As the BetMGM Premier League Darts rolls into Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on April 24, 2025, all eyes are on 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler, who faces not just a formidable opponent in Michael van Gerwen but also the fiery passion of a Scouse crowd with a score to settle. The world champion, known as “Luke the Nuke,” has never shied away from his Manchester United allegiance, a bold stance that has fueled a tempest of jeers from Liverpool fans. His playful taunts, including mocking Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to Everton in last year’s Merseyside derby, have left a lasting mark. Local hero Stephen Bunting, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, warned that Littler’s provocations might haunt him, saying, “I don’t think he likes it,” as he predicted a hostile reception for the young star.
Littler’s meteoric rise since his World Championship debut has made him a polarizing figure. His unabashed support for Manchester United, coupled with social media jabs at Liverpool’s faltering 2024 quadruple hopes, has turned him into public enemy number one on Merseyside. Last year, as a spectator at the same venue, Littler reveled in Everton’s victory, a moment that Scousers, with their long memories, haven’t forgotten. “Football rivalries will always be part of the sport, one way or another, but it’s a dangerous path to go down,” Bunting cautioned, reflecting on Littler’s penchant for stirring the pot. The teenager’s antics, like holding up two fingers and a fist to signal the derby score, have only deepened the animosity, setting the stage for a raucous atmosphere.
Despite the expected boos, Littler remains unfazed, leaning into the pantomime that defines darts. His ability to thrive under pressure was evident in Munich, where he shrugged off a tough crowd at the German Grand Prix, admitting he was “relieved” to avoid Germany for six months. In Liverpool, he’s ready to face the music, backed by a season of remarkable achievements. As the Premier League’s top seed, Littler is on the cusp of securing a play-off spot at the O2 in London, with a five-point lead over Luke Humphries. His quarter-final clash with van Gerwen, a rematch of their thrilling World Championship final, promises high stakes and higher drama. “I always engage with the crowd,” Littler said, embracing the chaos that fuels his competitive fire.
For Bunting, the night is personal. The world No. 4, who faces Rob Cross in his opener, is desperate to overturn a dismal start to the Premier League, having lost his first eight matches. A win in his hometown could catapult him into play-off contention, erasing the sting of a 7-1 thrashing by Phil Taylor at the same venue a decade ago. “As soon as the Premier League line-up was announced, I was looking for the Liverpool fixture straight away,” Bunting declared, his passion for the occasion palpable. Yet, he’s wary of Littler’s ability to turn hostility into motivation, noting, “It doesn’t really bother me—as long as they are supporting me, I couldn’t give a carrot about anyone else.”
The Liverpool crowd’s fervor is just one chapter in Littler’s extraordinary journey. From a starry-eyed 11-year-old watching darts legend Eric Bristow at this very arena to becoming the sport’s youngest world champion, Littler has embraced the spotlight. His connection to Bristow, who tragically passed away outside the M&S Bank Arena in 2018, adds an emotional layer to his return. “It’s just banter and as a United fan you like to see Liverpool as rivals lose,” Littler said, defending his provocations as part of the game. His resilience will be tested against van Gerwen, whose experience could challenge Littler’s youthful bravado.
As the darts fly in Liverpool, the night promises more than just sport—it’s a cultural clash, a test of nerve, and a showcase of Littler’s audacity. Whether he silences the crowd or fuels their fire, one thing is certain: Luke Littler is ready to throw darts and take names, proving that even in enemy territory, he’s a force to be reckoned with.