The new dart king returns: can Littler conquer Amsterdam again? "It would mean the world to go back-to-back"

The 2025 World Series of Darts Finals kicks off Friday in Amsterdam, where reigning champion Luke Littler will defend his title. The event will take place Sept. 12 to 14 at the AFAS Live.

Last year, Littler recorded a hard-fought 6-5 victory over Ross Smith in the first round, before beating Raymond van Barneveld 6-4. Then 'The Nuke' won 10-7 over Chris Dobey, before taking out Michael van Gerwen 11-4 after a sensational match. In the final, Littler beat Michael Smith 11-4.

He opens his campaign against Simon Whitlock, the Australian veteran who already played a World Championship final in 2012 and won the World Cup with Damon Heta in 2022. "This will be the first time I've played Simon, and I'm sure it will be a good game," Littler told the PDC website looking ahead.

His memories of last year are still vivid. "Last year was a brilliant tournament for me. The highlight probably had to be the Michael van Gerwen game [in the semi-finals], and it would mean the world to go back-to-back. I've won it before so I know how to win it, and I'm in really good form at the minute."

That confidence is fueled by his recent performances. Littler travels to Amsterdam with an impressive run under his belt. After winning the World Matchplay in July, Littler was also the best twice at the World Series tournaments in Australia and New Zealand. After the summer break, the 18-year-old teenage sensation also took the title at the Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp.

"Doing the double Down Under was great for me, and I'm coming off the back of a good European Tour win in Antwerp, so I'm really looking forward to this weekend," he said.