In a thrilling display of skill and composure, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler clinched the 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp, Belgium, securing his fourth European Tour title with a nail-biting 8-7 victory over Josh Rock in the final. The event, held from August 29 to 31 at the Antwerp Expo, marked Littler’s triumphant return to the European Tour, where he showcased his relentless drive and precision, earning a £30,000 top prize from the tournament’s £175,000 prize fund. The young star’s victory further solidified his reputation as one of darts’ brightest talents, closing the gap on world number one Luke Humphries in the PDC Order of Merit.
The Flanders Darts Trophy, the tenth stop on the 2025 PDC European Tour, drew a star-studded field, including top names like Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Gerwyn Price. However, it was Littler who stole the spotlight, navigating a challenging path to the final with characteristic flair. His campaign began with a commanding 6-0 whitewash over Dylan Slevin in the second round, where he hit 100% of his doubles and averaged over 101. Reflecting on the match, Littler said, “When I came up on stage, it just felt like home. I love coming here. I’m glad to play well tonight and now I can focus on tomorrow.” His confidence was palpable, setting the tone for his dominant run.
On the final day, Littler faced Ryan Searle in the third round, securing a hard-fought victory before taking on Damon Heta in a dramatic quarterfinal that went to a deciding leg. Littler’s nerveless 79 checkout on double 11 sealed the win, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. In the semifinals, he dismantled Daryl Gurney 7-1, averaging over 99 and allowing Gurney just one leg. The final against Josh Rock was a spectacle of youthful brilliance, with both players trading high-scoring legs and maximum 180s. Rock, who had battled past Luke Woodhouse and James Wade earlier, pushed Littler to the brink, forcing a deciding leg with a stunning 161 checkout. Yet, Littler’s composure shone through as he delivered an 11-dart leg to seal the title, finishing on double 18 with an average of over 107 and nine 180s.
“I want to win here, but it’s only my first game. Six out of six on the doubles, I don’t usually get that, so I’m very happy,” Littler remarked after his second-round performance, a sentiment that carried through his entire tournament run. His ability to wrestle momentum from opponents was evident in the final, where he overcame early struggles to turn the match in his favor. Down 5-2 after missing 14 darts at doubles, Littler mounted a comeback with a tidy 76 checkout, followed by an 11-dart break of throw, leveling the score at 5-5. He then surged ahead with a ruthless 90 checkout, silencing the lively Antwerp crowd that had added an edge of hostility to the atmosphere.
The tournament wasn’t without surprises. Defending champion Dave Chisnall fell in the second round to Leon Weber, while Michael van Gerwen suffered a shock 6-3 defeat to Gian van Veen. Other seeded players, including Raymond van Barneveld, Peter Wright, and Rob Cross, also exited early, making Littler’s path to victory even more impressive. The prize fund breakdown saw the runner-up, Josh Rock, earn £12,000, with semi-finalists pocketing £8,500 and quarter-finalists £6,000. Littler’s triumph not only added to his growing trophy cabinet but also underscored his meteoric rise. At just 17, he became the youngest PDC World Champion earlier in 2025, and his Flanders Darts Trophy win further cements his status as a generational talent.
Littler’s journey in Antwerp was a testament to his mental fortitude and scoring power. His performance, marked by high averages and clinical finishing, left fans and pundits in awe. As he continues to dominate the sport, Littler’s confidence and charisma are drawing comparisons to darts legends. With the £30,000 prize in hand, he’s already eyeing future challenges, including the upcoming BoyleSports World Grand Prix in Leicester. For now, Littler’s victory in Antwerp stands as another chapter in his remarkable story, proving that “The Nuke” is a force to be reckoned with on the global darts stage.
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