Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy and reigning PDC World Champion, showcased his maturity and grace in defeat during the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. After falling 11-7 to Michael van Gerwen in the final on September 14, Littler delivered heartfelt praise for the three-time world champion, highlighting van Gerwen’s resurgence and expressing genuine happiness at seeing his rival back at the top. The comments, made in a post-match interview with ITV Sport, have been hailed as a display of remarkable sportsmanship, earning widespread admiration from fans and pundits alike for Littler’s humility amid the disappointment of losing his title defense.
Littler’s Classy Tribute: “Good to See Him Back”
The final at AFAS Live was a high-stakes clash between two of darts’ elite, with van Gerwen ending a two-year TV title drought by claiming his sixth World Series crown. Littler, who had fought back from 9-5 down to beat Gerwyn Price in the semifinals, started strongly but couldn’t maintain momentum, allowing van Gerwen to pull ahead with clinical finishing and heavy scoring. Despite the loss, Littler was quick to applaud his opponent’s performance.
“It’s good to see him back,” Littler said, smiling as he reflected on van Gerwen’s dominance over the weekend. “If he keeps playing like that, there are going to be some good battles.” He added, “The fans wanted Michael to win this and he’s been playing the best darts this weekend.” Littler’s words came after a tournament where van Gerwen dispatched compatriot Wessel Nijman, Rob Cross, world No. 1 Luke Humphries, and Josh Rock en route to the final, averaging over 100 in several legs and celebrating his £80,000 top prize with daughter Zoe by his side.
Van Gerwen, 36, was emotional on stage, admitting the win meant “the world” after a challenging period. “I had to dig really deep,” he said. “I still love what I do, and hopefully this is the beginning of a bright future for me.” Littler’s gracious response—focusing on van Gerwen’s revival rather than his own defeat—struck a chord, with fans praising the teenager’s poise.
A History of Mutual Respect
Littler and van Gerwen’s rivalry has been marked by respect since their first major encounter at the 2024 World Championship, where Littler stunned the Dutchman 5-3 in the semifinals en route to the final. Their 2025 World Championship final saw Littler win 7-3, with van Gerwen showing sportsmanship by consoling the emotional teenager on stage, jokingly saying, “Keep crying boy!” Littler later revealed van Gerwen’s words as “enjoy it,” a moment that underscored their camaraderie.
Earlier in 2025, van Gerwen called out Littler for arriving late to a Premier League photoshoot, saying, “People need to stop treating him like a baby—he’s 18 now.” Littler responded with humor, showing no hard feelings. Their Premier League opener in Belfast ended with Littler stepping in to quiet jeers against van Gerwen, a gesture of good sportsmanship. These interactions have built a narrative of healthy rivalry, with Littler often crediting van Gerwen’s influence on his game.
Fan and Expert Praise for Littler’s Maturity
Littler’s comments have been widely celebrated as a masterclass in sportsmanship. On X, fans raved: “Littler’s class in defeat—’good to see him back.’ That’s why he’s the future of darts” (@DartsFanatic). Another posted, “Remarkable from The Nuke. No bitterness, just respect for MVG. Proper sportsman” (@TheNukeArmy). Pundit Wayne Mardle called it “a sign of his growth,” noting, “At 18, Littler handles loss like a veteran. That’s sportsmanship at its best.”
The World Series Finals, with a £400,000 prize fund, saw Littler reach the final after wins over Whitlock (6-4), Clayton (6-4), and Price (11-7). Despite the runner-up finish—his second major final loss of 2025 after the Premier League—Littler’s haul pushes his career earnings over £2 million. Van Gerwen’s win, his first TV title since 2023, reignites his challenge for Littler’s world crown.
A Rivalry Built on Respect
Luke Littler’s classy tribute to Michael van Gerwen after the World Series final exemplifies the sportsmanship that defines darts’ elite. In a sport where rivalries can be intense, Littler’s ability to celebrate his opponent’s success while vowing “good battles” ahead shows remarkable maturity. As he eyes the World Grand Prix and Premier League playoffs, Littler’s grace in defeat only enhances his status as darts’ golden boy, proving that true champions lift others up—even in loss.
