Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation dubbed “The Nuke,” has cemented his place as a generational talent, but a recent outburst has thrust him into the eye of a storm, drawing sharp criticism from peers and raising the prospect of disciplinary action from the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). The reigning PDC World Champion, who shattered records with his meteoric rise, sparked controversy with a social media post hinting at skipping German tournaments until October 2025, a move labeled “childish” by fellow players. As Littler navigates the pressures of fame while defending his Premier League title, this episode highlights the growing pains of a young star balancing prodigious talent with the demands of professionalism.
The drama unfolded after Littler’s 6-4 defeat to Gerwyn Price in the Premier League quarter-finals in Dublin on April 17, 2025. Trailing 4-1, Littler clawed back briefly but couldn’t overcome the Welshman’s precision. Frustration boiled over as he stormed off the stage, tossing his darts case down the stairs in a moment of raw emotion captured on camera. Later, he took to social media, cryptically suggesting he might avoid German events, a reaction some linked to his loss and the relentless PDC schedule. “It’s a bit childish to react like that, especially when you’re already a major champion. He doesn’t handle defeat very well,” an unnamed player remarked, a sentiment that rippled through the darts community, amplifying concerns about Littler’s composure under pressure.
Littler’s peers have been vocal about his conduct. Michael van Gerwen, the three-time world champion, didn’t hold back, referencing an earlier incident in February 2025 when Littler arrived 45 minutes late to a Premier League media event in Belfast. “They need to stop treating him like a baby. He’s not a baby anymore, he’s 18 years old now,” van Gerwen declared, stressing the importance of professionalism in a sport where respect for peers is sacrosanct. Stephen Bunting, who fell to Littler in the 2025 World Championship semi-finals, echoed the frustration, noting that players were left “frozen” in the cold waiting for Littler’s arrival. These incidents have fueled perceptions that Littler’s rapid ascent—marked by 13 PDC titles, including the Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts—may have bred a sense of entitlement, challenging the camaraderie that defines darts.
The PDC, which has celebrated Littler’s role in driving the sport’s global surge, is now weighing its response. Insiders suggest that his public comments about skipping tournaments could violate contractual obligations, as players are expected to honor event commitments. “Luke will have to watch out for it,” cautioned Vincent van der Voort on the Darts Draait Door podcast, warning that the PDC and media may not be as forgiving now that Littler is an adult. PDC chief executive Matthew Porter has previously called Littler’s impact “transformational,” but the organization’s commitment to fairness may prompt action if his behavior continues to disrupt the tour’s harmony.
Littler’s journey is a tale of extraordinary talent. Born in Warrington, England, he was throwing darts at 18 months and scoring 180s by age six. His 2024 season was a masterclass, with wins in the Premier League, World Series Finals, and a historic World Championship title in January 2025, making him the youngest champion at 17 years and 347 days. His four televised nine-darters and £1 million in career earnings have fueled “Littlermania,” but success has brought scrutiny. Former champion Dennis Priestley warned that Littler’s dominance could spark jealousy, saying, “I don’t feel that anyone would start to come into my life, even at the beginning, just because I’ve done well.” Littler, ever self-aware, laughed off the comment, but the pressure is palpable.
As Littler prepares for the UK Open and upcoming Premier League nights, his next steps are critical. “Not the way I wanted to follow up the win last week,” he posted after Dublin, signaling a desire to regroup. Backed by a supportive family and a legion of fans, Littler has the tools to overcome this setback. Whether he channels his passion into maturity or lets controversy define him will determine if “The Nuke” continues to revolutionize darts or becomes a cautionary tale in a sport that demands as much heart as it does precision.