THE Dutch Darts Championship will take place this week, but a huge name will not feature.

Teenage sensation Luke Littler is not among the star-studded field competing in the Netherlands.

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But home favourite Michael van Gerwen will be in action, looking to add to his German Darts Grand Prix title on familiar soil.

Luke Humphries goes into the tournament as top seed as Cool Hand attempts to end his drought on the European Tour.

Defending champion Josh Rock returns after he beat Jonny Clayton 8-4 to win the Dutch Darts Championship last year.

All the stars in the field will be boosted by the absence of Littler - but what's the reason behind the world champion not playing?

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Why is Luke Littler not playing in Dutch Darts Championship 2025?

Luke Littler will be missing from the Dutch Darts Championship this week after the teenage sensation opted to skip the event in Rosmalen.

The world champion has also chosen to bypass next week's European Darts Open in Germany.

While an official reason behind Littler's absence hasn't been revealed, it will likely be due to the Nuke's hectic schedule, and with a busy summer ahead, the 18-year-old has decided to take the next two weekends off.

Littler may feature in European Tour events more once the Premier League Darts season is over.

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The competition concludes on Thursday, May 29, with finals night at London's O2 Arena.

Littler has qualified for the showpiece and will be aiming to defend his Premier League title at the end of the month.