Luke Littler blasted as 'arrogant' by darts rival as World Championship creeps closer

The comment ensures the tension between the pair, already simmering for more than a year, will remain firmly in the spotlight as Littler prepares to defend his title.

Their feud first erupted at the 2024 Belgian Darts Open, when Pietreczko took offence at Littler’s unconventional 147 finish.

What followed was an icy handshake, a terse exchange, and a furious social-media outburst from the German, who declared he hoped one day Littler’s “behaviour” would cost him.

The rivalry resurfaced last month at the 2025 Players Championship Finals in Minehead.

Littler won 10-6, but an error-strewn display frustrated the teenager - particularly after Pietreczko reportedly mocked him during their backstage interactions.

Littler later explained: “He said he was shocked to win five legs because he thought he’d only get one.

"In my head I’m just like: what are you on about? I genuinely said to myself, you’re getting it. I’m going to win this now. And I did.”

Pietreczko has since attempted to row back on the Minehead tension, arguing that his post-match remark was intended as humour rather than disrespect.

At his pre-tournament press conference, he said: “I think it was made bigger by the media than it actually was.

"We were relaxed with each other and had fun backstage. I think you could also see that I had a lot of fun on stage.

“I said, ‘I’m glad I survived the two sessions. I was just hoping to get one leg—now I’m standing here with five.’ It was meant as a joke, just the way I am. And Luke apparently took it differently.”

Despite the conciliatory tone, Pietreczko then delivered the line that ensured the feud will not be forgotten.

“As far as Luke’s demeanour is concerned, I still think he comes across as a bit arrogant,” he said.

“But the way he plays, he can get away with it sometimes.”

It is an assessment certain to draw reaction in a sport where Littler’s meteoric rise has already invited intense scrutiny.

The teenager enters Alexandra Palace as reigning champion, though he has not been flawless in recent weeks - most notably falling to Michael van Gerwen in the International Darts Cup final.

Van Gerwen, meanwhile, used his own victory to issue a warning to both Littler and world No 2 Luke Humphries: “The reality is I'm not the favourite this year.

"Luke and Luke are playing better than me at the moment, so I have to step up. It’s as simple as that.

“The World Championship is a different animal - the crowds, the stage, the atmosphere, the media attention.

"It is a different type of pressure, and it's always nice to chase someone. It’s easier than being hunted.”