“He needs to retire because it’s not fun anymore” – Mike De Decker jokes PDC has had enough of Luke Littler after teen wins another title Down Under
Mike De Decker, the world No. 14 darts player, jokingly remarked that Luke Littler “needs to retire” after losing to the 18-year-old prodigy in the Australian Darts Masters final on August 9, 2025, in Wollongong. Speaking to Sky Sports, De Decker quipped, “He needs to retire because it’s not fun anymore,” reflecting the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) players’ lighthearted frustration with Littler’s dominance, per @DartsNews02 on X. The comment came after Littler clinched his first World Series title, defeating De Decker 8-4 with a 103.2 average, five 180s, and a 47% checkout rate, securing the £60,000 prize, per dartsnews.com.
Littler’s path to the final included a controversial 6-5 win over Haupai Puha, where his attempt at a 170 “Big Fish” checkout drew accusations of disrespect, followed by victories over Damon Heta (6-3) and Stephen Bunting (7-4). De Decker, who reached his first World Series final by defeating Michael Smith 7-5, acknowledged Littler’s prowess, saying, “He’s just too good right now,” per @VVGenechten180 on X. The Belgian’s jest echoed sentiments from other players, with @Darts_World noting, “Belgian No.1 joked that Littler should retire as it’s not fun anymore,” highlighting Littler’s overwhelming impact at age 18.
The PDC has not “had enough” of Littler, as De Decker’s comment was clearly tongue-in-cheek, celebrating Littler’s meteoric rise. With six major titles in 2025, including the World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay—where he hit a nine-darter and averaged 107.24 against James Wade—Littler’s dominance is a boon for the sport’s popularity, per BBC Sport. However, his antics, like the Puha incident, sparked debate, with Rob Cross calling for PDC action, per sport-fury.com. Littler’s response to crowd heckling—“They said I was washed, but I just won”—further fueled his polarizing persona, per The Sun.
De Decker’s playful remark, as noted by @TheConnorCain, underscores Littler’s challenge to veterans, but it also reflects camaraderie, with De Decker praising Littler’s “unreal talent.” As Littler heads to the New Zealand Darts Masters (August 15-16) to face Jonny Clayton, his £1.5 million career earnings and Triple Crown status cement his legacy, per msn.com. Fans on X, like @DartsInsider, see De Decker’s quip as a nod to Littler’s unstoppable rise, not a genuine call for retirement.
