Luke Littler Faces Unthinkable Nightmare: Risking Minehead Exclusion After Players Championship 28 Withdrawal
Reigning PDC World Champion Luke Littler is staring down an unthinkable scenario after withdrawing from Players Championship 28 on September 30, 2025, at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester—potentially missing the prestigious Players Championship Finals in Minehead from November 21-23. The 18-year-old “Nuke,” who sits precariously in the top 64 of the Players Championship Order of Merit (PCOM) with £21,000 in earnings (tied 56th or 58th per reports), cited an elbow niggle as the reason for his absence, but the move has intensified the race for qualification, with world No. 1 Luke Humphries—just £1,000 behind in 63rd—poised to capitalize.
The Withdrawal: Elbow Concerns and High Stakes
Littler announced his pullout via Instagram Stories, stating: “Gutted to pull out of PC28 tomorrow—elbow’s acting up after yesterday’s run. Prioritizing recovery for World Grand Prix.” This marks his third Pro Tour withdrawal this month, following skips of PC 25 and the Hungarian Darts Trophy, amid a grueling 2025 schedule exceeding 120 matches. James Wade (whom Littler beat in the UK Open and World Matchplay finals) and Joshua Richardson also withdrew, replaced by Jack Tweddell, Scott Waites, and Graham Hall.
The PCOM ranks players by earnings from the 34 one-day Players Championship events (£125,000 each), with the top 64 qualifying for Minehead’s £600,000 showdown. Littler’s slim margin—only £1,000 above the cutoff—leaves him vulnerable, especially with seven events remaining. Humphries, Michael van Gerwen (75th), and others could overtake him with deep runs, turning Littler’s absence into a potential disaster for the world champ.
The Unthinkable Risk: Missing Minehead Glory
Minehead has been a mixed bag for Littler: He reached the 2024 final (lost 7-4 to Humphries) but risks exclusion this year, an unthinkable fate for the teen prodigy who’s won majors like the World Championship (£500,000), Premier League (£275,000), and World Matchplay (£200,000). PDC Chairman Barry Hearn downplayed it as precautionary, but analysts warn: “Littler is playing a very dangerous game… the cutoff approaches.” A Humphries win in PC 28 could shrink Littler’s lead further, amplifying the pressure.
| Player | PCOM Rank | Earnings (£) | Threat to Littler |
|——–|———–|————–|——————-|
| Luke Littler | Tied 56th/58th | 21,000 | Vulnerable; needs deep runs in remaining events. |
| Luke Humphries | Tied 63rd | 20,000 | Direct rival; strong PC 28 performance could overtake. |
| Michael van Gerwen | 75th | ~8,200 | Selective play; could surge with wins. |
Littler’s 2025: Dominance Meets Downtime
Littler’s year is historic—youngest world champ, Triple Crown completer (Worlds, Premier League, Matchplay)—but Pro Tour selectivity (only ~12 of 27 events) has left his PCOM exposed. Recent form:
– **PC 27 (Sep 29)**: Last 16 (£2,500); averaged 96.45 vs. Dylan Slevin before elbow flare.
– **World Series Finals**: Semifinal loss to van Gerwen.
– **Withdrawals**: PC 25, Hungarian Darts Trophy; now PC 28.
| Event | Result | PCOM Impact |
|——-|——–|————-|
| PC 27 | Last 16 | +£2,500; boosted to current spot. |
| World Grand Prix (Oct 6-12) | Seeded 2nd vs. Gian van Veen R1 | Non-PCOM; recovery priority. |
| Remaining PCs (29-34) | TBD | Must play deep to secure Minehead. |
Fan and Expert Reactions: Shock and Strategy Debate
Social media buzzed with concern: “#LittlerWithdrawal trending with fans warning ‘Minehead miss would be a disaster for The Nuke!'” Wayne Mardle on Sky Sports: “At 18, rest is smart, but the PCOM math is tight—Humphries smells blood.” Littler’s major earnings (£1M+) secure his Tour Card, but skipping Minehead—a £120,000 winner’s purse event—would sting.
With the World Grand Prix next, Littler eyes recovery to defend his PCOM spot. The unthinkable? A world champ absent from Minehead. Prioritize that elbow, Luke—the oche needs you.
