Luke Littler Edges Defending Champion Mike De Decker in World Grand Prix Thriller
Luke Littler took a decisive step closer to World Grand Prix glory with a hard-fought 3-1 sets victory over defending champion Mike De Decker in the second round on October 9, 2025, at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. The 18-year-old world No. 2, seeded second for the £600,000 double-in/double-out event, overcame a gritty comeback from the Belgian to advance to the quarterfinals, where he faces the winner of Josh Rock vs. Gerwyn Price. Littler’s win—his first in the tournament after first-round exits in 2023 and 2024—came in a tense 3-2, 2-3, 3-1 battle, averaging 98.45 to De Decker’s 97.12, and showcased his growing mastery of the format he once admitted to “not liking.”
A Nail-Biter: Littler’s Resilience Shines Through
The match, broadcast live on Sky Sports, was a showcase of Littler’s composure under pressure. He stormed the first set 3-0, starting legs with three 140s and closing with a 121 checkout on D18, but De Decker—last year’s surprise winner over Luke Humphries—rallied in the second, taking it 3-2 with a 140-finish leg that forced a decider. The Belgian, ranked No. 15, hit five 180s to Littler’s four, but the teenager’s doubling efficiency (45% vs. De Decker’s 38%) proved the difference.
In the third set, Littler regained control, breaking De Decker’s throw in leg three with a 100 checkout and sealing the match with a clinical 121 on D20. “It’s tough, but I felt good out there,” Littler told Sky Sports post-match. “Mike’s a champion—he made me work for it.” De Decker, gracious in defeat, praised his opponent: “Luke’s the future; I gave everything, but his finishing was too good today.” The victory earns Littler £15,000 and propels him toward a potential £120,000 payday, boosting his Order of Merit chase against Humphries.
Littler’s Grand Prix Journey: From Frustration to Breakthrough
Littler’s path to this point has been a redemption arc. He admitted disliking the double-start rule after early exits—losing to Rob Cross in 2023 and 2024—but his first-round masterclass against van Veen (2-0 sets, 105.58 average vs. van Veen’s record 106.47) silenced doubters. Against De Decker, Littler adapted seamlessly, hitting 70% of double-ins to start legs and converting three of five break opportunities. “I practiced the format more this time—it’s growing on me,” he quipped, crediting his recent management split with ZXF for sharpening his focus.
The win also alleviates PCOM pressures (now 52nd with £36,500 after adding £15,000), where he’s been vulnerable from selective Pro Tour play amid an elbow niggle. A quarterfinal berth guarantees £25,000 more, inching him closer to Humphries’ £1.68M lead.
The Bigger Picture: Littler’s Momentum Builds
Littler’s 2025 has been legendary: Triple Crown holder with £1.5M+ earnings, and this Grand Prix progress—his deepest run yet—positions him for a major upset. Rock or Price awaits in the last eight, with van Gerwen or Humphries potentially in semis. “I’m here to win it,” Littler declared.
Fans on X erupted under #LittlerDeDecker: “Nuke dumps the champ—£120k loading!” As the £600,000 event heats up, Littler’s step closer to glory feels inevitable.
