The darts world is buzzing with excitement as Luke Littler, the teenage sensation known as “The Nuke,” prepares to make his highly anticipated debut at the 2025 Nordic Darts Masters in Copenhagen. The event, set for June 6-7 at Forum Copenhagen, marks a significant moment for the 18-year-old reigning PDC World Champion, who missed last year’s tournament due to a family commitment. Fresh off a whirlwind year that saw him claim the Premier League and multiple titles, Littler is poised to take on a new challenge against Swedish newcomer Viktor Tingstrom in the first round, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend of darts.
Littler, ranked world No. 2, has transformed darts since bursting onto the scene, captivating fans with his fearless play and record-breaking achievements. At just 17, he became the youngest PDC World Champion in January 2025, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 and setting a new record with a staggering 140.91 set average against Ryan Meikle. “I just couldn’t do it when the match started,” Littler admitted after that intense match, revealing the pressure he faced before unleashing his explosive talent. His 2024 season was equally remarkable, with victories in the Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts, and two World Series titles, including the Bahrain Darts Masters. Despite losing to Luke Humphries in the 2025 Premier League final, Littler’s hunger remains evident. “I gave myself the best early birthday present by winning the Worlds,” he said, reflecting on his milestone-laden journey.
The Nordic Darts Masters, now in its fifth edition, features a star-studded lineup of eight PDC elites facing off against Nordic and Baltic representatives. Littler’s first-round opponent, Tingstrom, is a debutant eager to test himself against the sport’s brightest young star. The draw also includes defending champion Gerwyn Price, who takes on Norway’s Cor Dekker, and Premier League champion Luke Humphries, who faces Latvia’s Madars Razma. “You can’t win all these titles and not be hungry,” Humphries said, signaling his intent to build on his recent successes. Rob Cross, the 2023 Nordic Darts Masters winner, meets Sweden’s Andreas Harrysson, while top seed Stephen Bunting battles Oskar Lukasiak, and Nathan Aspinall takes on Denmark’s Benjamin Reus. Jonny Clayton and Chris Dobey, the latter replacing an absent Michael van Gerwen, round out the field against Darius Labanauskas and Jeffrey de Graaf, respectively.
Littler’s debut comes after a grueling schedule that prompted him to skip the 2024 Nordic Darts Masters for a well-earned break in Orlando. “Enjoy it while you can,” he cheekily responded to a fan who celebrated his absence last year, showcasing his confidence and wit. His decision to prioritize rest was strategic, as PDC chief executive Matt Porter noted: “His manager Martin is excellent, his family are very supportive, and it’s a team effort to make sure everything is geared around giving him the optimal opportunity to be the best he can on the oche.” Littler’s return to Copenhagen is a testament to his commitment to balancing his meteoric rise with sustainability, ensuring he remains a force in the sport.
The tournament, broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK and PDC TV globally, kicks off with first-round matches on Friday, June 6, at 7:00 PM local time, with best-of-11-leg formats. Saturday’s blockbuster session features the quarter-finals, semifinals, and final, promising high-stakes drama. Littler, a pre-tournament favorite alongside Humphries, is eyeing his first Nordic Darts Masters title to add to his growing collection. His rapid rise, marked by four televised nine-darters and a £1.1 million climb on the PDC Order of Merit, has drawn praise from legends like Wayne Mardle, who said, “I had goosebumps watching him. We may never see the like again.”
For Littler, Copenhagen is more than a debut—it’s a chance to cement his dominance and inspire a new generation of fans. As he steps onto the oche, the darts world will be watching, eager to see if “The Nuke” can ignite another unforgettable performance.
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