Luke Littler, the 17-year-old darting sensation known as 'The Nuke,' secured his place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 World Darts Championship with a dramatic and tightly contested victory over Ryan Joyce at London’s Alexandra Palace on December 30, 2024. Facing Joyce, who embodies the nickname 'Relentless,' Littler overcame significant pressure to win 4-3, showcasing his remarkable talent and resilience.
The match was as thrilling as it was intense, featuring an astonishing total of 21 180s, with Littler himself scoring 14 during the encounter. Despite occasional missteps, particularly with his doubles—he averaged 111 during the final set—Littler proved he could deliver when it mattered most, defeating Joyce and maintaining his title quest.
Reflecting on the match, Littler expressed disappointment at not achieving his goal of ending the year with yet another nine-darter, something he had been striving for all year. "A few of the legs I started off with a 177 and just thought, 'there’s the treble 19 out of the way!' Obviously I don't end the year with five nine-darters but hopefully I can start the year off strong and get a nine for everyone," he told Sky Sports post-match. Despite narrowly missing out, he still delivered clutch performances under duress, particularly when the stakes were highest.
From the onset, it was evident this was not going to be an easy match. Joyce pushed Littler hard, repeatedly catching him off guard and momentarily limiting his chances. Each time Littler took the lead, Joyce clawed his way back, displaying impressive skill and determination. Both players traded blows in this chess match of darts, leading to the necessity of the deciding seventh set.
With the weight of expectation on his young shoulders, Littler held his composure through the final set. "I think I went to 10th gear at one point. I had to. He threw everything at me. I just wanted him to miss," he recounted, highlighting the intense nature of the competition.
Littler's performance is even more impressive considering the stakes and the competition he faced. John Part, a three-time world champion, noted on Sky Sports the vulnerabilities Littler displayed during his match but acknowledged his resilience. He emphasized, "Luke, he got the job done with extra gear in the last set; his best performance came at the end." This acknowledgment serves to underline Littler's potential, even when faced with moments of difficulty.
Looking forward, Littler is set to meet Nathan Aspinall, who breezed through his fourth-round match against Ricardo Pietreczko with a dominating 4-0 victory. Aspinall, ranked 12th, is coming off strong performances and will be another significant test for the promising young player. Both players are well acquainted, having faced each other multiple times before, adding layers of anticipation to their upcoming encounter. "I’m expecting Nathan to play very well. We’ve played each other many times before, we know how we can play," Littler stated, indicating mutual respect and anticipation.
With eyes on the Sid Waddell Trophy, Littler's round against Aspinall will not only test his skills but also his capacity to handle pressure as the favorite to win the championship. Little doubt remains about his capabilities—he's already made history over the past year and continues to build on the high expectations for his darting career.
This quarter-final promises to be another thrilling chapter for Littler as he aims to write his name firmly within the annals of darts history. The excitement surrounding his matches is palpable—his performances resonate deeply with both ardent darts fans and casual viewers, earning him the spotlight as he aims to ascend from promising talent to World Champion.
Nevertheless, Littler's road to ultimate glory is fraught with challenges. He carries the baggage of youthful aspirations against the backdrop of seasoned competitors eager to reclaim forming narratives around their careers. The dynamic nature of the darts championship ensures unpredictability, making every match pivotal for Littler.
Despite the exhilarating highs, Littler approaches the forthcoming bouts with humility and grace. He understands the significance of each opportunity to compete—a sentiment reflected thoughtfully at the close of his most recent match. The darts world waits with bated breath as Littler makes his next move against Aspinall, hoping for yet another display of the skill and passion he has become renowned for.