The upcoming Dutch Darts Championship, scheduled from May 23-25, is set to be a captivating event for darts enthusiasts, albeit with one notable absence: teenage sensation Luke Littler. While world number one Luke Humphries and home favourite Michael van Gerwen lead a star-studded field, Littler will be missing from the Rosmalen tournament, opting instead to attend a highly anticipated football match.
Littler’s decision to skip the Dutch Darts Championship stems from a promise made by his manager, Martin Foulds. Having enjoyed an extraordinary rise in the sport, including a sensational run to the World Darts Championship final and multiple Premier League successes, Littler has qualified for a string of major events, such as the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix. This remarkable achievement triggered a pre-arranged agreement for some much-deserved downtime.
“I’m in. I’m going to Wembley,” Littler enthusiastically stated, referring to the FA Cup final where his beloved Manchester United will face local rivals Manchester City. He added, “Martin said if I do well and get myself into the Matchplay, Grand Prix and other majors, then he’ll pull me out of stuff so I get time. At the minute, I don’t have to do everything.”1 This rare break from his demanding schedule highlights the rising profile of the 17-year-old, whose off-darts interests are now garnering as much attention as his on-board prowess. His allegiance to Manchester United is well-known, and his presence at the FA Cup final adds another layer to his burgeoning public persona.
Despite Littler’s absence, the Dutch Darts Championship promises fierce competition. Luke Humphries, currently ranked world number one, heads the list of seeded players. “Cool Hand Luke” has consistently demonstrated why he sits atop the rankings, with a string of impressive performances and a calm demeanor under pressure. His clinical finishing and consistent scoring make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the draw.
Joining Humphries at the top of the entry list is the legendary Michael van Gerwen. “Mighty Mike,” a Dutch darting icon, will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to perform in front of his home crowd. Van Gerwen’s electrifying pace and prolific scoring have captivated audiences for years, and he will be eager to add another European Tour title to his extensive trophy cabinet. The support from the local fans is expected to be a significant boost for him as he aims to reclaim his dominance on the European circuit.
Other prominent names gracing the tournament include Stephen Bunting, known for his smooth throwing action and consistent form, and Rob Cross, the former world champion who possesses the ability to produce moments of brilliance. James Wade, Gerwyn Price, and Gary Anderson, all major champions in their own right, will also be vying for the title, ensuring a high level of competition throughout the event. Defending champion Josh Rock, a rising star in the darts world, will be looking to repeat his success and prove that his previous victory was no fluke.
The Dutch Darts Championship is the seventh European Tour event of the season, a crucial stop on the PDC calendar that allows players to accumulate ranking points and build momentum for the major tournaments later in the year. Beyond the top seeded players, the field will also include a host of Tour Card holders who have qualified through various routes, as well as Host Nation Qualifiers, providing opportunities for local talent to shine on the big stage.
The format of the European Tour events, with its mix of established stars and hungry qualifiers, often leads to thrilling upsets and unexpected runs. While Littler’s decision to prioritize a football match might raise a few eyebrows among some traditionalists, it also underscores the unique position he holds in the darting world. His meteoric rise has brought unprecedented attention to the sport, and his personal interests, even if they temporarily pull him away from the oche, are now part of that compelling narrative.
Fans in Rosmalen will nonetheless be treated to world-class darts, as the finest players on the European circuit battle it out for glory. The absence of “The Nuke” will be felt, but the presence of other darting giants ensures that the Dutch Darts Championship will still deliver an abundance of drama, high-scoring action, and memorable moments.
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