Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation known as “The Nuke,” found himself at the center of controversy during the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong on August 8, 2025. In a thrilling first-round match against New Zealand’s Haupai Puha, Littler narrowly escaped an upset, winning 6-5 in a final-leg decider. However, his decision to deliberately target a single one instead of a third treble 20 during the tenth leg, aiming to set up a flashy 170 “Big Fish” checkout, sparked backlash from fans who branded the move “disrespectful” toward his opponent. Littler’s response to the criticism, coupled with his eventual triumph in the tournament, highlighted his confidence and flair, cementing his status as a polarizing yet prodigious talent.
The Incident: A Bold but Risky Move
The controversial moment occurred in the tenth leg with Littler leading 5-4 and needing 291 points. After hitting two treble 20s, the crowd at the WIN Entertainment Centre anticipated a third to set up a more achievable finish. Instead, Littler deliberately threw at single one, leaving 170—a high-stakes “Big Fish” checkout requiring two treble 20s and a bullseye. The audacious move backfired when Littler missed the bullseye, allowing Puha, ranked world No. 94, to capitalize with a 25 checkout to break throw and force a deciding leg. Littler ultimately clinched the match with a 13-dart leg against the throw, averaging 91.80 compared to Puha’s 88, but his tactical choice drew sharp criticism.
Social media erupted, with fans on X labeling Littler’s decision as disrespectful. User @Wim_NL180 posted, “Single 1 on 171 on purpose to leave 170 is just disrespectful towards your opponent imo,” per *GB News*. Another, @DanJones3142, questioned, “How are people defending this? He’s playing professional darts and it’s obviously not playing to the best of your ability.” @danstapleton89 added, “I understand it’s a glorified exhibition but Haupai is a tour card holder and this comp will mean a lot to him due to where it’s being held.” The sentiment suggested Littler’s move was a showboating gesture, undermining the competitive spirit of the match against a local favorite.
Littler’s Defense: Confidence or Entertainment?
In a post-match interview with ITV X, Littler addressed the incident, explaining his decision with a mix of nonchalance and self-assurance. “I don’t even know. I think just for myself,” he said, per *Sportbible*. “Obviously, at that point, I was 5-4 up. Maybe I should have tried to hit the 180 because I knew that Haupai had the darts for the last leg. But I just thought I’d try and leave it [the 170] and try and finish it. If not, I’d have to break the throw in the last leg.” His comments suggested the move was less about disrespect and more about testing his own limits, though he acknowledged the risk.
Fans were divided. Some defended Littler, arguing his choice reflected confidence rather than arrogance. One wrote on X, “Personally I don’t think it’s disrespectful, just think it’s confidence in his own ability,” per *Sportbible*. Another added, “He just wants to entertain and have fun. And I’m pretty sure his opponent prefers he leaves 170 over 111.” The debate highlighted Littler’s flair for showmanship, a hallmark of his game since his breakout 2024 World Championship final run, but also raised questions about sportsmanship in high-stakes moments.
Overcoming Adversity to Claim the Title
Despite the controversy, Littler’s performance in Wollongong proved his mettle. After surviving the scare against Puha, he dispatched home favorite Damon Heta 6-3 in the quarter-finals, starting and finishing with 11-dart legs. He then defeated top seed Stephen Bunting 7-4 in the semi-finals before dominating Belgium’s Mike De Decker 8-4 in the final, averaging 99.10 with five 180s and a 143 checkout, per *GB News*. The victory, earning him £30,000, marked Littler’s first World Series title of 2025 and his fourth overall, avenging his 8-1 loss to Gerwyn Price in the 2024 Australian Darts Masters final.
Littler’s ability to handle crowd pressure was also notable. During his match against Heta, he faced boos from the Australian crowd but responded by mimicking their jeers, a move that showcased his resilience. “In the final, every time I didn’t hit a treble they were shouting, ‘Rubbish, rubbish.’ Someone even said I was washed,” he told *Dartsnews.com*. “I’m not sure what he meant, but I’ve just won—like I said, the darts did the talking.” His composure under scrutiny, both from fans and critics, underscored a maturity beyond his 18 years.
Context in Littler’s Meteoric Rise
The incident occurred amid Littler’s blockbuster 2025 season, which saw him win six major PDC titles, including the 2025 World Championship (£500,000), Premier League (£315,000), and World Matchplay (£200,000). His career prize money exceeds £2 million, with *GiveMeSport* estimating his net worth at £1.5 million to £6 million, bolstered by sponsorships with Target Darts, boohooMAN, and Xbox. Littler’s flair, evidenced by eight televised nine-dart finishes and a record 64 maximum 180s at the 2025 World Matchplay, has made him a global star, but moments like the Australian Darts Masters incident highlight the fine line he walks between showmanship and sportsmanship.
The controversy also drew parallels to other sports narratives. Like Alex de Minaur, who faced scrutiny for his serving struggles at the 2025 US Open but embraced the “funnest” Davis Cup atmosphere, Littler thrives in high-pressure settings. His ability to shrug off criticism mirrors Carlos Alcaraz’s response to detractors of his partying habits after his own US Open triumph, with both young stars defending their individuality while dominating their sports.
Looking Ahead: A Star Undeterred
Littler’s next challenge is the 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters (August 15-16), where he aims to defend his 2024 title and add to his four World Series crowns. With a Netflix documentary set for 2026 and ongoing efforts to break into the US market, his net worth is projected to near £10 million next year, per *The Mirror*. While critics may question his tactics, Littler’s response—letting his “darts do the talking”—suggests he’s unfazed. As he told *Yardbarker*, “No one’s taught me how to deal with much—you’re on stage alone, no one else is going to help you.”
The Australian Darts Masters incident, while divisive, underscores Littler’s fearless approach. Whether seen as disrespectful or confident, his choice to chase the “Big Fish” reflects a player unafraid to take risks. With a seven-figure fortune, a global fanbase, and a trophy cabinet bursting at 18, Littler is proving that his darts, not his detractors, will define his legacy.
