Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy known as ‘The Nuke,’ is poised to light up the oche at the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland, aiming to secure consecutive World Series of Darts titles after his electrifying triumph in Australia last week. Fresh from defeating Mike De Decker 8-4 to claim his first World Series crown of 2025 in Wollongong, Littler steps into the Spark Arena on Friday, August 15, as one of the favorites. His first-round clash against New Zealand’s Mark Cleaver, scheduled for approximately 10:15 p.m. local time (11:15 a.m. BST, 6:15 a.m. EST), promises to be a highlight of the opening night’s eight-match slate. As Littler continues his meteoric rise, the darts world watches eagerly to see if he can maintain his scintillating form in this high-stakes Down Under double-header.
Littler’s journey to Auckland has been nothing short of spectacular. The reigning world champion and World Matchplay winner, who became the sport’s youngest world champion at 17 by defeating Michael van Gerwen in January 2025, showcased his resilience in Australia. There, he survived a last-leg thriller against New Zealand’s Haupai Puha in the first round before powering through Damon Heta and Stephen Bunting with a 102 average to clinch the title. “It feels great,” Littler reflected after his Australian triumph. “I didn’t play that well last night, but I played very well tonight when it really mattered.” His standout moments included a 170 checkout against Bunting and a clinical 143 finish in the final, underscoring his ability to deliver under pressure. Now, with the New Zealand Darts Masters marking the final World Series event before the September finals in Amsterdam, Littler is hungry for more silverware.
The first-round draw pits Littler against Cleaver, a 2025 World Cup performer and local favorite, in the seventh match of Friday’s session. “I’ve been here a few days now so I’ve settled in, but once Friday night comes, we’re in the venue and the crowd are pumping, it will definitely get me up for it,” Littler said, his excitement evident as he anticipates the electric atmosphere at Spark Arena. Should he advance, Littler will face the winner of Mike De Decker versus Gordon Mathers in the quarterfinals on Saturday, August 16, a bumper session that will crown the champion. De Decker, who pushed Littler to the brink in Australia, and Mathers, a former Tour Card holder, present formidable challenges, but Littler’s recent form—bolstered by a sixth consecutive win over Heta and a 121 checkout against Bunting—makes him a daunting opponent.
The New Zealand Darts Masters features eight PDC stars, including world No. 1 Luke Humphries, the defending champion, and Gerwyn Price, last year’s Australian Darts Masters winner who trounced Littler 8-1 in the 2024 final. Humphries faces New Zealand’s top-ranked Haupai Puha, while Price takes on Jonny Tata, and Stephen Bunting meets five-time World Championship qualifier Ben Robb. Chris Dobey, Josh Rock, and Damon Heta round out the PDC contingent, with Rock and De Decker making their second World Series appearances after debuting in Australia. The Oceanic contingent, including Simon Whitlock and Dean Reyland, adds local flavor, with Puha’s near-upset of Littler in Wollongong signaling the region’s growing competitiveness.
Littler’s rapid ascent has reshaped darts. His 2024 Grand Slam of Darts triumph, a 16-3 rout of Martin Lukeman, and a record-setting 140.91 set average against Ryan Meikle at the World Championship highlight his dominance. Joining the elite ranks of Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Luke Humphries as a Triple Crown winner (World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay), Littler’s star continues to rise. His No. 2 ranking on the PDC Order of Merit reflects his consistency, though Humphries remains a formidable barrier to the top spot. “I can’t wait for Auckland now,” Littler enthused, looking ahead to New Zealand. “We’ll have a few days off, and then it’s off to New Zealand we go!”
The tournament, broadcast live on PDCTV and ITVX with delayed coverage on ITV4, promises intense competition. Littler’s half of the draw includes potential semifinal clashes with Price or Rock, both capable of challenging his precision. Yet, his recent performances—a nine-darter against Rock at the World Matchplay and a 15-leg winning streak at the Grand Slam—suggest he thrives in high-pressure moments. As Auckland’s fans pack the Spark Arena, Littler’s blend of youthful exuberance and surgical accuracy makes him the man to beat. With the US Open darts event looming, a second consecutive World Series title could cement his status as the sport’s brightest star.
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