and the 2025 UK Open and World Matchplay, where he completed the coveted Triple Crown alongside legends like Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson. Littler’s four World Series titles, including the 2025 Australian Darts Masters, highlight his dominance, yet his choice to skip the event in 2026 has sparked intrigue among fans and pundits alike.
Littler’s decision stems from a strategic approach to managing his demanding schedule. The Australian Darts Masters, held in Wollongong, follows closely on the heels of the grueling World Matchplay in Blackpool, a timing that poses challenges due to jet lag and fatigue. Reflecting on his 2025 experience, Littler admitted, “Oh, it’s awful — same as last year. I think just stay up as long as you can until it’s a suitable time to go to bed. That’s what I’ve been trying to do.” The long-haul trip Down Under, coupled with the intense competition, prompted Littler to plan a rotational approach to World Series events. “I think we’ve got to do most of the World Series,” he told reporters. “Obviously we’ve seen Michael van Gerwen hasn’t been here for another two or three years. But yeah, I think as of now I’ll do two years, miss a year, two years, miss a year. Hopefully I can pick up the trophy and come back in 2027.”
This calculated move mirrors the strategies of other PDC elites like van Gerwen, James Wade, and Nathan Aspinall, who have also opted out of the Australian event in recent years to prioritize rest or other commitments. Littler’s choice reflects a mature understanding of his career longevity, especially after a whirlwind 2024 season that saw him win 10 titles and earn over £1.5 million in prize money. His 2025 Australian Darts Masters victory was a testament to his resilience, as he overcame a shaky start against New Zealand’s Haupai Puha, narrowly avoiding an early exit. “I didn’t play that well last night, but I played very well tonight when it really mattered,” Littler remarked, highlighting his ability to elevate his game under pressure.
During the 2025 tournament, Littler showcased his trademark flair, deliberately setting up a 170 “big fish” finish in his match against Puha. “I don’t even know — I think it’s just for myself,” he said, explaining the bold move. His performance peaked on finals night, where he dispatched Damon Heta and Stephen Bunting before defeating Mike De Decker 8-4 in the final, averaging 99.10 with five 180s. This victory followed a disappointing loss to Gerwyn Price in the 2024 Australian Darts Masters final, making his 2025 triumph a redemption arc that solidified his prowess on the global stage.
Littler’s absence in 2026 will not diminish his standing, as he enters the upcoming World Series Finals in Amsterdam as the No. 1 seed, a testament to his 50-point haul in the 2025 World Series Order of Merit. His focus now shifts to defending his title in Amsterdam and preparing for future majors, including the World Grand Prix and European Championship. Fans eagerly await his return to Australia in 2027, where he hopes to “pick up the trophy” again. For now, Littler’s decision to prioritize rest over the Australian Darts Masters underscores his strategic vision, ensuring “The Nuke” remains a force to be reckoned with in darts’ ever-competitive landscape.
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