At just 18 years old, Luke Littler, the darts prodigy known as “The Nuke,” has already etched his name into the sport’s history books. The 2025 PDC World Darts Champion, who clinched the title by defeating Michael van Gerwen in a thrilling 7-3 final at Alexandra Palace, is no stranger to the spotlight. But alongside his meteoric rise, Littler has also sparked a lively rivalry with the three-time world champion Van Gerwen, who has cheekily dubbed the teenager “Kebab Boy.” This playful yet brutal two-word nickname, inspired by Littler’s love for post-match kebab celebrations, has become a symbol of their competitive yet camaraderie-filled dynamic, captivating darts fans worldwide.
The nickname originated during Littler’s sensational run to the 2024 PDC World Championship final, where, at 16, he became the youngest finalist in the tournament’s history. After each victory, Littler celebrated with his favorite takeaway—a kebab and a soft drink—charming fans with his down-to-earth personality. Van Gerwen, 35, seized on this quirk, greeting Littler with a jovial “Hey there, Kebab Boy” during a meeting in the Netherlands. “We are always egging each other on, and that’s what I always call him,” Van Gerwen said, revealing his preference for the moniker over Littler’s established “Nuke” nickname. When asked if Littler had a nickname for him in return, the Dutchman quipped, “I don’t know, but he doesn’t dare say it yet, I think. I’m twice that boy’s age, right?” The exchange, laced with humor, underscores a relationship that balances rivalry with mutual respect.
Their rivalry has been a box-office draw throughout 2024 and into 2025. The pair have faced off 12 times in PDC events, splitting the wins evenly at six apiece. Littler’s standout victories include the 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters, where he hit a televised nine-darter and defeated Van Gerwen 8-5, and the 2025 World Championship final, where he stormed to a 4-0 lead en route to a historic triumph. “I can’t believe it. We both played so well,” Littler said after lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy, acknowledging Van Gerwen’s resilience despite the loss. Van Gerwen, gracious in defeat, praised the teenager’s talent: “Every 17 years a star gets born, and he is one of them.” However, Van Gerwen’s competitive edge shone through earlier in the year when he downplayed their rivalry, saying, “Not really, I keep beating him,” after a string of wins in the Premier League.
The dynamic between Littler and Van Gerwen is shaped by their generational gap, which both players acknowledge with humor. “We just have a good relationship, but real conversations we haven’t had,” Van Gerwen noted. “I sometimes ask him something, it’s always darts-related. So should I start talking politics with a 17-year-old guy? If you ask him about Manchester United, he knows everything. That’s a generation gap.” Littler, a passionate Manchester United fan, has leaned into his youth, engaging crowds with antics like taunting Liverpool supporters after their team’s 2-0 loss to Everton during a Premier League darts event in Liverpool. His confidence and crowd interaction have made him a fan favorite, further fueling his rivalry with Van Gerwen, who thrives on the sport’s theatricality.
On the oche, Littler’s heavy scoring and rapid pace have redefined darts. He holds the record for the highest set average in a World Championship match (140.91 against Ryan Meikle) and has thrown three televised nine-darters, including one against Van Gerwen in the 2025 Premier League. His 76 maximums in the 2025 World Championship earned him the Ballon d’Art trophy, outpacing Van Gerwen by 20. Yet, Van Gerwen remains a formidable foe, with his 2024 World Matchplay win over Littler (10-6) proving he can still outmaneuver the youngster. “Luke put me under so much pressure,” Van Gerwen said after a tight 8-6 victory at the 2024 Dutch Darts Masters, highlighting Littler’s relentless scoring power.
Off-stage, their relationship has had its moments of tension. In February 2024, Littler appeared to snub a fist-bump from Van Gerwen during a Premier League semi-final in Newcastle, turning his back before the deciding leg. Van Gerwen brushed it off, insisting their bond is strong despite the age difference. More recently, Van Gerwen called out Littler’s tardiness for media duties, saying, “They need to stop treating him as a baby. He’s 18 years old now.” Littler owned up to the criticism with a one-word response—“Fair”—showing his willingness to grow amid the pressures of fame.
As the 2025 Premier League season unfolds, Littler leads the table, having won four nights, including a 6-1 thrashing of Luke Humphries in night eight. Van Gerwen, sitting in fourth, remains a threat, with the play-offs at the O2 Arena on May 23, 2025, looming as a potential stage for another blockbuster clash. Littler’s rise has drawn comparisons to darts legends like Phil Taylor, who noted, “Darts has gone crazy. You wouldn’t believe the difference since young Luke came along.” For now, “Kebab Boy” is more than a nickname—it’s a testament to Littler’s ability to embrace the banter, dominate the board, and keep Van Gerwen on his toes in a rivalry that’s redefining darts.