The 2025 World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam’s AFAS Live arena electrified fans on September 13 as teenage prodigy Luke Littler and former champion Gerwyn Price powered through their opening matches, advancing to the second round with contrasting displays of brilliance. Meanwhile, two-time world champion Peter Wright suffered a shocking first-round defeat, marking his earliest exit ever in this prestigious event. The tournament, a highlight of the darts calendar with its £400,000 prize fund, showcased high-stakes drama as top players battled to solidify their legacies in front of a passionate Dutch crowd.
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old defending champion nicknamed “The Nuke,” faced a stern test against Australia’s Simon Whitlock in a thrilling first-round clash. The young Englishman, fresh off his 2025 PDC World Championship triumph and back-to-back World Series titles in Australia and New Zealand, trailed 4-3 at one point as Whitlock’s experience kept him in contention. However, Littler’s composure under pressure shone through. He unleashed a stunning 120 checkout to level the score and later pinned double 18 twice to break Whitlock’s stubborn throw. Despite Whitlock’s missed chances to force a decider, Littler sealed the victory with his favored double 10, surviving a scare to advance. “Littler completes the comeback!” the PDC announced, capturing the electric moment of his late surge. His performance, marked by pinpoint accuracy and mental fortitude, reaffirmed why he’s the tournament favorite and world No. 1, carrying the weight of expectations after a meteoric 2025 season.
Gerwyn Price, the 2022 World Series Finals champion, delivered a near-flawless performance against American Danny Lauby, storming to a commanding victory. The Welshman, known as “The Iceman,” raced to a 3-0 lead with clinical finishing on double 20, showcasing the form that saw him win the Poland Darts Masters earlier this year. Though he missed six match darts, allowing Lauby a single leg, Price quickly regained control to secure his place in the second round. “I felt like I was playing in Cardiff again!” Price said, reflecting on the crowd’s energy that fueled his dominant display. His performance, averaging close to 100, underlined his hunger to reclaim a major title after a three-year drought, especially following his strong 2025 start, including a Premier League night win in Dublin.
In stark contrast, Peter Wright, the 2020 and 2022 PDC world champion, endured a disappointing 6-3 loss to fellow Scot Cameron Menzies, marking his first-ever first-round exit at the World Series Finals. Despite recent signs of a resurgence, including a fourth-round upset over Luke Humphries at the 2025 World Darts Championship, Wright struggled to find his rhythm against Menzies’ aggressive scoring. The defeat was a blow for the 17th seed, who had expressed confidence in matching the sport’s elite. “I’m a double world champion, and I want to win it for a third time,” Wright had said earlier this year, but his early departure in Amsterdam leaves questions about his form heading into the season’s end.
The World Series of Darts Finals, running from September 12 to 14, features a 32-player field, with the first round split across Friday and Saturday. Littler and Price joined other big names like Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross in the second round, while top seed Stephen Bunting fell to Danny Noppert, adding to the tournament’s unpredictability. Littler’s next opponent is Jonny Clayton, another former champion, setting up a blockbuster clash, while Price faces either Raymond van Barneveld or Cor Dekker. The event’s format—best of 11 legs for early rounds, escalating to best of 21 for the final—promises more intense battles as players vie for the £80,000 top prize.
Littler’s rise has been nothing short of phenomenal, with his 2025 season boasting titles in Bahrain, Australia, New Zealand, and the Flanders Darts Trophy. His ability to thrive under pressure, as seen in his comeback against Whitlock, draws comparisons to darts legend Phil Taylor. Price, meanwhile, is rediscovering the spark that made him world No. 1 in 2021, with his recent Players Championship win and Premier League success signaling a return to peak form. As the tournament progresses, both players are poised to make deep runs, but the field remains stacked with talent, including Josh Rock and Chris Dobey, ensuring a thrilling weekend.
For fans, the Amsterdam showdown is a celebration of darts’ global appeal, with the AFAS Live crowd creating an electric atmosphere. Littler’s charisma and Price’s intensity have captivated viewers, while Wright’s exit serves as a reminder of the sport’s relentless competition. As the second round unfolds on Saturday evening, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final on Sunday, the stage is set for more unforgettable moments in this high-stakes darts spectacle.
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