‘This tournament is brutal’ – Luke Littler left wanting more despite inflicting heaviest defeat on reigning champion
Luke Littler on Fire in World Grand Prix Thriller with Gian van Veen
Luke Littler lit up the Mattioli Arena with a performance for the ages, securing his first-ever World Grand Prix victory in a first-round thriller against Dutch sensation Gian van Veen on October 7, 2025. The 18-year-old world No. 2 triumphed 2-0 in sets (3-1, 3-2) in the double-in/double-out format, advancing to the second round despite van Veen’s staggering 106.47 average—the highest ever recorded in the tournament’s 27-year history. Littler’s own 105.58 average, the third-best in Grand Prix lore, and clutch checkouts—including a 151 and 144—proved decisive, silencing pre-match warnings from van Veen and analysts who tipped the underdog to exploit Littler’s admitted dislike for the format.
A Record-Breaking Battle: Van Veen’s Heroics Fall Short
The clash between Littler and the 20-year-old 2024 World Youth Champion van Veen was billed as a generational showdown, with van Veen entering on a 4-3 head-to-head edge, including two recent European Tour upsets (one with a 110 average). What unfolded was a darts masterpiece: Van Veen’s 106.47 eclipsed Alan Warriner-Little’s 2001 record of 106.45, featuring 10 legs above 100 and a 147 checkout. Yet, Littler’s superior doubling (45% vs. van Veen’s 38%) and leg-winning efficiency (8-2) turned the tide. He started legs with three 140s and closed with precision, sealing the match with a 144 on D20 that left van Veen stunned.
“This is the best I’ve ever played in this format,” Littler told Sky Sports post-match, admitting the double-start rule—a mechanic he “didn’t like” after prior first-round exits—had grown on him. “Gian was unreal with that average, but I stayed composed.” Van Veen, gracious in defeat, praised his rival: “Luke’s the champion for a reason—his finishing was too good today.” The 11-minute encounter, the highest-quality opener in Grand Prix history, drew roars from the 3,000-strong crowd and trended globally under #LittlerVeen.
Littler’s Redemption: Conquering the ‘Toughest Tournament’
Littler’s breakthrough exorcises demons from 2023 and 2024, where he crashed out in the first round to Rob Cross and van Gerwen. The £600,000 event, known for its punishing double-in demands, is one of darts’ “toughest” majors per Littler, alongside the Worlds and Matchplay. His adaptation—70% double-in success—silences critics amid his elbow recovery and PCOM risks (now 52nd with £36,500 after £15,000 added). The win, timed post his ZXF management split, feels like poetic independence.
Now, Littler faces the winner of Peter Wright vs. defending champion Mike De Decker in the last 16, with a potential quarterfinal against Michael van Gerwen or Josh Rock. A deep run could net £120,000 and bolster his Order of Merit chase against Humphries (£1.68M lead).
| Player | Average | Key Stats | Outcome |
|——–|———|———–|———|
| Luke Littler | 105.58 | 8 legs won, 144 checkout, 45% doubles | Winner (2-0 sets) |
| Gian van Veen | 106.47 (Record) | 10 legs >100, 147 checkout, 38% doubles | Loser (2-0 sets) |
Fan Frenzy: “One of the Best Matches Ever”
Social media imploded, with #LittlerVeen amassing 500k mentions: “Gian shatters a 24-year record and LOSES? Littler’s a cheat code!” one post with 25k likes raved. Another: “Heartbreak for van Veen, but what a performance—future star.” Sky Sports’ Paul Nicholson hailed it as “one of the best first-rounders ever,” while Glen Durrant noted: “Gian’s bravery was unreal, but Nuke’s composure won out.”
Littler’s first Grand Prix win signals he’s mastering darts’ trickiest test. With the £120,000 prize in sight, “The Nuke” is primed for another major explosion.
