Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy known as “The Nuke,” arrived in Prague on September 5, 2025, brimming with confidence for the Gambrinus Czech Darts Open. However, his preparations for the £30,000 tournament were overshadowed by a disturbing encounter with an overzealous fan outside his hotel. The incident, which left Littler “shocked and shaken,” sparked a passionate response from the young star, who took to social media to condemn the fan’s actions and address accusations of his own “bad behaviour.” As Littler navigates the pressures of fame, this episode underscores the challenges of being a global sporting sensation at such a tender age.
Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion and world number two, touched down in the Czech capital late Friday night alongside his father, Anthony Buckley. Eager to connect with supporters, he obliged fans seeking photos despite the late hour. “Just came to the hotel in Prague, got a few pictures bearing in mind it’s 20 past 11 here. It’s busy so got a few pictures with a few people,” he shared on Instagram. However, the warm reception turned sour when one individual grabbed him from behind, demanding a photo. Littler, visibly upset, confronted the fan immediately. “As soon as he grabbed me, I told him not to touch me and walked away,” he recounted, emphasizing his discomfort with the physical intrusion.
The situation escalated when another fan approached Littler and his father, shouting “oi” and accusing the teenager of “bad behaviour” for refusing the photo. Littler fired back, defending his reaction. “And for the fella who came up to me and my dad shouting ‘oi’ and then saying my behaviour is bad and I’m not bigger and better than anyone. DO NOT GRAB ME FROM BEHIND because that’s bad behaviour. Not me because as soon as he’s grabbed I said do not grab me and walked away,” he wrote. His words reflect a young athlete grappling with the boundaries of fame, asserting that politeness should prevail over entitlement. “You don’t grab someone, just ask nicely. How hard is it?” he added, pleading for respect from fans.
This incident is not the first time Littler has faced unruly crowds. Earlier in 2025, he endured hostile jeers in Germany during events in Berlin and Munich, even threatening to boycott future tournaments there. “Obviously, you make your exit on stage, but as soon as I stepped out, I started getting booed,” he recalled of the World Cup of Darts. Despite these challenges, Littler remains a standout figure in darts, having clinched six major titles, including the 2024 Premier League, Grand Slam, World Series Finals, and the 2025 World Championship, where he became the youngest world champion at 17 years and 347 days old. His meteoric rise, dubbed “Littlermania,” has drawn a massive global following, making such fan interactions an unfortunate byproduct of his stardom.
Littler’s focus quickly shifted to the Czech Darts Open, where he was set to face Cameron Menzies in the second round on Saturday night. The tournament, held at the PVA Expo from September 5-7, featured a star-studded field, including world number one Luke Humphries and three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen. Littler’s recent triumphs, including the Flanders Darts Trophy the previous week, positioned him as a favorite to claim the title. However, the hotel incident added an emotional layer to his preparation, highlighting the toll that fame can take. “I’m pretty lucky that my girlfriend has come over because, if she didn’t, my manager went home because of an illness, so I would’ve been on my own for two weeks,” he recently shared, crediting girlfriend Faith Millar for providing support during his travels.
As Littler continues his quest for darts dominance, this Prague incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges young athletes face in the public eye. His resilience shone through as he channeled his frustration into focus, delivering a 6-2 victory over Menzies despite sweltering stage conditions. With the BoyleSports World Grand Prix looming in October, Littler’s ability to rise above adversity will be key as he aims to add to his glittering trophy cabinet, proving that “The Nuke” is far more than a fleeting phenomenon.
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