Luke Littler Booed by Amsterdam Fans at World Series of Darts Finals as Darts Star Rusty-Jake Rodriguez Faces Ban Over Failed Drugs Test
The world of professional darts is buzzing with contrasting stories from the 2025 season: teenage sensation Luke Littler endured boos from a partisan Amsterdam crowd during his title defense at the World Series of Darts Finals, while rising star Rusty-Jake Rodriguez faces a provisional suspension after failing a drugs test. Littler’s composure in the face of hostility highlighted his maturity, as he advanced deep into the tournament before a final loss to Michael van Gerwen. Meanwhile, Rodriguez’s case has sparked concern in the sport, with the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) launching an investigation that could sideline the 24-year-old Austrian prodigy for months or longer. These events underscore darts’ growing pains as it balances thrilling rivalries with integrity challenges.
Littler’s ‘Cold’ Response to Amsterdam Boos
The World Series of Darts Finals, held September 12-14 at Amsterdam’s AFAS Live, turned into a cauldron of passion for Dutch fans supporting local hero Michael van Gerwen. Littler, the 18-year-old reigning PDC World Champion defending his 2024 title, faced relentless boos throughout the weekend, particularly in his matches against Simon Whitlock (6-4 win) and Jonny Clayton (6-4 win). The hostility peaked in the final against van Gerwen, where at 6-3 down, Littler stepped to the oche amid whistles and jeers. Unfazed, he took a deliberate sip of water, nailed a double 10 checkout, and pointed at himself in celebration, silencing the crowd momentarily.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Littler shrugged off the boos with a “cold” retort: “I don’t care. It’s their home crowd—they can do what they want. I’m here to play darts, not make friends.” His elite composure shone in the semifinal against Gerwyn Price (11-7 win), where he turned boos into motivation with a nine-dart leg. Despite the final 11-7 loss to van Gerwen—ending his title defense—Littler praised the Dutchman: “It’s good to see him back. If he keeps playing like that, there are going to be some good battles.” The PDC’s official X account captured the moment: “Swills water… hits double… silences crowd. Luke Littler doing Luke Littler things in Amsterdam!”
Fans lauded his poise, with X posts like, “Littler turning boos into bullets—cold as ice at 18!” (@DartsFanatic). The partisan atmosphere, a darts staple, fueled van Gerwen’s resurgence, but Littler’s grace in defeat—his second major final loss of 2025—cemented his status as the sport’s unflappable phenom. With 17 PDC titles and over £2 million in earnings, Littler’s 2025 haul includes the World Championship and Premier League, positioning him for more rivalries ahead.
Rusty-Jake Rodriguez’s Provisional Ban After Failed Drugs Test
In a stark contrast, Austrian darts prospect Rusty-Jake Rodriguez has been provisionally suspended by the DRA after failing a random drug test at Players Championship 24 in Hildesheim, Germany, on August 24, 2025. The 24-year-old, who earned his PDC Tour Card in 2023, tested positive for a banned substance, leading to an immediate ban from all sanctioned events pending investigation. The DRA confirmed: “Rodriguez was randomly tested and returned an abnormal result. An investigation is underway, and he has the right to appeal.”
Rodriguez, a promising talent with a Challenge Tour title in 2024 and last-32 at the 2024 World Championship, now faces uncertainty. His brothers, Rowby-John (world No. 55) and Nico, are also pros, making the family impact significant. Rowby-John stated, “We’re behind him 100%—this will be resolved.” Rodriguez has not commented publicly but can request a B-sample and appeal within 21 days. Outcomes range from exoneration to a four-year ban, per WADA guidelines.
The case is the latest in darts’ anti-doping efforts, following Dominic Taylor’s one-month ban in January 2025 for a positive test. PDC chairman Barry Hearn emphasized integrity: “We take anti-doping seriously to protect the sport’s credibility.” Fans on X expressed shock: “Rusty-Jake banned? Hoping it’s a false positive—he’s one of the good young guns” (@DartsRisingStars). The investigation could conclude by late 2025, affecting Rodriguez’s World Championship hopes.
Two Sides of Darts’ Spotlight
Littler’s “cold” handling of Amsterdam boos exemplifies sportsmanship in a partisan setting, while Rodriguez’s ban raises questions about the sport’s integrity amid its boom, driven by stars like Littler. As Littler eyes the World Grand Prix (October 7-12), and the DRA probes Rodriguez’s case, darts navigates rivalry and responsibility. Littler’s poise and Rodriguez’s setback remind us of the pressures on the oche—where every dart counts, and every decision matters.
