Luke Littler ‘Gutted’ After Missing World No. 1 Chance at European Championship
Luke Littler has admitted to feeling “gutted” after his second-round exit at the 2025 Machineseeker European Darts Championship in Dortmund on October 25, a defeat that dashed his immediate hopes of overtaking Luke Humphries as the PDC’s world No. 1. The 18-year-old sensation, who entered the £600,000 event as the No. 2 seed and just £707,500 behind Humphries (£1,901,000 to Littler’s £1,193,500 after his 6-1 Round 1 win over Raymond van Barneveld), suffered a 10-7 upset loss to James Wade, averaging 99.2 despite a near nine-darter (12-dart leg). “Had my chances so gutted I didn’t take them. Thanks Germany crowd was good to me, heading home but back to it next week,” Littler posted on X, his frustration clear after missing six doubles in the decider. With Humphries advancing to the quarterfinals via a 10-9 thriller over Cameron Menzies, Littler now needs a Grand Slam of Darts miracle next month to claim the throne, as the gap widens to £827,500.
The Upset: Wade’s Vintage Performance Halts Littler’s Charge
Littler’s path seemed primed after a 6-1 demolition of van Barneveld (102.71 avg, 14 180s), earning £6,000 and lifting him to £1,199,500—£701,500 behind Humphries. But against Wade, the 42-year-old 2014 Masters champion, Littler led 3-2 at the break with an 81 checkout on bull, but the second session saw Wade reel off four of five legs, including a 110 break for 6-4. Littler squared at 6-6 with seven perfect darts (missing T17 for a nine-darter), but Wade held for 7-6, then broke with a 108 on D14 for 8-6. Littler clawed to 8-7, but Wade sealed 10-7 with a 96 on D20, averaging 97.75 to Littler’s 99.2 (5 180s each).
“I don’t think Luke played very well in comparison. I should have run away with it a little bit more,” Wade told ITV. Littler, gracious: “James was brilliant—fair play, he earned it.” The £10,000 R2 payday totals £16,000 from Dortmund—insufficient to close the gap.
| Player | Average | 180s | Key Checkout | Outcome |
|——–|———|——|————–|———|
| James Wade | 97.75 | 5 | 110 break; 108 (D14); 96 decider | Winner (10-7) |
| Luke Littler | 99.2 | 5 | Near 9-darter (12 darts); 81 bull | Loser (7-10) |
No. 1 Hopes Dashed: Grand Slam Now the Savior
Littler’s £16,000 haul lifts him to £1,197,500, £697,500 behind Humphries (£1,895,000). A title (£120k) would have hit £1,317,500—overtaking Humphries (£1,895,000 max if he wins). Now, the Grand Slam (October 6-12, £400k pool, £100k winner) is his lifeline: Title nets £100k, closing to £597,500; semis (£25k) to £672,500—still short unless Humphries falters. Humphries, now in QF vs. Wade, defends 2023 £120k; a QF exit (£20k) hands Littler the edge.
Littler’s 2025: Triple Crown (£1.5M+), Grand Prix (£120k), PC32 (£15k)—£1.67M earnings. “Gutted, but Grand Slam’s next,” he posted, unfazed by Dortmund’s boos.
Fans on X under #LittlerGutted: “Wade’s masterclass—Nuke’s No. 1 dream delayed!” (150k likes). Mardle: “James rolls back years—Luke’s still the future.”
Littler’s “gutted” isn’t defeat—it’s drive. The Nuke’s reloaded; Grand Slam’s his throne.
