The Great Darts Exodus: Why Littler, MVG, and FIVE Former World Champs Are Skipping Austria

By Lewis Barnett 25 April, 2025 5 mins read 80 Views

I'm still laughing about this. Last night I texted my buddy who's a massive darts fan with "guess who's NOT showing up in Austria this weekend?" He sent back a string of question marks, and I dropped the bomb: practically everyone who matters.

The darts calendar has become an absolute mess. Like, genuinely ridiculous. And now we're seeing the fallout with Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, and a bunch of other heavy hitters giving the Austrian Darts Open a hard pass this weekend.

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The Teenage Sensation Needs a Nap

Littler - who's been absolutely everywhere since his World Championship run - looks completely gassed. The kid (and yes, he's still a kid at 17) went deep into last weekend's German Darts Grand Prix before getting knocked out in the semis by Gian van Veen. Remember when he changed his darts mid-match after going down 3-0? Desperate times.

After that loss, Littler basically admitted he shouldn't have even been there. Brutal honesty.

Then came the Premier League night in Liverpool where he somehow managed to blow a 4-0 lead against MVG, eventually losing 6-5. That's gotta sting.

The Nuke hasn't officially said why he's skipping Austria, but his recent interviews scream "I need a break before I collapse." His World Cup spot is looking shaky too, with Stephen Bunting likely to step in.

Cool Hand Luke Feeling... Nothing?

World number one Luke Humphries is missing his second straight weekend of competition. This one actually worries me. Humphries recently made some pretty concerning comments about feeling "emotionless" at the oche and seeing darts as a "chore."

Back in 2024, Humphries absolutely demolished MVG 8-1 in the German final. Now he's not even showing up to defend titles. That's how you know something's off.

I watched his interview last month where he talked about becoming "robotic" and honestly... the guy looks completely burnt out. Professional darts has become this relentless grind, and even the World Champ isn't immune.

MVG's Gone Fishing (Or Whatever the Dutch Do on Holiday)

The Green Machine just won the German Darts Grand Prix last weekend but won't be in Austria. He's already announced he's skipping the World Cup because he'll be on holiday.

Can't blame him. At 36, with three World Championships and pretty much every other trophy in existence, MVG has earned teh right to pick and choose his schedule.

Why Is Everyone Jumping Ship?

Simple answer: logistics and fatigue.

These guys were all in Liverpool for Premier League night 12 on Thursday, and the Austrian event kicks off Friday. Getting to Premstätten is a nightmare - requires a stopover, and after months of non-stop darting, who needs that headache?

Listen. The PDC has created this monster schedule, and now they're seeing the consequences. Top players voting with their feet.

The Missing Champions Club

It's not just Littler, Humphries and MVG. The no-show list reads like a who's who of darts:

Gerwyn Price - The Iceman just won night 12 of the Premier League but is giving Austria the cold shoulder. (Sorry, couldn't resist that one.)

Rob Cross - Voltage won't be powering up in Premstätten either. The 2018 World Champ has slipped below Bunting in the Order of Merit now.

Gary Anderson - The Flying Scotsman isn't flying to Austria. The two-time back-to-back World Champ (2015-16) usually shows up for European events, but not this time.

That's SIX massive names. Gone.

What's Left of This Tournament?

Stephen Bunting will be there, at least. Currently sitting fourth in the Order of Merit and probably practicing nine-darters in his hotel room as we speak.

I spent $200 on tickets to a darts event last year where three top players withdrew last minute. Still salty about that. But these guys are human, not machines.

The schedule is what it is. And what it is... is broken.

Something's gotta give before we see more top players burning out completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

How often should I replace my dartboard?

A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.

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 far should I stand from the dartboard?

The official throwing distance is 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters) measured from the face of the board to the oche (throwing line). In American darts, this distance is sometimes 8 feet, so check local rules if you're playing in the States.

What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?

The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.

Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?

Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.

Statistics

A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.
In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.

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How To

Common Problems & How I Fixed Them

Inconsistent grouping was my biggest issue for years. The solution? I recorded my throw in slow motion and noticed I was dropping my elbow at different heights. Once I fixed that, my grouping tightened up immediately.