The 2025 World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, held from September 12-14 at the AFAS Live arena, was a homecoming for Dutch legend Michael van Gerwen, who ultimately dethroned defending champion Luke Littler 11-7 in the final. However, the event was marked by partisan crowd behavior, with Amsterdam fans repeatedly booing Littler throughout the weekend, particularly during his matches. This wasn’t due to any personal animosity toward the 18-year-old British prodigy but rather enthusiastic support for van Gerwen and the local contingent, amplified by the electric atmosphere of a home event. Littler handled the pressure with remarkable composure, shrugging off the boos as typical rivalry banter.
The Context: A Partisan Home Crowd for Van Gerwen
Amsterdam’s AFAS Live, a 6,000-capacity venue, was packed with predominantly Dutch fans eager to see van Gerwen end his two-year TV title drought. The Dutchman, a three-time PDC World Champion (2014, 2017, 2019) and the nation’s sporting icon, entered as the unseeded underdog after a challenging period but delivered a dominant run: 6-5 over Wessel Nijman, 10-5 over Luke Humphries, 11-6 over Josh Rock, and the final against Littler. The crowd’s energy was palpable, turning the event into a “fortress” for van Gerwen, with boos directed at opponents as a way to rally behind their hero.
Littler’s matches were prime targets for the partisan support. In the first round on September 12, he edged Simon Whitlock 6-4, but the crowd’s cheers for Australian Whitlock (a van Gerwen rival) led to occasional boos for Littler. The second round against Jonny Clayton on September 13 saw more intensity, with Littler trailing 3-0 before fighting back to win 6-4; fans booed his comebacks to urge Clayton on. The peak came in the final on September 14, where Littler faced sustained jeers, especially after a 7-6 leg where a crowd whistle briefly distracted him. Van Gerwen capitalized, pulling ahead to win his sixth World Series title.
This booing is a common darts tradition in high-stakes events, similar to how English fans chant against Dutch players at Ally Pally. It’s not malice but passionate backing for the local favorite—van Gerwen, who lives nearby and has deep ties to the Dutch darts scene.
Littler’s Response: Composure Under Fire
Littler, unfazed by the hostility, displayed maturity beyond his years. After his semifinal win over Gerwyn Price 11-7 on September 14, he addressed the crowd directly, silencing boos with a 120 checkout and pointing to himself in celebration. In the final, when booed at 6-3 down, he paused for water before nailing a double 10, lapping up the reaction. Post-match, Littler said, “The fans wanted Michael to win, and he’s been playing the best darts this weekend. It’s good to see him back.” He dismissed nerves: “People might have said I was nervous—I wasn’t. I just had to dig in.”
The PDC’s official X account captured the moment: “Swills water… hits double… silences crowd. Luke Littler doing Luke Littler things in Amsterdam!” Fans praised his handling, with one X post noting, “Littler turning boos into motivation—class act at 18” (@DartsFanatic).
Broader Impact on Darts Culture
The booing reflects darts’ rowdy, engaging fan culture, where rivalries fuel the atmosphere. Van Gerwen, emotional after his win, thanked the crowd: “I still love what I do… This means the world.” Littler’s grace in defeat—his second major final loss of 2025—enhances his reputation, with 17 PDC titles and over £2 million in earnings. The event, with a £400,000 prize fund, drew record crowds, underscoring darts’ growth.
In summary, Amsterdam fans booed Littler out of fervent support for van Gerwen in a home event, a standard darts tradition. Littler’s poise turned it into a defining moment, proving his mettle against adversity. As he eyes the World Grand Prix, the rivalry with van Gerwen promises more electric encounters.
