Luke Littler has swiftly climbed to the summit of the darts world, captivating audiences since his breakout performance at last year's World Darts Championship. Now, with 2025 upon us, 'The Nuke' is back with renewed vigor, aiming for his first PDC World Darts Championship title after experiencing the agony of defeat against Luke Humphries in the thrilling final of the 2024 edition. This rivalry is set to be one of the most captivating narratives within professional darts for the foreseeable future.
Entering the 2025 championship ranked fourth globally, the 17-year-old is brimming with confidence following victories at various prestigious tournaments, including the Grand Slam of Darts, the Premier League, and the World Series Finals. These achievements have sparked what many are calling 'Littler mania,' making him one of the most talked-about players on the circuit.
His recent match showcased the extraordinary talent he possesses, as he recorded an average of 140.91—the highest ever for a tournament match—while decisively defeating Ryan Meikle 3-1. This victory came after what appeared to be a shaky start, but Littler's final set against Meikle was nothing short of sensational. He came perilously close to achieving the elusive nine-dart finish, missing just barely on double 12, which would have earned him £60,000.
Littler’s next challenge will be against Ian White, another formidable competitor, on Saturday, December 28, at the famed Alexandra Palace. With the match scheduled to happen after 9 PM GMT, viewers are gearing up for what promises to be another electrifying encounter. Should Littler advance, he could find himself facing off against the winner of the match between Ryan Joyce and Ryan Searle, followed potentially by national hero Nathan Aspinall and the reigning world champion, Luke Humphries.
What adds to the intrigue surrounding Littler is his surprisingly relaxed behind-the-scenes demeanor. Stephen Bunting, his fellow competitor, provided insights during an interview with Express Sport, stating, “We see him week in week out on the Pro Tour. He’s literally sat there on his phone, he’ll be watching Man United play or he’ll be playing a game. He very rarely practices; he’ll probably stand up for 20 minutes, throw for the bull and it’s game on.” Bunting's descriptions highlight how Littler seems to defy conventional training wisdom, opting for leisure activities over intensive practice yet still delivering remarkable performances on the oche.
Comparisons have been drawn between Littler and renowned two-time world champion Gary Anderson, known for his laid-back approach to the game. Bunting noted, “I think Gary Anderson is very similar; he doesn’t really practice. He gets up and averages 110 or whatever it is.” This laid-back approach has undeniably benefited Littler, who has become the face of darts for many enthusiastic fans, drawing younger audiences to the sport.
Alongside his rapid rise to fame, Littler's future looks incredibly bright with the potential of claiming the prestigious Sid Waddell trophy, awarded to the World Darts Champion. The stakes are high, with the winning prize set at £500,000, emphasizing the magnitude of this annual event. With the total prize pool amounting to £2.5 million, the 2025 championship promises stakes like never before.
Fans are already buzzing about how to watch Littler’s coming matches. The PDC World Darts Championship will be broadcasted on Sky Sports, with fans able to catch all the action live through the Sky Go app and Now TV. Enthusiasts anticipate the excitement as they can witness their favorite dart stars fight for glory on the world stage.
The World Darts Championship operates under several distinct round formats, with the final being the best of 13 sets. The intensity of competition builds with each stage, as players must first battle through five rounds before reaching the final showdown. This testing format only amplifies the stakes for Littler, who aspires to prove his mettle as the top contender this year.
With his unique persona and unconventional strategy winning over fans and critics alike, Luke Littler is undoubtedly the player to watch as the 2025 World Darts Championship progresses. His remarkable skill, paired with the public's adoration, could position him favorably, leading potentially to many more wins and fans drawn to the sport.
Only time will tell whether Littler can seize the moment and capture the trophy he so earnestly desires. The darts world eagerly awaits each match as Littler aims to cement his status not just as one of the best players of his age but as one of the legends of the sport. With each throw, he edges closer to potentially rewriting the narrative of professional darts.
