At just 18, Luke Littler, the reigning PDC World Darts Champion, continues to dominate headlines in the darts world, not only for his prodigious talent but also for his resilience in the face of adversity. The young star, nicknamed “The Nuke,” recently stirred speculation by withdrawing from the Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen, Germany, set for May 2-4, 2025, after vowing to avoid German events until October due to hostile crowd reactions. However, Littler has emphatically clarified his commitment to representing England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt from June 12-15, 2025, alongside world No. 1 Luke Humphries, dispelling doubts and reaffirming his passion for national pride.
Littler’s decision to skip the European Darts Grand Prix stemmed from a series of challenging experiences with German audiences. During the Premier League night in Berlin on April 3, 2025, and again at the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich later that month, Littler faced relentless booing, which left him visibly frustrated. Taking to social media after the Munich event, he vented, “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,” signaling his intent to avoid German tournaments until the European Championship in Dortmund in October. His withdrawal from the Sindelfingen event made him the only top-20 player absent, fueling speculation that he might also skip the World Cup, a major team event where England are defending champions.
Yet, Littler swiftly put those concerns to rest, confirming his participation in Frankfurt with characteristic determination. “No, no I was always [going to play],” he told reporters, emphasizing his eagerness to partner with Humphries, who won the World Cup in 2024 alongside Michael Smith. “Luke will want to go back-to-back and obviously I want to win it for the first time. Even though it’s not a major, it’s still playing for your country,” Littler added, highlighting the honor of representing England. Sky Sports commentator Stuart Pyke further clarified that Littler’s Grand Prix withdrawal was purely a scheduling decision, not a boycott. “The reason he’s pulled out of this weekend’s Euro Tour is scheduling, nothing less. It’s all a bit of fuss out of nothing,” Pyke stated, noting that Littler’s emotional social media post was a momentary lapse rather than a definitive stance.
Littler’s commitment to the World Cup comes on the heels of a historic performance in Birmingham on May 1, 2025, where he clinched his fifth nightly win of the 2025 Premier League season, a record for the competition. Defeating Michael van Gerwen 6-4 in the Night 13 final, Littler averaged an impressive 102.50, securing his spot in the play-offs at London’s O2 Arena on May 29. “It feels amazing to be setting records in only my second year,” he said, reflecting on his meteoric rise. “It feels very different this time because, as world champion, there’s always a target on my back now.” With 35 points, he tops the Premier League table, inching closer to breaking the record for most points in a season.
The World Cup of Darts, held at Frankfurt’s Eissporthalle, will see Littler and Humphries, the top two English players in the PDC Order of Merit, enter as favorites to defend England’s title. The duo, dubbed the “Lukes of Hazard,” will likely join the competition in the second round, with their partnership officially confirmed after the Players Championship 16 on May 13. Littler’s decision to compete despite his earlier frustrations underscores his maturity and focus, qualities that have defined his rapid ascent since becoming the youngest PDC World Champion at 17 in January 2025.
As Littler prepares for the World Cup, his immediate focus shifts to the Premier League’s Night 14 in Leeds on May 8, where he faces Nathan Aspinall. Choosing to skip the European Darts Grand Prix allows him to recharge, perhaps indulging in his love for Xbox or supporting his beloved Warrington Wolves at Super League’s Magic Weekend. “What will I do instead? Same old—Xbox, chill, maybe go up to Newcastle to watch the rugby,” he quipped, showcasing the laid-back demeanor that endears him to fans. With his sights set on Frankfurt and a potential first World Cup title, Littler is proving that even hostile crowds can’t dim his brilliance or his commitment to England’s darting glory.
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