Luke Littler wins first ever Grand Prix match despite rival breaking stunning record against him
Luke Littler Triumphs in First-Ever World Grand Prix Win Despite Gian van Veen’s Record-Breaking Average
In a breathtaking first-round clash at the 2025 World Grand Prix on October 7, Luke Littler secured his maiden victory in the tournament, defeating Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen 2-0 in sets (3-1, 3-2) at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. The 18-year-old world No. 2 overcame a historic performance from van Veen, who posted a staggering 106.47 average—the highest in World Grand Prix history—yet fell short in the double-in/double-out thriller.
#### A Historic Match: Van Veen’s Record Average Falls Short
The matchup, billed as a generational showdown between Littler and the 20-year-old 2024 World Youth Champion van Veen, lived up to its hype. Van Veen’s 106.47 average eclipsed Alan Warriner-Little’s 2001 record of 106.45, with 10 legs above 100 and a high checkout of 147. Despite this, Littler’s own 105.58 average—third-highest in tournament history behind van Veen and Gary Anderson’s 104.86 (2013)—and clutch finishing, including a 151 and 144 checkout, secured the win. Littler’s efficiency on doubles, hitting key D16 and D10 finishes, proved decisive as van Veen won only two of eight legs.
Littler’s Breakthrough: Conquering the Double-In Demons
Littler, who had previously called the Grand Prix’s double-in/double-out format “tough” after first-round exits in 2023 and 2024, described this as his “best performance ever” in the event. His opening 151 checkout set the tone, and he navigated the double-start rule with poise, starting legs with three 140s and closing with precision. This win, his first in the £600,000 event, silences critics and responds to van Veen’s pre-match jibe about Littler being “scared” of the format and their head-to-head (4-3 to van Veen entering the match).
Off-Stage Drama: Management Split Adds Context
Adding intrigue, Littler’s victory came hours after announcing his split from ZXF Management, teasing a new team with a cryptic “No one knows.” The timing, alongside his elbow recovery and PCOM pressure (tied 58th, £21,000), made the win a statement of resilience. Paul Nicholson on Sky Sports called it “Littler’s biggest Grand Prix moment,” noting his composure against van Veen’s “unreal” scoring.
Next Steps: A Tough Road Ahead
Littler advances to face the winner of Peter Wright vs. defending champion Mike De Decker, with a potential quarterfinal against Michael van Gerwen or Josh Rock looming. Fans on X erupted, with #LittlerVeen trending: “Gian breaks a record, and Luke still wins? Unreal!” With the £120,000 prize in sight, Littler’s first Grand Prix win signals he’s ready to conquer darts’ trickiest major.
