In a thrilling culmination to the 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy held at the Antwerp Expo in Belgium, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler solidified his status as a global sensation by defeating Josh Rock in a gripping final on August 31, 2025. The world number two, nicknamed “The Nuke,” clinched the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) European Tour title with a performance that showcased his trademark precision, resilience, and flair, adding another chapter to his rapidly growing legacy.
Littler’s journey to the final was marked by dominant displays throughout the tournament. Entering as the top seed, he began his campaign with a commanding 6-0 whitewash over Ireland’s Dylan Slevin in the second round, not missing a single double. His third-round match against Ryan Searle saw him unleash an astonishing 110 average, securing a 6-3 victory with relentless scoring power. In the quarter-finals, Littler faced Damon Heta, edging out the Australian in a tense last-leg decider. The semi-finals pitted him against Daryl Gurney, whom he dispatched convincingly to set up a highly anticipated showdown with Rock, a rematch of their electrifying World Matchplay semi-final earlier in the year.
Josh Rock, the 24-year-old Northern Irish star, was no stranger to high-stakes battles. Seeded 14th, Rock fought his way through the tournament with tenacity, overcoming Karel Sedlacek and Stephen Bunting in tight 6-5 and last-leg decider matches, respectively. His quarter-final victory over Luke Woodhouse (6-4) and semi-final triumph over James Wade (7-5) showcased his high-scoring ability, with five maximums against Woodhouse alone. Rock’s journey to the final was a testament to his growing prowess, having previously pushed Littler to the limit in their 2025 World Matchplay clash, where Littler’s nine-darter sparked a 17-14 comeback victory.
The final itself was a showcase of darts at its finest, with both players delivering a spectacle for the Antwerp crowd. Littler, fresh off his World Championship and World Matchplay triumphs earlier in 2025, entered as the favorite but faced a formidable challenge from Rock, who had already proven his mettle by defeating top players like Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen in recent tournaments. The match was a high-octane affair, with Littler’s clinical finishing and heavy scoring—often punctuated by his signature 180s—giving him the edge. Rock, known for his explosive starts, kept the pressure on with a series of high checkouts, but Littler’s composure under pressure proved decisive.
Reflecting on his victory, Littler expressed his affinity for the Belgian crowd, saying, “When I came up on stage, it just felt like home. I love coming here. I’m glad to play well tonight.” His perfect doubling display earlier in the tournament set the tone, and he maintained that precision in the final, outpacing Rock’s spirited efforts. The win earned Littler the £30,000 top prize from the tournament’s £175,000 prize fund, further closing the gap on world number one Luke Humphries in the PDC Order of Merit.
Rock, despite the defeat, earned widespread praise for his performance. His path to the final included a thrilling semi-final win over James Wade, where he battled back to secure a 7-5 victory. Speaking about his quarter-final win over Bunting, Rock’s 120 checkout in the deciding leg highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, a trait that made the final a must-watch event.
Littler’s victory adds to his burgeoning trophy cabinet, which already includes the 2025 PDC World Championship, World Matchplay, Premier League, UK Open, Grand Slam, and World Series Finals. At just 18, he became the youngest player to complete the PDC Triple Crown in July 2025, and his Flanders Darts Trophy triumph further cements his reputation as a generational talent. As 16-time world champion Phil Taylor remarked earlier in 2025, “Darts has gone crazy. You wouldn’t believe the difference since young Luke came along.”
For Rock, the loss is a stepping stone in a promising career. His World Cup of Darts victory alongside Daryl Gurney in June 2025 and his consistent performances against elite competition signal a bright future. The Flanders Darts Trophy final, while a triumph for Littler, showcased the depth of talent in the PDC, with both players delivering a match that will be remembered as a highlight of the 2025 European Tour.
As Littler lifted the trophy in Antwerp, the darts world buzzed with excitement, eagerly anticipating his next challenge. With the BoyleSports World Grand Prix looming in October, Littler’s relentless pursuit of major titles shows no signs of slowing down. For now, though, the Antwerp Expo belongs to “The Nuke,” whose star continues to shine brighter with each dart thrown.
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