Luke Littler branded ‘smug’ by PDC star after leaving darts rival bemused
Luke Littler has been branded ‘arrogant’ by a fellow PDC pro as their bitter feud risked being reignited after the latest comments in the build-up to the World Championship
Luke Littler has been labelled ‘arrogant’ by Ricardo Pietreczko, risking reigniting their ongoing feud. The German arrowsmith has previously locked horns with Littler and admits he’s still not won over by the teenage sensation.
The pair first made headlines when they clashed during the semi-final of the Belgian Darts Open last year. Pietreczko took exception to Littler’s unorthodox approach to finishing 147, which sparked a heated exchange afterwards and an icy handshake between the duo.
Following that match, the German star launched a scathing attack on social media, expressing his hope that Littler’s approach would eventually backfire.
They’ve faced off several times since, most recently at the 2025 Players Championship Finals in Minehead. Despite Littler securing a 10-6 victory, dropped legs from the teenage sensation made it a gruelling battle that only added fuel to their rivalry.
After the match, the 18-year-old revealed how his rival had boasted about being shocked to claim five legs, having only anticipated winning one. A frustrated Littler responded: “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.”
Speaking at a press conference before the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, Pietreczko tried to clarify matters by stating: “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.”
Regarding the Minehead controversy specifically, he explained: “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.”
Whilst the 31-year-old appeared keen to defuse the situation, he remained brutally frank in his evaluation of Littler, once again criticising his conduct.
He added: “As far as Luke’s demeanour is concerned, I still think he comes across as a bit arrogant. But the way he plays, he can get away with it sometimes.”
This comes before the World Darts Championship, which Littler will be seeking to defend following his victory earlier this year. Should he wish to retain his title, the teenager must perform at peak level – something he failed to achieve when falling to Michael van Gerwen in the International Darts Cup final.
The three-time world champion issued a cautionary note to the world number one and number two Luke Humphries following his victory. Van Gerwen stated: “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.
“My game is getting there, but it takes time. Everyone knows where I am coming from. As I’ve said before it’s been a really tough period, but I am still a positive man and that is really important.”
Littler will kick off the tournament against Darius Labanauskas in the first match, while Humphries faces Ted Evetts and Van Gerwen squares off against Mitsuhiko Tatsunami.
