In a jaw-dropping turn of events at the 2025 Gambrinus Czech Darts Open in Prague, teenage darts prodigy Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” suffered a shocking elimination in the third round, halting his quest for back-to-back European Tour titles. The 18-year-old world champion, fresh off a dominant victory at the Flanders Darts Trophy, was sent packing by Dutchman Gian van Veen in a dramatic 6-4 defeat at the PVA Expo. The upset came just hours after Littler publicly criticized the sweltering stage conditions, adding a layer of intrigue to an already electrifying tournament weekend.
Littler entered the Czech Darts Open as a favorite, riding a wave of momentum from a stellar summer that saw him clinch the World Matchplay, Australian Darts Masters, New Zealand Darts Masters, and the Flanders Darts Trophy. His second-round performance against Cameron Menzies on Saturday was a masterclass, as he cruised to a 6-2 victory with a near-99 average, showcasing the pinpoint accuracy and composure that have made him a global sensation. However, the oppressive heat on stage during that match left Littler visibly uncomfortable. “It was quite hot. As soon as I stepped on the first step, I thought: ‘wow, it’s hot here’,” he remarked, reflecting on the challenging environment. Despite the conditions, he remained optimistic, noting, “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.”
The third-round clash with van Veen, a rematch of the 2023 PDC World Youth Championship final, promised to be a blockbuster. Littler had previously triumphed over the Dutchman in that youth showdown, but van Veen arrived in Prague brimming with confidence after a strong 6-2 win over compatriot Danny Noppert. The matchup lived up to its billing as a battle of young titans, with both players trading high-scoring legs and clinical finishes. Littler, known for his scoring power and proficiency on double 10, started strongly, but van Veen’s relentless pressure and a crucial break of throw in the latter stages proved decisive. The Dutchman sealed the 6-4 victory, leaving Littler stunned and the Prague crowd buzzing with disbelief.
Littler’s exit marks a rare stumble for the reigning PDC World Champion, who has rewritten the darts record books since bursting onto the scene. At just 17, he became the youngest world champion in darts history at the 2025 World Championship, and his six major titles—including the 2024 Premier League, Grand Slam, and World Series Finals—rank him among the sport’s elite. His meteoric rise, dubbed “Littlermania,” has sparked a surge in darts’ popularity across the UK, with fans marveling at his ability to deliver under pressure. Yet, the Prague defeat underscores the unforgiving nature of the European Tour, where even the brightest stars can falter against hungry opponents like van Veen, who is carving out his own reputation as a future star.
Reflecting on his performance, Littler remained philosophical, acknowledging the fine margins in top-level darts. “Last year was incredible. I was averaging 110, 116, 110, and then lost to Luke [Humphries], but felt pretty good,” he said, recalling his record-breaking run at the 2024 Czech Darts Open, where he posted a tournament-high 110.43 average against Nathan Aspinall. This year, however, the heat and van Veen’s brilliance proved too much. Looking ahead to his next match against van Veen before the loss, Littler had anticipated a fierce contest: “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!” Unfortunately, the conditions and his opponent’s form conspired to end his tournament early.
As Littler departs Prague, the Czech Darts Open continues to deliver high-octane drama. Defending champion Luke Humphries, who faces Germany’s Martin Schindler in the third round, remains a formidable contender, while Michael van Gerwen’s scintillating 112-average whitewash of Mike De Decker signals his return to form. For Littler, this setback is a rare blip in an otherwise extraordinary 2025 season. With the BoyleSports World Grand Prix looming in Leicester from October 6-12, the young star will have little time to dwell on this defeat. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how “The Nuke” rebounds, as his journey continues to captivate the darts world.
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