‘Steam would be coming out of my ears!’ – Luke Littler called out for ‘unthinkable’ actions as Michael van Gerwen left shocked

In the electrifying realm of professional darts, where every throw is a test of nerve and precision, 18-year-old Luke Littler has stirred a tempest that has even three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen fuming. The teenage sensation, whose meteoric rise since his 2023 World Championship final run captivated the globe, sparked controversy at a Players Championship event in April 2025 with decisions that left jaws on the floor. Van Gerwen, a towering figure in the sport, didn’t mince words, exclaiming, “Steam would be coming out of my ears!” as he branded Littler’s choices “unthinkable.” The fallout has set the darts world ablaze, with fans and players divided over whether the young star’s audacity signals genius or recklessness.

The drama erupted during a high-stakes match in Wigan, where Littler, known as “The Nuke” for his explosive style, veered from convention in a way that stunned onlookers. Eschewing the rigorous practice sessions favored by most professionals, he spent much of his preparation time casually scrolling his phone, reportedly watching Manchester United highlights. On stage, his strategy was equally unorthodox, favoring high-risk shots at triple 20 over safer doubles in critical moments. These gambles backfired, resulting in a shock early exit to Ryan Searle in the third round. “I’m just surprised he’s making these decisions,” Van Gerwen said, his voice thick with disbelief. “It’s unthinkable for someone at his level to take such risks when the stakes are this high.” The Dutch legend’s frustration echoed the sentiments of many who expected Littler, the 2025 world champion, to dominate with calculated precision.

Littler’s journey has been a whirlwind since he became the youngest player to reach a World Championship final at 16. His 7-3 victory over Van Gerwen in the 2025 final cemented his stardom, earning him over £1 million in prize money and a legion of fans. But with glory comes pressure, and Littler’s recent choices have drawn scrutiny. “The pressure put on his shoulders is insane,” Van Gerwen had previously said, defending the teenager against media hype. Now, however, he questions Littler’s judgment, reflecting a generational clash between the veteran’s disciplined approach and the prodigy’s fearless flair. Social media platforms buzzed with reactions, with one fan posting, “Littler’s playing like he’s got nothing to lose, and I love it!” while another countered, “Van Gerwen’s right—Littler needs to respect the game and play smarter.”

Behind the controversy lies a deeper story of a young man navigating fame. Hailing from Warrington, England, Littler honed his craft on a bedroom dartboard, idolizing Van Gerwen and Phil Taylor. His fairytale 2023 run, followed by a Premier League title and World Championship crown, made him a global icon. Yet, his recent missteps highlight the challenges of balancing instinct with strategy under relentless scrutiny. “He’s got all the talent in the world,” a darts analyst noted, “but he’s still learning how to channel it under pressure.” Littler’s casual pre-match routine—often involving video games or football streams—has been both praised as a mental reset and criticized as a lack of focus, especially after his Wigan loss.

Van Gerwen, with 148 career titles and a reputation for relentless preparation, embodies the sport’s old guard. His critique of Littler carries weight, but there’s a mentorship in his words. “He’s got to realize what it takes to stay at the top,” he urged, suggesting Littler’s potential remains boundless if he refines his approach. The incident recalls past darts rivalries, like Taylor versus Raymond van Barneveld, where bold personalities clashed to elevate the sport’s drama. Littler’s actions, while divisive, have kept darts in the headlines, with viewership soaring for events like the Premier League, where he’s set to face Van Gerwen again in Manchester.

As the season progresses, Littler faces a crossroads. The upcoming Premier League nights and World Matchplay offer chances to silence critics, but his risky style—evident in his preference for flashy 180s over conservative checkouts—will be tested. “I play my way,” Littler said defiantly post-match, hinting he may double down on his approach. For now, his “unthinkable” decisions have made him a lightning rod, fueling debates about whether he’s a trailblazer redefining darts or a prodigy flirting with self-sabotage. One thing is certain: in a sport where every dart tells a story, Luke Littler’s saga is far from over, and the darts world is watching with bated breath.