In a display of unflappable composure and sharpshooting precision, 18-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler claimed victory at the 2025 Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong, defeating Mike De Decker 8-4 in the final to secure his fourth World Series title overall and his first of the year. The win not only added £30,000 to his burgeoning prize haul but also served as a resounding rebuttal to a rowdy section of the crowd that attempted to rattle the young prodigy with taunts throughout the match.
Littler’s path to glory was marked by dominant performances. In the quarter-finals, he dispatched local favorite Damon Heta 6-3, followed by a 7-4 semi-final win over top seed Stephen Bunting. The final against De Decker showcased Littler’s clinical edge, as he built an early lead and maintained control, averaging over 100 and hitting key checkouts to seal the deal. Reflecting on his performance, Littler admitted he hadn’t been at his absolute best in the opening rounds but stepped up when it counted: “I didn’t play that well last night, but I played very well tonight when it really mattered.” This triumph comes on the heels of his recent World Matchplay success, ending a five-month title drought since his UK Open victory earlier in the year.
However, the tournament wasn’t without its drama. During the final, a group of spectators to Littler’s right heckled him relentlessly, shouting “rubbish, rubbish” every time he missed a treble and even labeling him “washed”—a slang term implying he’s past his prime. The teenager, known for his cool demeanor under pressure, addressed the incident post-match with a mix of bemusement and defiance. “Someone said I was washed. Not sure what he meant, obviously I’m washed but I just won. But the darts did the talking,” he quipped. Littler explained his strategy for handling such distractions: “The first time I hear it, I’ll react, but then I let it go. I just focus on my darts and let them do the talking. Nobody has taught me how to deal with it. You’re on stage alone, nobody else can help you. You just get on with it.” Social media echoed the story, with fans and outlets like Oche180 and Darts Now amplifying his quotes, highlighting the irony of the “washed” jibe given his dominant win.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Littler faced criticism earlier in the tournament for an alleged “disrespectful” move during his narrow 6-5 first-round escape against New Zealand’s Haupai Puha. With 291 points remaining and leading 5-4, Littler hit two treble 20s but then deliberately threw a single 1 to set up a 170 checkout—the coveted “Big Fish” finish. The attempt missed, allowing Puha to level the score before Littler closed it out. Darts enthusiasts on X called it out, with one user stating, “Single 1 on 171 on purpose to leave 170 is just disrespectful towards your opponent imo,” while another noted it undermined the competitive spirit, especially in a high-stakes event for Puha. Defending his choice, Littler said, “I don’t even know. I think just for myself. Obviously, at that point, I was 5-4 up. Maybe I should have tried to hit the 180 because I knew Haupai had the darts in the last leg. But I just felt I’d try and leave it and finish it.” The incident sparked debate but didn’t derail his campaign, underscoring his bold, sometimes controversial style.
Beyond the oche antics, Littler’s post-victory comments revealed a player hitting his stride. He boldly claimed, “This is the most confident I’ve felt in a long time,” attributing it to reclaiming that “winning feeling” after his recent successes. As the reigning PDC World Champion, Littler emphasized the pressure of maintaining dominance: “As a world champion, you need to be winning things… I’ve got that winning feeling back in me.” His motivation stemmed partly from last year’s humiliating 8-1 final loss to Gerwyn Price at the same event, which he used as fuel to return stronger.
Off the stage, Littler enjoyed a lighter side of his Australian adventure, sightseeing in Sydney with girlfriend Faith Millar, including feeding kangaroos and cuddling koalas—a welcome break before the grind resumed. Looking ahead, the “Nuke” heads to Auckland for the New Zealand Darts Masters this weekend, the final World Series event before September’s Finals in Amsterdam. With eyes on defending his World Championship title in December—now boasting a historic £1 million top prize—Littler’s trajectory suggests he’s not just a teenage wonder but a force poised to redefine darts.
In an era where crowds can be as unpredictable as the game itself, Littler’s ability to thrive amid adversity cements his status as darts’ brightest star. As one X user aptly put it in celebrating his win, “A new champion is born.” If his Australian conquest is any indication, the hecklers will need better ammunition next time.
