In a dramatic turn of events, darts prodigy Luke Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion, faces uncertainty at the 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp, Belgium, after undergoing emergency dental surgery on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The 18-year-old, known as “The Nuke,” had a tooth removed in Manchester after enduring hours of excruciating pain, casting doubt on his participation in the European Tour event, which runs from August 29 to 31 at the Antwerp Expo. Despite the setback, Littler remains hopeful, expressing his determination to compete and his affection for the Belgian crowd. “Everyone knows I love Belgium, and hopefully I can play my best darts,” he shared on social media.
Littler, the top seed, is slated to face Ireland’s Dylan Slevin in the second round on Saturday, August 30, following Slevin’s victory over Belgium’s Francois Schweyen in the opening round. The tournament, offering a £175,000 prize fund with £30,000 for the winner, marks Littler’s return to European Tour action for the first time since April. Last year, he suffered a third-round exit to Dirk van Duijvenbode at the same event, and he’s eager to improve on that performance. However, the emergency procedure has left him shaken. “In pain for hours and hours, so had to get tooth out. Luckily they were able to do it and sort me out, but hopefully it’s all good for Saturday,” Littler posted, adding, “I’ve never had this done, and I don’t know how I’m going to be feeling, but right now I’m in shock and shaken as I didn’t know what to expect.”
The young star, who became the youngest world champion in darts history at 17 years and 347 days in January 2025, warned fans he might be less approachable as he recovers. “If you see me in the airport, I’m just gonna have my AirPods in, and I’m gonna be doing my own thing, so don’t be saying I’m arrogant because I’m not,” he explained. “I don’t know how I’m gonna be feeling in the morning or whether I’m gonna be in a little bit of pain.” Littler also expressed gratitude to the staff at Night and Day Emergency Dentist in Manchester and sent a heartfelt message to his girlfriend, Faith, saying, “I love you.” The couple, who confirmed their relationship in July 2025 after Littler’s World Matchplay victory, has been a source of support during this ordeal.
The Flanders Darts Trophy boasts a star-studded field, including Michael van Gerwen, Stephen Bunting, and Gerwyn Price, though Price’s participation is also in question after hospitalization for an infected hand. Defending champion Dave Chisnall, who won the 2024 final 8-6 against Ricardo Pietreczko, aims to retain his title. Notably, top players like Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, and Gary Anderson have withdrawn, opening opportunities for others. The event follows a standard format, with first and second rounds played as best-of-11 legs, quarter-finals and semi-finals as best-of-13, and the final as best-of-15.
Littler’s meteoric rise in darts has been nothing short of extraordinary. With six major PDC titles, including the 2025 World Championship and World Matchplay, he’s a fan favorite and a formidable competitor. His recent triumphs, such as a 107.24 three-dart average and 17 180s in the World Matchplay final, highlight his scoring prowess. Yet, the physical and emotional toll of his dental surgery could challenge his focus. “I don’t know how I’m going to be feeling,” he admitted, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding his performance.
As Littler travels to Belgium, the darts world watches eagerly. Will the teenage sensation overcome this setback to claim his third European Tour title, or will the pain and shock of his emergency procedure hinder his precision at the oche? Fans in Antwerp, known for their passionate support, await a spectacle, with Littler’s resilience and raw talent poised to light up the Antwerp Expo, provided he can navigate the lingering effects of his dental ordeal.
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