Luke Littler Could Be ‘In Trouble’ at World Grand Prix as Darts Star Admits Fears
The 2025 World Grand Prix is upon us, and while Luke Littler enters as the clear favorite to claim the £120,000 winner’s prize, the teenage sensation has admitted to harboring genuine fears about the event’s unique format that could spell trouble for the world No. 2. In a candid interview ahead of his first-round clash with Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen on October 7 at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, the 18-year-old revealed his dread of the double-in/double-out rules, confessing, “I’ll be honest, I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the double start.” Littler’s admission, made during a Target Darts pop-up shop event in Manchester, underscores the psychological hurdle facing “The Nuke” in what he calls one of darts’ “toughest tournaments to win,” despite his blistering form that has netted him the Triple Crown this year.
The Format Fear: Double-Start Demons
Littler’s trepidation centers on the Grand Prix’s signature double-in rule, where players must hit a double (or bullseye) to commence scoring in every leg—a mechanic absent from standard PDC events. Miss it, and the turn “busts” with no points scored, handing immediate momentum to the opponent. “The double start—if you don’t get off, then you’re in trouble,” Littler told the Daily Star. “I can’t say I really practice the double start often, but obviously leading up to it, I think I’ll have to—just to get used to it. Every year we’ll see someone hit a treble 20 first out and then they forget.”
This isn’t idle worry; Littler’s Grand Prix record is a blank slate of frustration. He crashed out in the first round in both 2023 (2-1 to Rob Cross) and 2024 (2-0 to Michael van Gerwen), formats where his explosive 102+ averages couldn’t overcome early double-in rust. “It’s one of the toughest tournaments to win,” he added, ranking it alongside the Worlds, Matchplay, and Premier League. Analysts like Paul Nicholson echo the concern, warning “Littler could be in trouble” against van Veen, a fearless 20-year-old with a 4-3 head-to-head edge, including two recent European Tour upsets (one with a 110 average).
Van Veen’s Threat: A ‘Fascinating’ Opener
Littler’s first-round draw is no gimme. Van Veen, the 2024 World Youth Champion and a Pro Tour qualifier, has beaten Littler in their last two meetings and thrives on doubles like D16 and bullseye—key in the Grand Prix’s punishing start. “Gian is not frightened of Luke as they have been playing each other since their development days,” said Glen Durrant on the Love The Darts podcast. “In normal circumstances, I would say this is an awful draw for Luke.” Nicholson added: “With this being a double start at the World Grand Prix it does feel like a different game but it is certainly not the draw Littler would have wanted.”
Littler’s recent elbow niggle, which forced a Players Championship 28 withdrawal, and his shock ZXF management split add layers of distraction. Tied 58th on the PCOM (£21,000), he’s vulnerable to overtakes by Humphries (tied 63rd) if he falters early. A win over van Veen earns £7,500 and a second-round against the Wright-De Decker winner, but the format’s “trouble” could derail his fourth major bid.
Littler’s Preparation: Practice and Perspective
Littler plans to drill double-ins more, but his nonchalance masks deeper resolve. “We’ve still got plenty of darts to play this year,” he said, eyeing the £120,000 prize and No. 1 chase against Humphries (£1.68M Order of Merit lead). His 2025 form—Triple Crown, £1.5M+ earnings—suggests he’ll adapt, but the fear is real: “If you don’t get off, you’re in trouble.”
Fans on X are split under #LittlerGP: “Nuke’s fears? Van Veen’s got bite—upset alert!” vs. “Double-start? Littler’s made of tougher stuff.” As the £600,000 event unfolds, Littler’s admission adds spice—will his fears become his fuel, or the format’s fatal flaw? The oche awaits.
