The Antwerp Expo was electric on Saturday evening, August 30, 2025, as the 2025 Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy, the tenth stop on the PDC European Tour, delivered a masterclass from reigning world champion Luke Littler. The 18-year-old prodigy, known as ‘The Nuke,’ stormed into the third round with a commanding 6-0 whitewash of Ireland’s Dylan Slevin, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend in Belgium. Littler’s performance, marked by clinical finishing and relentless scoring, underscored why he’s considered the top favorite to claim the £30,000 top prize from the £175,000 prize fund.
Littler, the top seed in the absence of world No. 1 Luke Humphries, entered the second round after a first-round bye, facing a determined Slevin, who had earned his spot with a 6-3 win over Belgian qualifier François Schweyen on Friday. Despite undergoing emergency dental surgery just days before, Littler showed no signs of discomfort, dispatching Slevin with a ruthless display. “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,” Littler had shared on social media prior to the match, expressing uncertainty about his condition. Yet, his performance was anything but uncertain, as he dominated from the outset, leaving Slevin unable to find a foothold. “Everyone knows I love Belgium and hopefully I can play my best darts,” he added, and the Antwerp crowd witnessed just that.
The Flanders Darts Trophy, held from August 29 to 31, has already produced its share of drama. The first round saw Belgian heroes Kim Huybrechts, Mario Vandenbogaerde, and Mike De Decker advance, with Huybrechts proclaiming, “This is going to be in the top three of my best moments in life,” after his 6-5 victory over Lukas Wenig, fueled by the passionate home crowd. However, upsets were rife, as defending champion Dave Chisnall fell 6-4 to Leon Weber in the second round, and former world champion Michael Smith was stunned 6-5 by Vandenbogaerde in the first. Littler’s emphatic win over Slevin, however, reaffirmed his status as the man to beat, with analysts like Mats Leering of DartsNieuws.com declaring, “A very strong field of participants, with top names among both the seeded players and the Pro Tour Qualifiers. Still, I would say Luke Littler is the top favourite.”
Littler’s 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular. Fresh off victories at the World Series events in Australia and New Zealand, and his historic World Championship triumph over Michael van Gerwen in January, where he hit 76 maximum 180s, Littler is in scintillating form. His return to the European Tour, after skipping several events due to a frosty reception in Germany, marks a significant moment. Belgium has been a happy hunting ground for Littler, with back-to-back Belgian Darts Open titles, including his only European Tour crown of 2025. His 6-0 rout of Slevin, averaging over 100, showcased the heavy scoring and composure that have made him the sport’s brightest star.
The tournament’s second round was packed with thrilling encounters. Michael van Gerwen faced a stern test against compatriot Gian van Veen, while James Wade battled Kim Huybrechts, and Raymond van Barneveld took on Ryan Searle. Stephen Bunting, riding high after a Players Championship win, dispatched Joe Cullen 6-1, and Josh Rock edged Karel Sedlacek 6-5 in a nail-biter. Notable withdrawals, including Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, and Gary Anderson, elevated Rock, Martin Schindler, and Searle to seeded positions, while Gerwyn Price’s hand injury withdrawal gave Ryan Joyce a bye to the third round after his 6-5 win over Ricardo Pietreczko, who landed a stunning 170 checkout but faltered late.
As the tournament progresses to Sunday’s third round, quarter-finals, semi-finals (best of 13 legs), and final (best of 15), Littler’s path to glory looks promising but perilous. “I keep saying it but that first game against Ryan Meikle [at the World Championship] was the one that really mattered, and throughout I’ve just settled,” Littler reflected after his world title win, a mindset he’s carried into Antwerp. With a lively Belgian crowd and a stacked field, including van Gerwen, Bunting, and Rock, the Flanders Darts Trophy is poised for a dramatic finale. Littler’s clinical performance against Slevin has set the tone, and the darting world waits to see if ‘The Nuke’ can claim another title.
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