"Everyone knows I hate the Pro Tours, all you hear is squeaky chairs and people chatting": Big stage is where Luke Littler thrives

Luke Littler continued his blistering form at the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts, averaging 105 and hitting an exceptional 77% on his doubles as he powered past Wessel Nijman to reach the quarter-finals in Wolverhampton.

The 18-year-old extended his winning streak at the tournament to eleven matches and will now face Josh Rock in a highly anticipated rematch of their World Matchplay semi-final classic.

Littler admitted he took a different approach to the knockout stages, opting for focus over flamboyance after displaying plenty of showmanship in the group phase at the Grand Slam of Darts. “Just keep it professional tonight,” he said post match. “That’s what I’ve done. 105 average, 83% on the doubles — I’m more than happy with that.”

The teenage sensation raced into a 5–0 lead against Nijman, fully aware of the Dutchman’s strong record against him on the Development Tour. “I just wanted to prove that point and go into the lead,” he explained. “Backstage I said to myself: he’s going to kick on, he’s quality. I said I’d take an 8–2 or a 7–3 into the break. I got the 7–3 and then went on to win.”

Despite his dominance at the Slam — where matches now stretch to a best-of-31 legs — Littler insists he still relies on fast starts. “You know me, I like to get off to a quick start and get it over with as soon as possible,” he said, although he acknowledged the longer format offers breathing room. “Plenty of time to settle in.”

His next opponent is friend and fellow rising star Josh Rock, who he defeated in a dramatic Matchplay semi-final last summer. But Littler isn’t reading too much into that result or Rock’s below-par performance earlier in the night. “89 average — that isn’t Josh,” he said. “He’ll easily put another 10 or 15 points on that against me. I’ve got to expect it.”

Despite the pair’s close relationship offstage, Littler insists all camaraderie disappears once their match begins. “Backstage we’ll always chat and have a laugh, but once we’re on stage we’re enemies and we've got to do our job.”

Littler appeared surprised to learn he has a rest day before the quarter-finals — something he initially wasn’t thrilled about. “I just want to play day after day,” he admitted. “I played so well today and with it being first to 16 next, there's more darts to be played, more time to get the average and doubles up.” Nevertheless, he accepted a break may be beneficial before the business end of the tournament.

The teenager also addressed the growing perception that he carries an aura similar to legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. Littler was quick to downplay the idea. “I wouldn’t say so. Most of the time in the groups I’ve lost the bull. My mindset is always: quick break and hold, and I’m 2–0.”

With the race for world number one intensifying — and the World Championship’s million-pound prize right around the corner — Littler insisted he’s staying grounded. “It doesn’t really add pressure. I’ve still got a job to do,” he said. “Hopefully I can be world No. 1 going into the Worlds, but you can only beat what’s in front of you.”

He also dismissed any need to revamp the money-based ranking system. “It’s been the same for so many years — there’s no point changing it,” he said. “Whoever wins the Worlds will be No. 1 for a long time. Even on the Pro Tour, new tour card holders get five grand for a run; they’d be happy with that. So probably stick with the prize money.”

Littler praised Luke Humphries’ return to form despite the world number one’s recent injury scare. “He played very well — 110, 117 average, somewhere around that. I’ve seen he’s getting therapies, so hopefully he’s back. But I’ve just got to focus on my side of the draw.”

He also admitted he thrives on the big stage while struggling to enjoy the quieter atmosphere of the floor tournaments. “Everyone knows I hate the Pro Tours — all you hear is squeaky chairs and people chatting. I love the stage, I love producing it, especially when I’m playing like that.”

With another showdown against Rock looming, Littler is embracing the next chapter in one of darts’ most exciting emerging rivalries. “It’s going to be another great battle,” he said. “I’m sure Josh will be back. I’ve got to expect it coming.”