Luke Littler may have earned the nickname “The Nuke,” but to Michael van Gerwen, he’s something else entirely. During Littler’s breakout year on the PDC Tour, Van Gerwen jokingly dubbed him “kebab boy” — a playful jab at Littler’s celebratory tradition of grabbing a takeaway after his victories.
The rivalry between the young star and the Dutch champion has been intense at times. After Littler’s 7-3 victory over Van Gerwen in the World Championship final this January, the balance of power shifted, pushing Van Gerwen down to No. 3 in the world rankings. Although their relationship is largely respectful today, things weren’t always so friendly.
Ahead of a Premier League Darts night in the Netherlands last year, Van Gerwen admitted he used the nickname in jest, teasing that Littler never dared retaliate: “He doesn’t dare say it yet, I think. I’m twice that boy’s age, right?”
Littler’s love for a kebab is well-known in his hometown of Warrington, with local shop Hot Spot even offering him free food for life after his World Championship run.
Their clashes haven’t just been verbal. During a tense semi-final in Newcastle, Littler famously snubbed a fist bump from Van Gerwen, heightening the sense of rivalry between the two. Van Gerwen later warned that the teenage sensation would need to brace for tough times ahead on the PDC Tour, predicting his “honeymoon period” would eventually end.
Tensions flared again earlier this year when Van Gerwen criticised Littler for arriving 45 minutes late to a media event, commenting, “He’s not a baby anymore.”
Despite the spiky moments, their relationship appears to have mellowed. Van Gerwen recently said they now get along well backstage, sharing jokes and light-hearted banter.
