Luke Littler capped an extraordinary title defence at the World Matchplay Darts with a commanding 18-9 triumph over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool. The 19‑year‑old prodigy produced a staggering 111.53 average and rattled off twelve 180s, delivering a masterclass against the 2022 runner‑up. His performance featured six finishes of 100 or more, cementing his place as only the fourth player ever to claim back‑to‑back World Matchplay crowns. The match appeared destined to be even more lopsided when Littler surged ahead to an 11‑3 lead.
Price, who had averaged an impressive 104.97 throughout the tournament, fought valiantly but ultimately recorded his second runner‑up finish in four years. Throughout the week at the Winter Gardens, Littler maintained an average of 109 or higher in every one of his five matches, shattering the tournament’s scoring record that had stood since Phil Taylor set it in 2010. This flawless run extended his streak of winning every PDC televised major in 2026.
Littler also broke his own record for the most 180s in a single Matchplay event and widened his lead at the top of the PDC Order of Merit by reclaiming the Phil Taylor Trophy and the £225,000 first‑place prize. He surpassed the £3 million earnings mark during his journey to the final, and this latest victory fuels his ambition to sweep every ranked major within a calendar year. Prior to the final, Price insisted he could match Littler’s best form, but the "Ice Man" could not keep pace with his younger opponent in what turned out to be a historic showdown.
The opening three legs went with the throw, after which Littler produced a sensational 167 checkout – his first bull‑seye finish of the tournament – followed by a 110 finish to hold throw and establish a 4‑1 advantage, even as Price posted an average above 109 in that short spell. Littler then added consecutive 11‑dart legs, and when Price held his throw in the next leg, Littler responded with a third ton‑plus finish within the first nine legs, widening the gap further with a blistering scoring burst. The world No. 1 delivered finishes of 128 and 127, completing a four‑leg streak in just 47 darts and pushing the score to 11‑3.
Price attempted a comeback by taking a series of successive legs, but Littler’s momentum proved unstoppable. Even as Price kept the deficit to within six legs, the 19‑year‑old unleashed another devastating surge, hitting a spectacular 148 checkout before breaking Price’s throw in the following leg.
Littler then sealed the match with an 81 finish on the bullseye, confirming a historic victory in emphatic style. The win marked Littler’s tenth consecutive triumph over Price and his 28th straight victory in PDC majors that extend beyond 20 legs – a run that dates back to the 2024 World Championship final. His record‑breaking display sends a clear warning to rivals as the season progresses.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Littler reflected on his achievement: "It’s been a crazy week – one of the best weeks of my life. The darts I’ve thrown don’t look easy on the stats sheet, but playing on this stage is intense and demanding. I’ve played some of the best darts of my career and feel like I’m the best version of myself right now." Price, also interviewed by Sky Sports, praised his opponent: "Luke is one in a million.
I think I played pretty decent, though I missed a few chances. That 167 checkout early on was a huge turning point. 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 is, because I would have taken a few more tournaments." He added, "I could have taken a few more legs, but his finishing was effortless.
I hope nobody else emerges like him because he’s ridiculous! It’s been a great week for me, but I’m a little gutted." Looking ahead, the next PDC‑ranked televised major is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September to 4 October at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Littler will return as defending champion after last year’s victory over Luke Humphries in the double‑in, double‑out format. Further major events on the calendar include the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton from 14 to 22 November and the World Darts Championship from 10 December to 3 January, both also airing on Sky Sports. Littler will be aiming to retain his titles at these prestigious tournaments, while fans can follow all the action via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, videos, analysis, and more.
The dominance displayed by Littler in Blackpool underscores a new era in professional darts, where youthful precision and relentless scoring are reshaping the competitive landscape. His ability to combine high averages with a prolific number of 180s, while maintaining composure in crucial checkout moments, sets a benchmark that will challenge his peers for years to come.