Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation known as “The Nuke,” kicked off his 2025 Gambrinus Czech Darts Open campaign in Prague with a commanding 6-2 victory over Cameron Menzies on Saturday, September 6. However, the world champion’s triumph was swiftly eclipsed by a fiery complaint about the swelteringly unbearable stage conditions at the PVA Expo, setting the tone for a dramatic weekend in the Czech capital. The young star’s candid remarks, coupled with his scintillating performance, underscored both his competitive fire and his growing influence in the darts world, where he continues to redefine expectations at every turn.
Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion and world number two, arrived in Prague riding a wave of momentum. Fresh off victories at the World Matchplay, Australian Darts Masters, New Zealand Darts Masters, and the Flanders Darts Trophy, the teenager was a heavy favorite to add another European Tour title to his burgeoning resume. As a seeded player, he bypassed the first round, facing Menzies in the second round on Saturday evening. The match showcased Littler’s trademark precision, as he surged to a 3-0 lead with a clinical break of Menzies’ throw in the second leg. Despite a brief rally from Menzies, Littler’s relentless scoring and a decisive break in the eighth leg sealed a 6-2 win, with an average just shy of 99. Yet, it was the oppressive heat on stage that dominated his post-match thoughts.
“It was quite hot. As soon as I stepped on the first step, I thought: ‘Wow, it’s hot here,’” Littler remarked, visibly frustrated by the stifling conditions. “I started very well, but at the end of the game, I made a few bad throws. I thought Cammy [Menzies] would be able to adjust. But I am just glad to have passed this stage.” His candid critique highlighted the physical toll of playing under such conditions, a challenge that tested even his prodigious talent. Littler’s ability to perform at an elite level despite the discomfort speaks to his mental fortitude, a quality that has propelled him to six major PDC titles, including the 2024 Premier League and 2025 World Championship, where he became the youngest world champion in darts history at 17 years and 347 days old.
The victory set up a tantalizing third-round clash with Gian van Veen, a rematch of their 2023 PDC World Youth Championship final. Littler anticipated a fierce battle, noting, “We always play great matches, I think we both show the best darts. But for me, it’s just another game. I hope it won’t be so hot this time!” The matchup promised to be a showcase of young talent, with van Veen coming off a strong 6-2 win over Danny Noppert. Littler’s comments about the heat added intrigue, as fans wondered whether the conditions would again play a role in the high-stakes encounter. His ability to adapt to adversity has been a hallmark of his meteoric rise, dubbed “Littlermania” for its impact on darts’ popularity in the UK.
Littler’s journey to Prague was not without its challenges. Just the night before, he faced a troubling incident at his hotel, where an overzealous fan grabbed him while he posed for photos. “Just came to the hotel in Prague, got a few pictures. Baring in mind it’s 20 past 11 here, it’s busy, so got a few pictures with a few people. And as I’ve gone to walk off, someone has grabbed me and wanted a picture,” he vented on social media, condemning the “bad behaviour.” The episode, coupled with his complaints about the stage conditions, painted a picture of a young star navigating the pressures of fame while maintaining his focus on the oche.
As the Czech Darts Open unfolded, Littler’s performance remained a focal point. The tournament, held from September 5-7, featured a star-studded field, with defending champion Luke Humphries facing Martin Schindler and Michael van Gerwen delivering a 112-average whitewash of Mike De Decker. Littler’s victory over Menzies, though overshadowed by his outspoken critique, reaffirmed his status as a generational talent. With the BoyleSports World Grand Prix looming in October, all eyes are on whether “The Nuke” can channel his frustration into another title run, proving once again why he’s the sport’s brightest star.
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