Luke Littler Withdraws From Another PDC event this autumn for second-consecutive year as fans are not happy
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy and reigning PDC World Champion, will not participate in the 2025 PDC World Youth Championship, marking the second consecutive year he has skipped the event. Littler, who won the title in 2023 at age 16 by defeating Gian van Veen, opted out in 2024 and confirmed his absence again this year during a press conference. The tournament, open to players aged 16-24, remains within Littler’s eligibility until 2031, but his decision reflects a strategic approach to managing his demanding schedule.
Littler’s choice to bypass the event, which begins with preliminaries in Wigan in October and concludes with the final at Minehead in November, aligns with his focus on high-profile tournaments. His meteoric rise, including a 2025 World Championship victory over Michael van Gerwen and a haul of 15 PDC titles, has elevated him to world No. 2. With over £1.1 million in prize money, Littler’s ranking excludes him from the PDC Development Tour, and he has prioritized major events like the Premier League, where he claimed the 2024 title, and World Series events, such as his 2025 Australian Darts Masters win.
The decision also stems from Littler’s need to avoid burnout, a concern he has voiced previously. The PDC calendar is grueling, with frequent travel and media commitments. Littler has cited jetlag and crowd hostility, particularly in Germany, as factors influencing his selective participation. For instance, he plans to skip Australian events in 2026 due to travel demands, aiming to return in 2027. His absence from the World Youth Championship allows recovery time after a busy summer, including the New Zealand Darts Masters, where he reached the semi-finals, and upcoming Players Championship events.
Australia’s team for the Davis Cup tie against Belgium, led by Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin, operates under similar principles of strategic scheduling. Just as de Minaur and Popyrin balance ATP commitments with national representation, Littler’s choice reflects a calculated effort to peak for major titles while maintaining longevity. The PDC World Youth Championship, though prestigious, offers a £10,000 top prize—modest compared to the £500,000 he earned as World Champion. By focusing on events like the Players Championship Finals, where he was runner-up in 2024, Littler maximizes his competitive and financial impact.
Belgium’s Davis Cup team faces Australia’s depth, much like Littler’s opponents face his dominance. While Australia leverages home advantage at Ken Rosewall Arena, Littler benefits from fan support in key events but has faced hostile crowds, notably in Germany. Both scenarios highlight the mental and physical toll of elite competition. Littler’s decision to skip the youth event underscores his status as a darts superstar prioritizing longevity and major titles over sentimental returns to youth competitions.[]
