Luke Littler, one of the most promising young talents in darts, faced a surprising early exit from the European Championship after a first-round loss to 53-year-old veteran Andrew Gilding on Friday. The 17-year-old Littler, hailed as a rising star and future contender, was upended by his opponent in a tight match that saw Gilding—known as “Goldfinger”—hold steady under pressure to clinch a 6-4 victory in Dortmund, Germany. Despite rallying to tie the score twice, Littler couldn’t keep up with the experienced Gilding, whose tenacity and composure ultimately proved decisive.
Littler’s first-round exit continues a recent pattern of opening-round defeats in major tournaments, having previously fallen short in the World Matchplay in Blackpool and the World Grand Prix in Leicester. Expectations were high for Littler this time around, as the young prodigy had shown promising form in recent tournaments. However, Gilding, who has been a mainstay on the circuit for over a decade, showcased his veteran prowess and determination, racing to a 3-0 lead before Littler managed to level the game. Gilding’s ability to reclaim control each time the young star equalized demonstrated his ability to handle high-stakes matches with a cool head, an asset that Littler is still developing.
After the win, Gilding expressed surprise at his own performance, especially given his recent physical setback. “I didn’t expect this, especially watching how Luke has been playing lately,” Gilding said post-match. “I am always short on self-belief, so I never expect to win a game, particularly against someone like Luke.” He admitted he was battling the tail end of a severe cold, which added to the challenge. “Honestly, I felt awful coming into this. In practice, I was terrible until the last hour when it finally started coming together.”
The win was more than a relief for Gilding; it was a personal milestone. After two previous losses to Littler, Gilding admitted he had been eager to finally secure a win against the teenager. “It was the third time I’d played him, so I guess it was third time lucky. It feels huge. I didn’t think anyone saw this coming, including myself. I was practically thinking about my flights home on Saturday.” Gilding’s calm, self-deprecating humor is part of what makes him a fan favorite, but his performance on the board showed there was nothing “lucky” about his skill in the clutch.
Gilding’s journey in darts has been a testament to perseverance. He made his television debut back in 2011 and gained early acclaim after reaching his first PDC final in a UK Open Qualifier, where he defeated some of the game’s legends, including Raymond van Barneveld, James Wade, and Phil Taylor. Despite the impressive start, his first televised title didn’t come until 2023, when he narrowly edged out Michael van Gerwen in a tense 11-10 showdown to win the UK Open, taking home the £100,000 prize. This victory catapulted Gilding into the spotlight, marking a high point in his career and proving he could go toe-to-toe with the best in the world.
In recent years, Gilding has sustained his strong form, with deep runs in the World Matchplay and Masters tournaments, among others. His ability to stay competitive over the long haul has earned him respect and admiration across the darts community. Up next, Gilding will face German favorite Ricardo Pietreczko in the second round, a match that will see him facing a home crowd hungry for a win from one of their own. Pietreczko, known for his skill and resilience, will present a unique challenge for Gilding, but if his performance against Littler is any indication, he may be poised for another strong showing.
Elsewhere in the European Championship, drama continued as former champion Peter Wright faced a stunning defeat, losing 6-0 to Dutch player Jermaine Wattimena. Wright, the colorful and charismatic Scotsman, was dethroned in a match that left fans shocked and raised questions about his current form. Averaging just 74.81—a surprisingly low figure for a player of his caliber—Wright’s early exit adds to a remarkable streak: for the sixth year in a row, the reigning European champion has been eliminated in the opening round. This consistent trend underscores the high level of competition in the tournament, where even the titleholder faces no guarantees of advancing.
For Littler, the recent losses are undoubtedly disappointing, but his youth and talent mean that he has ample time to build his career and hone his skills. At 17, he is already competing on a stage many players dream of reaching, and his early experiences against seasoned opponents like Gilding provide valuable lessons in the demands of professional darts. The journey for young players like Littler involves more than just technical skill—it also requires mental resilience and the ability to adapt quickly under pressure, qualities that experienced players like Gilding have refined over years of competition.
With both new and veteran players making headlines at this year’s European Championship, the tournament has once again proven itself as an unpredictable and thrilling event. For Littler, these early exits may serve as motivation, pushing him to regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, for Gilding, the unexpected win is a reminder of his enduring capability to disrupt expectations and make his mark, even when the odds appear stacked against him.