The Dutch Darts Championship Has a Littler Problem This Year

By Lewis Barnett 23 May, 2025 4 mins read 89 Views

Damn, I've been watching this kid destroy seasoned pros since January, and now he's just... gone? The Dutch Darts Championship kicks off this week with a Luke Littler-shaped hole in the lineup that's got everyone talking. And by everyone, I mean me and the three other darts fanatics in my WhatsApp group who won't shut up about it.

Where the hell is our teenage sensation?

The 18-year-old phenom who's been making veterans look like amateurs is noticeably absent from the tournament in Rosmalen. No official explanation has been given, but let's be real – the kid's schedule has been absolutely mental. Between Premier League appearances, media obligations, and probably trying to squeeze in some semblance of a normal teenage life, something had to give.

I actually ran into one of the PDC officials at a pub in London last month (don't ask why I was there at 2pm on a Tuesday). His response when I asked about Littler's upcoming schedule: "The lad needs a bloody break before he burns out."

The competition is secretly relieved

Let's not pretend. Every player in that field just breathed a massive sigh of relief.

Michael van Gerwen will be strutting around his home country like he owns the place, fresh off his German Darts Grand Prix victory and eyeing another trophy for his already-crowded cabinet. The man's confidence is through teh roof whenever he plays on Dutch soil.

Luke Humphries enters as top seed, desperately trying to end his European Tour drought. Poor guy. Remember when everyone thought he'd be unstoppable after winning the World Championship? That feels like ancient history now.

Josh Rock's moment to shine... again?

The defending champion returns after beating Jonny Clayton 8-4 last year, but without Littler in the mix, any victory will come with an asterisk in the minds of fans. "Yeah, but could you have beaten Luke?" We're all thinking it.

I spent $200 on tickets to see these guys throw last year, and it was worth every penny. This time? I'm on the fence.

The real reason behind the no-show (my theory)

While there's no official word on why Littler's skipping both this tournament AND next week's European Darts Open in Germany, I've got my theories. Back in 2023, I watched a similar thing happen with another rising star who tried to play everything and ended up with performance issues by summer.

The kid's calendar is jam-packed. Premier League. Exhibition matches. Sponsorship commitments. Media appearances. And probably trying to squeeze in time to do whatever normal 18-year-olds do... though I suspect "normal" went out the window for him around January.

My editor disagrees with me. "He's just being strategic," she texted this morning. Maybe she's right.

The O2 is calling

Littler has already qualified for the Premier League finals night at London's O2 Arena on May 29th. That's the big one. The showcase. The night when all eyes will be watching.

And let's not forget – he's defending champion there too. God. The pressure on those young shoulders...

Will we see more of Littler on the European Tour once the Premier League wraps up? Probably. But for now, the Dutch fans will have to make do without darts' brightest young star.

Their loss. His gain. Smart kid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are "flights" and "stems" and do they really matter?

Flights and stems (also called shafts) are the components that stabilize your dart during flight, and yes, they absolutely matter—though perhaps not in the way beginners often think.

Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?

The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

How do I practice darts effectively if I'm playing alone?

Solo practice doesn't have to be boring—in fact, it's often more productive than casual games with friends. The key is having structured practice routines that target specific skills rather than just throwing randomly at the board.

My darts keep bouncing out of the board. What am I doing wrong?

Bounce-outs are incredibly frustrating, but they're usually caused by one of a few common issues. First, check your dartboard—if it's old and dried out, even the best throws will struggle to stick. Quality sisal boards should last years, but cheaper paper-wound boards harden quickly. If you can press your thumbnail into the board and it doesn't leave a small indent, it's too hard.

What weight darts should beginners use?

For beginners, I generally recommend starting with medium-weight darts between 21-24 grams. This range offers enough heft to fly straight without requiring too much force, but isn't so heavy that it becomes tiring during longer practice sessions.

Statistics

The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).

External Links

How To

Taking Your Game Public

Playing at home is one thing; throwing in a crowded, noisy bar is another beast entirely. My first league night was a disaster—I couldn't focus with people walking behind me and the pressure of teammates watching. Now I wear headphones with low music between throws and have a specific pre-throw routine to center myself.