In a dazzling display of darts prowess, 18-year-old world champion Luke Littler, nicknamed “The Nuke,” continued his meteoric rise by overpowering Scotland’s Cameron Menzies in the second round of the 2025 Gambrinus Czech Darts Open in Prague on Saturday, September 6. The PVA Expo arena buzzed with anticipation as Littler, fresh off a Euro Tour title in Belgium, delivered a performance that left no doubt about his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Facing a formidable opponent in Menzies, who had fought his way into the match with a strong first-round win, Littler’s precision and composure proved too much, securing his place in the third round of this prestigious PDC European Tour event.
Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion and world number two, entered the tournament as the second seed, bypassing the first round. His opponent, Menzies, earned his spot by defeating veteran Ian White 6-3 on Friday with an impressive average of 100.91, highlighted by a stunning 140 finish. The Ayrshire native was brimming with excitement for the challenge, saying, “I’m absolutely buzzing to play, in my opinion, at this moment, the best athlete in the world. I’m a massive Luke Humphries fan, but I feel that Littler right now is the man.” Despite his confidence and a ton-plus average against White, Menzies faced an uphill battle against Littler’s relentless form, with the teenager coming off a string of titles, including the World Matchplay, Australian Darts Masters, New Zealand Darts Masters, and the Flanders Darts Trophy.
The match, scheduled for 9:30 p.m. local time, was a showcase of Littler’s clinical finishing and high-scoring ability. From the outset, he seized control, reeling off legs with the precision that has made him a global sensation. Menzies, known for his resilience and flair, managed moments of brilliance, including a near-perfect leg where he went six darts into a nine-darter. However, Littler’s consistency overwhelmed the Scot, who later reflected, “He may absolutely leather me, but just to play him up here in this venue will be an experience.” Littler’s victory was a statement of intent, as he eyes another Euro Tour crown to add to his growing collection of 17 PDC titles, including four European Tour titles and four World Series of Darts titles.
The Czech Darts Open, the eleventh of fourteen PDC European Tour events in 2025, features a £175,000 prize fund, with £30,000 for the winner. Littler’s path to the final day on Sunday is fraught with challenges, as he now faces the winner of Danny Noppert’s clash with Gian van Veen. The tournament, held from September 5-7, has drawn the sport’s elite, with defending champion Luke Humphries, world number one, also in action against Dirk van Duijvenbode. The Prague event has a history of surprises, with past winners like Jamie Hughes in 2019 and Peter Wright in 2023, but Littler’s current form makes him a favorite to claim the title.
Off the oche, Littler’s preparation wasn’t without drama. On Friday night, he faced an unsettling incident at his Prague hotel, where an overzealous fan grabbed him while he was posing for photos. Taking to Instagram, Littler expressed his frustration: “Just came to the hotel in Prague, got a few pictures bearing in mind it’s 20 past 11 here. It’s busy so got a few pictures with a few people and as I’ve gone to walk off someone has grabbed me and wanted a picture, you don’t grab someone just ask nicely.” The incident underscored the pressures of his rising fame, yet Littler’s focus remained unshaken, as evidenced by his commanding performance against Menzies.
Menzies, despite the loss, showed why he’s a rising star in his own right. His first-round win over White, where he reeled off five consecutive legs, highlighted his potential. The Scot, who recently won his second PDC Tour title at Players Championship 11, remains optimistic about his growth. “I know how well I’ve been playing,” he said earlier this year, reflecting on his journey toward becoming a full-time darts player. For Littler, the victory is another step in a remarkable 2025 campaign that has seen him break records, including becoming the youngest world champion at 17 years and 347 days during the 2025 PDC World Championship.
As the Czech Darts Open progresses, all eyes are on Littler. His blend of youthful exuberance and veteran-like precision has captivated fans and intimidated opponents. With the third round, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final set for a blockbuster Sunday, Littler’s quest for another title promises more thrilling moments. Whether he can maintain his scorching form against the likes of Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, or Gerwyn Price remains to be seen, but for now, “The Nuke” continues to light up the darts world with performances that leave audiences in awe.
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