Why Luke Littler Is Missing the 2025 International Darts Open
The International Darts Open returns this week, but one major name will be missing from the lineup—teenage darts sensation and reigning world champion Luke Littler.
Who’s Playing – and Who Isn’t?
Last year, Martin Schindler made history by defeating Gerwyn Price 8-5 to claim his first senior PDC title. Now, the German star is back to defend his crown in Riesa against a strong field that includes Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen.
But Luke Littler, who’s taken the darts world by storm, won’t be among the 48-player field.
Why Isn’t Luke Littler Competing?
Littler has opted out of playing in the 2025 International Darts Open. This marks the second consecutive European Tour event he’s missed, after sitting out the European Darts Trophy last month.
So far this year, the 18-year-old has appeared in just one European Tour event—the Belgian Open, which he won.
While no official reason has been given for his absence in Riesa, it’s likely down to his packed schedule. Littler competed in:
- Leicester on Monday and Tuesday (Players Championship 9 & 10),
- Berlin on Thursday night (Premier League Darts),
…meaning the International Darts Open would have been his fourth event in just one week.
Given his rapid rise, it’s not surprising that the young star is being strategic about managing his workload.
How to Watch the 2025 International Darts Open
Unfortunately, the tournament won’t be televised in the UK, but fans can still catch all the action via PDCTV, the PDC’s streaming platform.
Viewing Options:
- Annual subscription – £49.99
- Three-day tournament pass – £4.99
- Monthly subscription – £4.99
Alternatively, fans can follow live coverage of every match on SunSport’s live blog.
