In a stunning post-match press conference that has sent shockwaves through the darting world, Dutch star Wessel Nijman has openly declared that he can beat World Number One Luke Littler—but only if the teenage sensation plays “without cheating.”
The incendiary comments came moments after Nijman produced the performance of his career at the World Matchplay, dismantling a top-16 seed with a sensational 106 average to storm into the quarter-finals at the Winter Gardens.
However, the spotlight quickly shifted from Nijman’s 180s to his verbal arrows. When asked about a potential future showdown with the 19-year-old prodigy, Nijman did not hold back.
“I can beat Luke Littler if he plays without cheating,” Nijman stated bluntly, his expression cold. “Everyone sees it. The way he takes his time, the way he walks back from the board. He knows exactly what he is doing. It’s gamesmanship, pure and simple.”
Nijman, 24, who has long been touted as one of the most talented players on the PDC circuit, accused Littler of using disruptive tactics to break his opponents’ rhythm—specifically referencing the youngster’s deliberate pacing and occasional glances at the crowd during crucial moments.
“When you are on a 12-darter and he steps up, takes a sip of water, adjusts his flights, and stares at the floor for ten seconds—that is not focus. That is cheating,” Nijman continued. “If he stands there and throws his darts like a man, straight up, no games, I back myself 100 percent. My scoring power is equal to his. My finishing is better. I am not afraid of him. I am afraid of the theatre he brings.”
The outburst has drawn immediate backlash from fans and pundits alike, with many labeling Nijman’s comments as “sour grapes” and “delusional.” Littler, who has taken the darts world by storm since his historic World Championship run, is currently averaging over 103 on the year and has won four of his last five meetings against Dutch opponents.
Littler, who was not present at the press conference, later took to social media with a cryptic two-word response: “Keep throwing.”
Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle reacted with disbelief on air. “I’ve heard a lot of things in darts, but accusing Luke Littler—perhaps the most naturally gifted thrower we have ever seen—of cheating is utter madness. Luke plays at a tempo that is his own. It’s not gamesmanship; it’s dominance. Wessel has just beaten a top player, and instead of celebrating, he’s looking for excuses against a kid he hasn’t even faced in a major final.”
Statistics show that Littler’s average time per dart is well within PDC regulations, and no referee has ever issued a warning for slow play against the world number one.
Nijman, however, remained defiant. “Call it what you want. The crowd loves him, the media loves him. But I see the gaps. When I am on my game, I take out 170s for fun. I am not here to be his friend. I am here to win. If he stands there and throws straight—no tricks, no delays—I will beat him. Mark my words.”
The PDC is unlikely to take any disciplinary action against Nijman for his comments, though officials have privately expressed disappointment at the unfounded accusation.
For now, Nijman has earned the right to talk—his form at Blackpool has been nothing short of electric. But if he wants to back up his bold claim, he will have to navigate a brutal draw and hope that Littler does the same on the opposite side of the bracket.
Should that final showdown materialize, the Winter Gardens will not just be witnessing a darting battle—it will be witnessing a grudge match for the ages. And if Nijman loses, he will have no one to blame but the board.