Luke Littler Advances in European Darts Championship: Crushing 6-1 Win Over van Barneveld
Luke Littler has taken a decisive step toward his first European Championship title and a potential world no. 1 leap, dismantling darts icon Raymond van Barneveld 6-1 in their blockbuster round 1 clash on October 23, 2025, at Dortmund’s Westfalenhallen. The 18-year-old sensation, seeded no. 2 and chasing Luke Humphries’ top spot (£1,181,500 to £1,895,000), averaged 102.71 with 14 180s and a flawless 75% double success rate (6/8), converting 4/7 breaks to advance to the second round against Ryan Joyce or Luke Woodhouse on Friday. Littler’s victory, his first in the tournament and earning £6,000, narrows the Order of Merit gap to £707,500—now just a semifinal (£40,000) or better from overtaking Humphries this weekend.
The Match: Littler’s Ruthless Efficiency
Littler started with a 151 checkout (T20, T19, bullseye) to break in the opener, racing to 3-0 before van Barneveld clawed back a leg with a 140 finish. The Dutch legend, 58 and a five-time world champion, threatened at 3-2 with a 121, but Littler sealed it 6-1 in 28 minutes, holding all six legs on his throw without a break conceded. “Barney’s a legend—respect, but I came to win,” Littler said post-match to Sky Sports, his 102.71 average three points above van Barneveld’s 99.13. Barney, gracious in defeat, smiled: “Luke’s the future—flabbergasted again. He’s top dog.”
Littler’s composure under Dortmund’s passionate (and occasionally boisterous) crowd silenced doubters after his German boycott. “Fans are fans—darts talk,” he quipped, his 14 180s (to Barney’s 10) underscoring his dominance.
No. 1 Hopes: £707,500 Gap – Title Wins It
Littler’s £6,000 R1 payday lifts him to £1,187,500, £707,500 behind Humphries (£1,895,000). Humphries, no. 5 seed, faces Ratajski in R1, defending £120,000 from 2023. A Littler title (£120k) hits £1,307,500—overtaking Humphries (£1,895,000 max if he wins). Semis (£40k) narrows to £667,500; QF (£20k) to £687,500—Grand Slam (£100k title) seals No. 1.
| Rank | Player | Earnings | Gap to Littler |
|——|——–|———-|—————-|
| 1 | Luke Humphries | £1,895,000 | +£707,500 |
| **2** | **Luke Littler** | **£1,187,500** | – |
| 3 | Michael van Gerwen | £1,248,500 | -£61,000 |
Path to Glory: Joyce/Woodhouse Next
Littler’s R2 (October 24, 7 p.m. CEST / 6 p.m. BST / 1 p.m. ET) vs. Joyce (No. 15) or Woodhouse (No. 18). Joyce’s 2025 grit (PCOM No. 34) is tough, but Littler’s 75% doubles edge it. R2 win (£10k) sets QF vs. Rock/van Veen. Title path: £120k R1 win + £10k R2 + £20k QF + £40k SF + £120k final = £290k total—plenty to hit No. 1.
Littler’s 2025: Triple Crown (£1.5M+), Grand Prix (£120k), PC32 (£15k)—£1.67M earnings. “No. 1’s the goal—Dortmund’s the step,” he said, unfazed by boos.
Fans on X under #Littler6-1: “Barney shell-shocked again—Nuke’s No. 1 weekend!” (150k likes). Mardle: “Luke’s 102 avg? Unstoppable—Humphries, watch out.”
Littler’s 6-1 “keeps up” No. 1 hopes. The German “boo-boys” roar; the Nuke roars louder. Title? His throne.
