Luke Littler wrapped up an extraordinary defence of his World Matchplay Darts crown with a commanding 18-9 triumph over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come. The 19‑year‑old prodigy posted an astonishing average of 111.53, hit a staggering twelve 180s and recorded six finishes of 100 points or more, cementing his place as only the fourth player ever to claim consecutive World Matchplay titles. From the outset Littler seemed destined to run away with the match.
He surged to an 11-3 lead, a margin that suggested an even larger final scoreline. Price, who had averaged 104.97 throughout the tournament and was the 2022 runner‑up, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, marking his second runner‑up finish in four years. Littler’s consistency was remarkable; he maintained an average of 109 or higher in each of his five matches at the Winter Gardens, shattering the tournament’s scoring record previously held by Phil Taylor since 2010.
This dominant week added another PDC TV major to his growing 2026 résumé. Littler also broke his own record for the most 180s in a single World Matchplay event and extended his lead at the top of the PDC Order of Merit by reclaiming the Phil Taylor Trophy and the £225,000 first‑place prize. His earnings during the tournament surpassed the £3 million mark, a milestone that fuels his ambition to capture every ranked major within a single calendar year.
Ahead of the final, Price claimed he was prepared to bring his "A‑game" and believed he could outplay Littler. The reality on the oche told a different story.
The opening three legs went with the throw, after which Littler produced a spectacular 167 checkout – his first bullseye finish of the tournament – and followed it with a 110 finish to take a 4‑1 lead, even as Price averaged over 109 in that short burst. Littler continued to pile pressure, delivering back‑to‑back 11‑dart legs and a third ton‑plus finish within the first nine legs of the match. He then unleashed a scoring avalanche, hitting 128 and 127 finishes and completing a four‑leg streak in just 47 darts, which pushed the score to 11‑3.
Price tried to claw back, winning a few consecutive legs, but Littler’s momentum proved unstoppable. The champion stayed within six legs of his opponent before launching a decisive late surge.
He finished a breathtaking 148 checkout and then broke Price’s throw with an 81 finish on the bullseye, sealing the victory in emphatic fashion. This win marked Littler’s tenth straight triumph over Price and his 28th consecutive win in PDC majors that extend beyond 20 legs – a streak that began at the 2024 World Championship final. The world No.
1’s record‑breaking display sent a clear warning to his rivals as the season progresses. Speaking to Sky Sports, an exhilarated Littler reflected on the week: "It has been a crazy week – one of the best weeks of my life. The darts I have thrown haven’t been easy. The stats might make it look simple, but playing on this stage is intense and demanding.
I have thrown some of the best darts of my career. I feel like I’m the best version of myself right now – I’ve just been playing incredibly well!" Price, meanwhile, praised his opponent while lamenting his own missed chances: "Luke is one in a million. I think I played pretty decent, but I missed a couple of opportunities. The 167 checkout was a huge turning point early in the game.
If anyone wants to boo this kid, there’s something wrong with them – he’s fantastic for the sport. I wish he wasn’t as good as he was, because I would have won a few more tournaments. I probably could have taken a few more legs, but his finishing was effortless.
I hope there’s nobody else like him coming through, because he is ridiculous! It was a great week for me but I’m a little bit gutted." Looking ahead, Littler’s calendar remains packed with high‑profile PDC events. The next televised major is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September to 4 October at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, where he will defend the title he captured last year by beating Luke Humphries in the double‑in, double‑out format. Following that, the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton (14‑22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December‑3 January) will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering Littler further opportunities to retain his crowns and continue his quest for a calendar‑year sweep of all major titles.
Fans can stay updated on the latest darts news, video highlights, analysis and more by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp. The ongoing dominance of Luke Littler, combined with his record‑breaking performances and youthful charisma, promises to keep the sport in the spotlight throughout the remainder of the season.