In an electrifying display at the Premier League Darts in Cardiff on March 20, 2025, Luke Littler, affectionately known as 'The Nuke,' showcased his exceptional talent by clinching victory against Michael van Gerwen, marked by a spectacular nine-darter in the final match.
Littler, just 18 years old, was a crowd favorite as he took the stage, being announced by host John McDonald as the 'Champion of the World'—a title he earned after winning the 2025 PDC World Championship with a hefty prize of £500,000. This recognition only bolstered his confidence as he engaged with the lively Welsh crowd, who welcomed him with cheers and chants, eager to witness his prowess on the oche.
Before his final clash, Littler delivered a dominant performance against Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals, securing his place in the final with a win that set the tone for the night. His journey to the final included a semi-final victory over Rob Cross, where he displayed unmatched skill and tactical acumen, eliminating Aspinall comfortably.
In the final against van Gerwen, the stakes were high. Littler not only wanted to extend his lead in the standings but also aimed to reclaim some pride against van Gerwen, a formidable opponent. Their match was a battle of nerves and talent, with Littler averaging an astonishing 112.50, throwing 10 maximum scores of 180 throughout the game. His performance reflected a combination of strategic brilliance and raw skill, culminating in a perfect nine-dart leg that electrified the venue.
"I didn’t even realize the double 15 was in until Huw (Ware, referee) shouted it," Littler recalled after his remarkable nine-darter. The move took the crowd by storm, showcasing his ability to maintain composure under pressure. It was a moment that solidified his reputation as one of the brightest talents in darts, and the £30,000 bonus that accompanied the nine-darter was just another feather in his cap.
Despite the raucous support for Littler, the night had its bittersweet moments. The Welsh crowd was left disappointed as the local hero, Gerwyn Price, exited in the first round after a narrow 6-5 loss to Rob Cross. Littler, who had been hoping for a potential semi-final matchup with Price, expressed his desire to face him on home soil, saying, "I wanted Gerwyn Price to win (against Rob Cross) and try and beat him on home soil." This sentiment underscored the camaraderie and rivalry that paints the colorful world of professional darts.
With this victory, Littler not only extended his lead in the Premier League standings to six points but also positioned himself as a serious contender for the top spot. His original target for the season was merely to qualify for the play-offs, but following consistent performances and increasing victories, he now sets his sights on finishing at the pinnacle of the Premier League. "I have put myself in a really good position and I do want to finish No 1," Littler declared after his match.
Looking ahead, Littler is poised to compete again on March 27 in Newcastle, where he will face Stephen Bunting, who struggles at the bottom of the standings without a single win. As he gears up for this match, fans are left anticipating whether he can maintain his impressive trajectory in the league, particularly after taking a week-long break before the recent Cardiff event to recharge. In fact, Littler humorously suggested he might need to rest more often given his outstanding performance after the break.
As the competition progresses, thoughts abound on potential rivalries and matches that could define this season, particularly with Littler aiming to defend his title from the previous year. The darts community watches with keen interest, fully aware that Littler's journey thus far has only amplified the excitement surrounding the sport.
Throughout the night on March 20, the atmosphere was electric, with cheers echoing through the venue as Littler secured another triumph. Excited fans took to social media to express their admiration, with one comment resonating with many: "Great to see him enjoying himself. He deserves it." Such sentiments reflect not only Littler's skill but also the joy he brings to the sport and its followers.
As the 2025 Premier League Darts season unfolds, Luke Littler's name increasingly becomes synonymous with performance excellence and fan engagement. His combination of talent, charisma, and strategic acumen set the stage for a thrilling series of matches yet to come, and the darts world will undoubtedly be watching closely as he chases his ambitions of becoming a legendary figure in the sport.
