Luke Littler described his unforgettable campaign at the World Matchplay as "one of the best weeks of my life" after he produced a record‑shattering 18‑9 victory over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool. The 19‑year‑old’s performance was not just a single flash of brilliance; it was the culmination of a series of historic milestones that unfolded over the course of a single tournament. Littler opened his week with a stunning 109 average in a match against Niko Springer, immediately signalling that he was in extraordinary form.
He then raised the bar even higher when he faced Nathan Aspinall, posting a 113 average and delivering a perfect nine‑dart finish – a rare feat that underscored his rising dominance on the PDC circuit. The momentum continued as he recorded another 109 average against Josh Rock, before dismantling Dirk van Duijvenbode in the semi‑finals with a display that left spectators and commentators alike in awe.
In the final, Littler made history by becoming the first player in ten years to retain the World Matchplay title at the iconic Winter Gardens. His 111.53 average not only secured the championship but also smashed the tournament’s scoring record, which had stood since Phil Taylor set it in 2010.
This achievement added another chapter to Littler’s remarkable run of winning every PDC televised major in 2026. Beyond the averages, Littler’s week was packed with statistical marvels. He recorded six finishes of over 100 points and shattered his own tournament record for 180s, hitting an astonishing 66 maximums throughout the event. These numbers are not just impressive on paper; they reflect a level of consistency and precision that few players have ever maintained over a single major.
Financially, the triumph also pushed Littler past the £3 million earnings threshold, a milestone that fuels his ambition to capture every ranked major within a calendar year. The prospect of a clean sweep now feels within reach, especially as he eyes the upcoming Pro Tour events that will determine his eligibility for future titles. When asked by Sky Sports about his experience, Littler said, "It has been a crazy week – it has been one of the best weeks of my life.
The darts I have played – it has not been easy. It has been tough.
The stats may look like it is easy but when you are on this stage, it is hot, it is not easy. I have played some of the best darts of my life." He reflected on his journey, noting that just two years earlier he suffered a first‑round defeat to Michael van Gerwen, a result that seemed a distant memory after his recent triumphs. "The last two years, I have come here with the family and we have done it again," he added, emphasizing the personal significance of the victory.
Looking ahead, Littler revealed that defending his World Matchplay crown has set his sights on a broader goal: completing a clean sweep of all major titles. To achieve this, he must now turn his attention to the Pro Tour events, beginning with a series of tournaments in Leicester rather than the originally planned trip to Spain. "I don't think my dad is too happy because we were meant to be going to Spain but now we will be going to Leicester for some Pro Tours," he joked, acknowledging the logistical shift. He explained the stakes: "Coming into the tournament I had won every major so far so this is what I wanted to do.
I have been checking the Pro Tour rankings. I know there is four in Leicester I have got to go to now. If I don't qualify I will get grilled, if I qualify I will get grilled anyway so who knows what is going to happen." This candid admission highlights the pressure he feels to maintain his unbeaten run across all major events.
The next major on the calendar is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September to 4 October at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester. Littler will enter as the defending champion after his victory over Luke Humphries in the previous year's 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 defend his titles. In summary, Luke Littler’s week at the World Matchplay was a tour de force of high averages, record‑breaking scores, and historic achievements.
His 111.53 average, 66 maximums, and six ton‑plus finishes set new standards for the tournament, while his emotional reflections reveal a young player who is both humbled by his success and driven to push the boundaries of what is possible in professional darts. As he moves onto the Pro Tour and prepares for the upcoming majors, the darts world will be watching closely to see if he can indeed complete the elusive clean sweep of every ranked major in a single year.