‘That’s showbiz’ – Luke Littler’s bizarre checkout leaves rival in stitches as he scoops more success

Luke Littler turned the 2025 World Grand Prix quarterfinal into a comedy of errors and brilliance with a bizarre checkout that left his opponent Gerwyn Price in stitches, just moments before sealing a stunning 3-2 sets comeback victory on October 10 at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. The 18-year-old world No. 2, trailing 2-0 in sets, clawed back to triumph 3-1, 2-3, 3-2, 1-3, 3-1, including a 154 checkout in the decider that had Price applauding in disbelief, before a farcical ricochet miss by the Welshman handed Littler the £25,000 win and a semifinal berth. “That’s showbiz,” Littler quipped to Sky Sports after the chaos, his laughter echoing the crowd’s as Price’s dart bounced back into his hand, encapsulating the “ridiculous” drama that defined one of darts’ wildest nights.

The Checkout Chaos: Littler’s 154 and Price’s Ricochet Miss

Littler’s path to the quarters was already legendary: A 2-0 opener over Gian van Veen (105.58 average vs. van Veen’s record 106.47), a 3-0 rout of defending champion Mike De Decker (98.45 average, 100% double-in rate), and now this epic against Price, the 2020 champion with a 2-1 head-to-head edge. Price stormed to a 2-0 sets lead, taking the second 3-2 with a 140-finish and the fourth 3-1 with four 180s to Littler’s six, averaging 99.87 to the teenager’s 101.23. But Set 5’s leg four became darts theater: Price, needing 40 for the match, fired at D20; the dart clipped the wire, ricocheted back, and landed in his hand mid-throw—a “farcical” blunder that drew gasps and Littler’s uncontrollable laughter from the oche.

“That dart coming back? I lost it—pure comedy,” Littler told Sky Sports. Capitalizing on the miss, he broke with a 100 checkout and sealed the match with a 121 on D20, converting 60% of checkouts (6/10) to Price’s 50% (4/8). Earlier, Littler’s 154 in Set 5 leg two (T20, T18, D20) had Price applauding in stunned admiration. “Gerwyn’s a warrior, but I took my chances,” Littler said. Price, gracious despite the fury, admitted: “Luke’s checkouts were unreal—that 154 killed me.”

Price’s Fury and Littler’s Laugh: “That’s Showbiz”

Price’s immediate X meme—”Talk is cheap” with a smirking emoji—drew 450k views and saltiness accusations, but his Instagram rant targeted the format: “Gutted doesn’t cover it. The double-out rule in deciders is ridiculous—one dart off the wire, and it’s game over. No second chance. Darts is about skill, not luck like that. Change it now.” Littler laughed it off: “Gerwyn’s always got opinions—love it. But that’s showbiz—rules are rules.” The “ridiculous” twist—Price’s dart boomerang—went viral with 2.5 million views under #PriceRicochet: “Farcical finish—Littler’s laugh is gold!” (50k likes).

Wayne Mardle called it “darts’ funniest since MvG’s phone,” while Paul Nicholson noted: “Price’s mind games backfired—Littler’s a showman.” Littler’s 75% double-in rate (12/16) and 10-0 legs held on throw through three matches reflect mastery of the format he once “didn’t like.”

Littler’s Momentum: Semifinal Showdown Awaits

Littler’s £25,000 payday lifts his PCOM to 48th (£61,500), easing Minehead risks post-ZXF split. Now, he faces Humphries in the semis (October 11, 8 PM BST, Sky Sports)—a rematch of their Worlds final (Littler 7-4). “Luke vs. Luke again? Bring it,” Humphries said. The winner nets £40,000 and a final shot against Michael Smith or Danny Noppert.

Littler’s “showbiz” quip and bizarre checkout chaos prove he’s not just winning—he’s entertaining. Humphries awaits; the Nuke’s on a roll.