Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation known as “The Nuke,” has taken the sport by storm, and his meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing. After becoming the youngest-ever PDC World Darts Champion in January 2025, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in a thrilling Alexandra Palace final, Littler has cemented his place as a global superstar. With a trophy cabinet already bursting from wins like the World Matchplay, Premier League, and back-to-back World Series titles in Australia and New Zealand, the Warrington wonderkid is gearing up for his next challenge: the Flanders Darts Trophy, set for the end of August 2025. As fans clamor to know when they’ll see Littler back at the oche, this upcoming tournament in Antwerp promises to showcase his electrifying talent once again.
Littler’s 2025 has been a whirlwind of dominance. His World Championship triumph, where he averaged a blistering 101.54 in his quarter-final against Nathan Aspinall, was just the start. In July, he outplayed James Wade to claim the World Matchplay title, and in August, he swept through the Australian and New Zealand Darts Masters, toppling world No. 1 Luke Humphries 8-4 in the latter. “I’m just happy to win another title,” Littler said after his New Zealand victory, his signature modesty belying the fact that he’s now world No. 2 with 10 titles this year alone, including four televised nine-darters. His custom Target darts, with their pixel grip and 45mm points, have become as iconic as his unflappable demeanor under pressure.
Now, Littler’s sights are set on the Flanders Darts Trophy, a European Tour event kicking off on August 29, 2025, in Antwerp, Belgium. This tournament, featuring 48 of the world’s top players, is a prime opportunity for Littler to add another prestigious title to his resume. Coming off his 2024 World Series of Darts Finals win, he’s no stranger to high-stakes stages, and the Flanders event will test his mettle against rivals like Humphries and van Gerwen. “I’m looking forward to getting back out there and competing,” Littler told reporters, his focus sharp as he prepares to wield his K-Flex No. 6 flights in front of a passionate Belgian crowd. Fans can catch every moment live on Sky Sports or stream via Sky Go or NOW, with Littler expected to draw a roaring audience eager for another display of his explosive skill.
Littler’s journey to this point has been marked by resilience and sacrifice. His emotional 2024/25 World Championship second-round win over Ryan Meikle, where he admitted to battling nerves, revealed the pressure he faces as a favorite. “It’s the worst game I’ve played,” he said tearfully after the 3-1 victory, only to rebound with commanding wins over Ian White, Ryan Joyce, and Stephen Bunting en route to the title. His father, Anthony Buckley, played a pivotal role, steering him away from football at age nine to focus on darts. “My dad said, ‘Hang your boots up, let’s focus on darts,’” Littler recalled. “I was like, ‘I love it though,’ but he said, ‘I think your ability to be a professional, you’ve got high chances.’” Anthony’s foresight, backed by years of funding travel, hotels, and entry fees from his taxi driver earnings, proved prophetic.
The Flanders Darts Trophy will see Littler face a stacked field, including van Gerwen, whose record as the youngest world champion Littler shattered by seven years. Their 2024 head-to-head was deadlocked at six wins each, but Littler’s final triumph gave him bragging rights. “The head-to-head looked even, but I just wanted to get out there and play my game,” he said post-final. The Antwerp event, with its £30,000 top prize, is a chance to further that rivalry and solidify his dominance. Littler’s preparation has been meticulous, with hours spent perfecting his craft, a habit formed during lockdown when he outworked his brothers Leon and Harry. “My dad was telling us both to get on the board and practice, but [Leon] stepped off, while I was up until stupid hours every day,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Littler’s 2025 schedule remains packed, with the World Grand Prix in October and the Players Championship Finals on the horizon. His top-32 ranking ensures his place in these majors, and with “Littler mania” sweeping Warrington—where fans mob him on the streets—he’s embraced the spotlight. “I don’t mind taking pictures and seeing all the fans,” he laughed, a nod to his grounded nature despite living in a £6,000-a-month mansion with his parents, Anthony and Lisa, and their Frenchie, Nala. His sister Caitlin, a TikTok influencer with over 27,000 followers, often shares glimpses of their tight-knit family, a reminder of the support system behind his success.
As Littler steps onto the Flanders stage, he carries the weight of expectation and the thrill of possibility. From his first nine-darter at 13 to his current reign as world champion, he’s rewritten the darts rulebook. With his family’s sacrifices—Anthony’s early mornings, Lisa’s unwavering encouragement—and his own relentless drive, Littler is poised to light up Antwerp. For fans eager to see The Nuke in action, August 29 is the date to circle, as Luke Littler aims to detonate yet another tournament with his unmatched talent.
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