In the electrifying world of professional darts, where every throw can spark a frenzy, Luke Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy known as “The Nuke,” stands on the cusp of another career-defining moment. Fresh off his historic PDC World Championship triumph in January 2025, the Warrington sensation arrived in Sakhir to defend his Bahrain Darts Masters title, the first senior PDC crown he claimed in 2024. However, his hopes of a repeat victory—and a hefty £30,000 payday—were dashed in a stunning 6-2 quarter-final defeat to Gerwyn Price on January 17, 2025. Despite the setback, the tournament’s boosted £100,000 prize fund, a significant increase from 2024’s £60,000, underscores the growing stakes of the World Series of Darts, with Littler’s meteoric rise continuing to captivate fans worldwide.
The Bahrain Darts Masters, held at the Bahrain International Circuit’s iconic Dome, kicked off the 2025 World Series with a star-studded field of 16 players—eight PDC elites and eight Asian representatives. Littler, the defending champion, entered as a favorite after his 2024 heroics, which included a televised nine-darter against Nathan Aspinall and an 8-5 final victory over Michael van Gerwen. “It would mean the absolute world to come back and retain it as the world champion,” Littler said after his opening-round win, a hard-fought 6-3 triumph over the Philippines’ Lourence Ilagan. Yet, Price’s scintillating 115-plus average and near-nine-darter in the quarter-finals proved too much, leaving Littler to settle for £5,000 in prize money for reaching the last eight.
This year’s prize fund reflects the event’s rising prestige. The winner, ultimately Stephen Bunting, who defeated Price 8-4 in the final, pocketed £30,000, a 50% increase from 2024’s £20,000 top prize. The runner-up earned £15,000, semi-finalists £7,500, quarter-finalists £5,000, and first-round losers £2,500. Unlike PDC ranking events, World Series prize money doesn’t count toward the Order of Merit but boosts players’ profiles and bank accounts. For Littler, who has amassed over £1 million in career earnings, including £500,000 for his World Championship win, the Bahrain event was a chance to add to his growing fortune. “I’ve already kicked off 2025 the best it can get,” he noted, referencing his Ally Pally glory, “but to win two tournaments this month would mean the world.”
Littler’s journey in Bahrain was not without challenges. Against Ilagan, he faced a rowdy crowd whose whistling prompted referee Russ Bray to intervene. “It felt good and I’m just happy to get past that first game,” Littler said, acknowledging his patchy performance. His loss to Price, however, highlighted the fierce competition, with the Welshman’s record-breaking average stealing the show. “Price was in a class of his own,” a fan tweeted, while another lamented, “Littler’s still a legend, but that was a tough one.” The tournament also saw shocks, like Rob Cross’s first-round exit to Paolo Nebrida and Michael van Gerwen’s absence due to family commitments.
Bunting’s victory marked his first World Series title, a milestone he celebrated with emotion. “It is even more satisfying because what an absolutely lovely trophy this is,” he told ITV, clutching the golden date palm trophy. For Littler, the defeat stings but fuels his hunger for future success. With the Dutch Darts Masters and Premier League looming, the teenager’s relentless schedule offers ample opportunities to shine. His 2024 Bahrain win, which netted £20,000 and a £5,000 nine-darter bonus, set the stage for a record-breaking year, including Premier League and Grand Slam titles. As fans rally behind him—one posting, “The Nuke will bounce back stronger!”—Littler’s Bahrain exit is merely a blip in a career destined for greatness, with more paydays and trophies on the horizon.
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