In the electric atmosphere of Gliwice’s PreZero Arena, the Poland Darts Masters semi-final on July 5, 2025, delivered a stunning upset as 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler was decisively outplayed by a relentless Stephen Bunting. The reigning champion, known as “The Nuke,” saw his title defense crumble under the weight of Bunting’s masterful performance, with the 39-year-old Englishman securing a commanding 7-3 victory to advance to his fourth World Series final of the year. The clash, marked by Bunting’s 104-plus average and clinical finishing, highlighted the veteran’s resurgence and left Littler searching for answers after a lackluster showing at the oche.
Littler, fresh off a sensational year that saw him claim the PDC World Darts Championship title in January, entered the semi-final brimming with confidence after a hard-fought quarter-final win over Nathan Aspinall. His trademark flair was evident early, as he unleashed a spectacular 170 checkout—known as the “Big Fish”—to momentarily steal the spotlight. “It just had to go,” Littler had said of a similar high-stakes finish earlier in the tournament, reflecting his fearless approach. Yet, against Bunting, that moment of brilliance was a rare highlight in an otherwise subdued performance. The teenager struggled to find his rhythm, his usual precision on doubles faltering as Bunting seized control.
Bunting, nicknamed “The Bullet,” was in scintillating form, blending power scoring with ruthless efficiency. After Littler leveled the score at 1-1, Bunting unleashed a barrage, winning five consecutive sets to build an unassailable 6-1 lead. His three-dart average soared above 104, a testament to his dominance, as he pinned crucial doubles with ease. “What an outstanding performance from Bunting to get to the final,” one fan exclaimed on social media, capturing the sentiment of awe that rippled through the darts community. Another added, “Stephen way too good for Littler, could’ve easily been 7-1,” underscoring the one-sided nature of the contest. Bunting’s victory was no fluke; his recent resurgence, including a semi-final run at the World Championship and a Bahrain Masters title, has cemented his status as a top-five player.
The match began competitively, with Littler responding to Bunting’s early break by taking the second set. However, Bunting’s relentless pressure and superior finishing quickly turned the tide. By the time Littler managed his 170 checkout to make it 6-3, Bunting had one foot in the final, closing out the match with a composed double 12. “Bunting has come a long way,” a fan noted, referencing his transformation from a fist-pumping showman to a focused, world-class competitor. His walk-on to David Guetta’s “Titanium” electrified the Gliwice crowd, who roared as he conducted them like an orchestra, a stark contrast to Littler’s more reserved demeanor.
Littler’s defeat marks another chapter in a year of dizzying highs and occasional stumbles. Since his historic World Championship triumph at 17, where he thrashed Michael van Gerwen 7-3, Littler has been a global sensation, topping the UK’s most-searched athletes list and driving darts’ popularity to new heights. His 10 titles in his debut PDC year, including the Premier League and Grand Slam, have fueled talk of a new era of dominance. Yet, recent losses—like his quarter-final exit to Gerwyn Price at the Bahrain Masters and a 4-2 defeat to Jonny Clayton at the World Masters—reveal the challenges of maintaining consistency at the elite level. “I’m just playing with absolute confidence,” Littler had said after his World Championship semi-final rout of Bunting, a 6-1 demolition that made this latest loss all the more surprising.
Bunting, meanwhile, is riding a wave of momentum. His victory over Littler sets up a final against either Rob Cross or Gerwyn Price, offering a chance to add another World Series title to his resume. His ability to outshine Littler, who averaged 101.08 in the tournament, speaks to his growing prowess. “He’s a bit of an alien, isn’t he,” Bunting had previously said of Littler’s effortless talent, but in Gliwice, it was Bunting who looked otherworldly. His performance drew praise for its precision and mental fortitude, qualities that have seen him overcome early-season struggles in the Premier League to become a fan favorite.
For Littler, the loss is a setback but not a crisis. At 18, with a World Championship already under his belt, he remains the sport’s brightest star. His focus now shifts to defending his Premier League title, with the season kicking off in Belfast on February 6. “I’ve played a lot better and won plenty of titles leading up to this,” Littler reflected after his World Championship semi-final, a mindset that will likely drive his response to this defeat. As Bunting prepares for the Poland Darts Masters final, Littler heads home to Warrington to regroup, his sights set on reclaiming his dominance in a sport he has already transformed.
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