Luke Littler is gearing up for a pivotal return to the Premier League Darts spotlight tonight in Glasgow, fresh off a challenging spell battling illness that hampered his early-season form. The 19-year-old world champion, already a household name after securing his second PDC World Championship crown late last year, has faced an unexpectedly tough start to the 2026 Premier League campaign—but his trademark grit suggests the best is yet to come.
The Premier League Darts, the sport’s premier weekly showdown featuring the top eight players, launched on February 5 at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. Littler, entering as a strong favorite after dominating much of 2025 and reclaiming his world title, opened with a quarter-final exit. He fell 6-4 to debutant Gian van Veen, a rising Dutch star whose aggressive play caught the young Englishman off guard. It was a subdued performance by Littler’s lofty standards, but he brushed it aside, focusing on the marathon nature of the 16-week league.
Things looked brighter on Night Two in Antwerp’s AFAS Dome on February 12—until the illness became impossible to ignore. Littler powered through a thrilling quarter-final against arch-rival Luke Humphries. Trailing 4-1, he staged a remarkable fightback, punishing Humphries’ missed doubles to clinch a 6-5 victory on a dramatic decider. It extended his impressive head-to-head dominance over the world number one, marking his fifth consecutive win in their matchups and underscoring why many see him as unbeatable when firing on all cylinders.
However, the semi-final against Michael van Gerwen proved a step too far. The three-time world champion, renowned for his relentless pressure, edged a tight contest 6-4. Littler showed flashes of brilliance—nailing a 107 checkout on double 16 and a composed 74 on double 10 to level things at points—but the flu sapped his usual sharpness and stamina. Van Gerwen capitalized on key breaks to advance, later falling 6-3 to Gerwyn Price in the final.
Post-match, Littler was candid about his struggles. “A bit of flu going on but this is darts, we’ve just got to get on with it,” he said. “My game at the minute is going well, playing well. Last week didn’t go to plan but it’s a fresh week.” He also highlighted his strong track record in Belgium, adding, “Everyone knows, I’ve said it for the past two years, I’ve won both European tours in Belgium, get a Premier League here. The PDC have sorted it.”
The illness has forced smart scheduling tweaks. Littler, who has long voiced his dislike for the grind of Pro Tour events—”All you hear is squeaky chairs and people chatting. I love the stage, I love producing it”—skipped recent floor tournaments in Germany and this week’s double-header in Wigan. This mirrors decisions by other top stars like Van Gerwen and Gary Anderson, prioritizing recovery and peak performance for the big televised stages.
Despite the setbacks, Littler remains upbeat. After the Antwerp disappointment, he treated around 15 friends to a night watching his beloved Warrington Wolves secure a rugby league win. Sharing the moment online, he posted, “Good to be back and great result for the boys. Thank you for all the support.” It was a reminder of the down-to-earth side that endears him to fans amid his skyrocketing fame.
Now, with Night Three set for February 19 at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, Littler faces a rematch with Van Gerwen in the quarter-finals—a chance for immediate redemption. The passionate Scottish crowd could provide the electric atmosphere he thrives in. He teased his return with confidence: “First points on the board and still a lot more to come this season. See you soon Scotland.”
Sitting mid-table after two weeks—with Van Gerwen leading on points—Littler knows the title race is wide open. The £275,000 top prize awaits the player who navigates the grueling league phase and shines in the London O2 playoffs on May 28. At just 19, with two world titles and a previous Premier League triumph already to his name, his ability to overcome health hurdles speaks to his maturity and determination.
Darts enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation. Can The Nuke shake off the flu, rediscover his devastating scoring power, and surge back to the top? Tonight in Glasgow could mark the turning point in what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in Luke Littler’s remarkable rise.