In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the darts community, reigning PDC World Champion Luke Littler has withdrawn from the upcoming European Tour Events 7 and 8, the Dutch Darts Championship and the European Darts Open. The 18-year-old sensation, known as “The Nuke,” will miss the Dutch event in Rosmalen from May 23-25 and the German event in Leverkusen from May 30-June 1, opting for a strategic break as he navigates a whirlwind 2025 season. The decision, confirmed through recent updates in the darts world, underscores Littler’s calculated approach to managing his burgeoning career.
The Dutch Darts Championship, set to unfold at the Autotron in Rosmalen, and the European Darts Open in Leverkusen’s Ostermann-Arena were expected to feature Littler’s electrifying presence. However, the young star’s absence opens the door for other players to seize the spotlight. Littler is not alone in skipping one or both events, as other top-tier players like Nathan Aspinall, Gerwyn Price, and Josh Rock have also chosen to sit out at least one of the tournaments. “It’s nice to have a rest,” Littler previously said after missing an earlier event, hinting at the physical and mental toll of his meteoric rise. His manager, Martin Foulds, echoed this sentiment, noting, “It’s given him such an advantage [winning those events] – he’s pretty much in every TV event for the rest of the year without throwing another dart.”
Littler’s 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular. After clinching the PDC World Championship in January at just 17 years and 347 days old, he became the youngest world champion in darts history. His season has been peppered with triumphs, including retaining the Belgian Darts Open title in March with a scintillating 8-5 win over Mike De Decker, where he averaged 103 and fired six 180s. “I’m very happy to retain the title in front of these great fans,” Littler said, basking in the adulation of the Wieze crowd. He also claimed the UK Open, multiple Premier League nights, and the World Series Finals, amassing 13 PDC titles in his young career. His third televised nine-dart finish, achieved on double 15 during a Premier League win over Michael van Gerwen, further cemented his reputation as a prodigy.
The decision to skip the European Tour double-header follows a challenging experience in Germany earlier this year. Littler faced hostile crowds in Berlin and Munich, with boos raining down during the Premier League and the German Darts Grand Prix. After a semi-final loss to Gian van Veen in Munich, he took to social media, stating, “Shouldn’t have been in Munich but had to play anyway. Next one in Germany for me is Dortmund and I am glad to say that.” While Littler later confirmed his participation in the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt from June 12-15 alongside Luke Humphries, his withdrawal from Leverkusen suggests a cautious approach to German events. “He got a bit emotional. He came out and said something but didn’t mean it,” Sky Sports’ Stuart Pyke clarified, emphasizing that scheduling, not sentiment, drove the decision.
Littler’s absence paves the way for players like Ryan Joyce and Niels Zonneveld, who will compete in both events, and Ricardo Pietreczko, who joins the European Darts Open in his home country. The tournaments will feature 16 seeded players from the PDC Order of Merit, including world No. 1 Luke Humphries and three-time German Darts Grand Prix champion Michael van Gerwen, both eager to capitalize on Littler’s absence. The Dutch event boasts a strong local contingent, with eight Dutch players automatically qualified, adding to the fervor in Rosmalen.
For Littler, the break offers a chance to recharge ahead of a packed schedule, including the Premier League’s climax and the World Cup. His meteoric rise, dubbed “Littlermania” by PDC president Barry Hearn, has drawn record viewership and new fans to the sport. Named the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2024, Littler’s influence transcends the oche. As he prepares for his next challenge, his strategic withdrawal reflects
Leave a Reply