Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation and reigning PDC World Champion, has addressed his shock semi-final exit from the 2025 Hungarian Darts Trophy, clarifying a cryptic social media post that initially fueled retirement rumors. The teenager, who entered Budapest as the overwhelming favorite to claim his fourth European Tour title of the year, fell 7-4 to Danny Noppert in a tense last-four clash on Sunday evening at the MVM Dome. Littler’s defeat—marked by a flurry of missed doubles—ended his bid for a third consecutive Euro Tour crown and opened the door for Noppert to advance to the final against James Wade. In a video statement shared on Instagram shortly after the match, Littler dispelled fears of stepping away from the oche, revealing the post as a promotional tease for his new partnership with Xbox and EA Sports FC 26.
The Semi-Final Drama: Noppert’s Upset Stuns the Nuke
Littler’s path to the semis had been a demolition derby: A bye into the second round following Gerwyn Price’s medical withdrawal, followed by a 6-1 thrashing of Joe Cullen (94.5 average, 75% checkout rate) and a 6-2 masterclass over Martin Schindler (112 average, 12 maximums). But against Noppert—the No. 11 seed who had already ousted defending champion Michael van Gerwen 6-4 in the third round—the teenager faltered on the finish line.
In a best-of-15-legs battle, Littler started brightly, leading 3-1 with three 180s and a 124 checkout. Noppert, the 2019 Dutch Darts Masters winner, leveled at 3-3 with a clinical 76 finish, then capitalized on Littler’s woes—11 missed doubles across the match, including three at double 16 in leg seven. The Dutchman sealed it with a 120 checkout in leg 11, advancing 7-4 amid a partisan MVM Dome crowd. Littler’s stats: 95.2 average, 6/17 on doubles (35%), seven maximums. Noppert’s: 92.8 average, 7/13 on doubles (54%), five 180s.
Post-match, Littler was gracious but gutted: “Danny played lights-out—credit to him. I missed too many at the wire, but that’s darts.” The loss halts Littler’s momentum after a Triple Crown (World Championship, Premier League, World Matchplay) and leaves him chasing world No. 1 Luke Humphries, who exited in the quarters to Nathan Aspinall.
The Statement: From ‘Retirement’ Tease to Xbox Partnership Reveal
Littler’s Instagram video—posted just 30 minutes after his defeat—began with a dramatic flourish: Him placing his darts on a chair, donning a dressing gown, and shuffling into a mock “retirement home.” “I’ve had an awesome career… full on for two years,” he narrated, echoing a Thursday teaser that sparked panic among fans. “The Premier League at 17, nine-darters on telly, winning the Worlds at 18—the youngest ever.”
The clip cut to Littler settling into a armchair, controller in hand, firing up EA Sports FC 26 on Xbox. “Take time to do the things you love,” he grinned, whispering off-camera: “Do you think they’ll fall for that?” The reveal confirmed a promotional tie-up with Xbox and EA Sports, timed for FC 26’s launch. “Not stepping back from darts—just leveling up in FC Pro Clubs with the lads,” Littler added. “Can’t wait to smash it on the pitch… and back on the board soon.”
The stunt drew laughs from the darts world: Darts commentator Stuart Pyke called it “brilliant,” while fans on X replied: “You almost had me… Almost!” and “Elite troll game, Nuke.” Littler’s love for the series—previously streaming Pro Clubs with Wayne Rooney and Angry Ginge—is well-documented, making the pivot seamless.
Broader Impact: A Bump in the Road to World No. 1
The semi-final exit costs Littler £5,000 (runner-up prize) but doesn’t dent his Order of Merit lead—over £1.5 million in 2025 earnings, with three majors already. Noppert’s run continues against Wade in the final (£30,000 on the line), while Littler eyes the World Grand Prix (October 6-12, Leicester, £500,000 pot). “Budapest was tough, but it’s fuel,” he said. “World Grand Prix next—I’ll be sharper.”
As the Xbox deal hints at his off-ocher brand (McDonald’s, Prime endorsements), Littler’s statement reaffirms his commitment: Darts first, gaming second. With the 2026 Worlds prize fund doubling to £5 million, the Nuke’s not retiring—he’s reloading.
