Luke Littler wrapped up an extraordinary title defence at the World Matchplay Darts with a commanding 18-9 triumph over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool, confirming his status as the sport’s rising star. The 19‑year‑old produced a staggering 111.53 three‑dart average and rattled off twelve 180s, delivering a masterclass against the 2022 runner‑up. His six ton‑plus finishes in the high‑scoring final made him only the fourth player ever to claim consecutive World Matchplay crowns. The match appeared destined to be even more lopsided when Littler surged ahead to an 11‑3 lead.
Price, who averaged an impressive 104.97 throughout the tournament, fought valiantly but ultimately suffered his second runner‑up finish in four years. Littler’s consistency was evident across all five of his matches at the Winter Gardens, where he never dipped below a 109 average and shattered the tournament’s scoring record—a benchmark previously set by Phil Taylor in 2010.
This record‑breaking run extended his perfect streak of winning every PDC televised major in 2026. In addition to the trophy, Littler reclaimed the Phil Taylor Trophy and the £225,000 first‑place prize, having already crossed the £3 million earnings mark on his way to the final.
His haul bolsters his ambition to capture every ranked major within a single calendar year. The young champion also surpassed his own record for the most 180s in a World Matchplay, cementing his dominance at the top of the PDC Order of Merit. Price entered the final confident, insisting he could outplay Littler when he was at his "A‑game." The reality, however, was far from his expectations.
The opening three legs went with the throw, after which Littler produced a spectacular 167 checkout—his first bullseye finish of the tournament—followed by a 110 finish to hold throw and establish a 4‑1 advantage, even as Price posted a mini‑session average exceeding 109. Littler then delivered back‑to‑back 11‑dart legs, extending his lead with a third ton‑plus finish in the opening nine legs.
A burst of extraordinary scoring saw him hit 128 and 127 finishes, taking only 47 darts to complete a four‑leg streak that pushed the score to 11‑3. Price attempted a comeback, winning a couple of consecutive legs, but Littler responded with a devastating late surge.
He hit a brilliant 148 checkout, broke Price’s throw in the next leg, and sealed the victory with an 81 finish on the bullseye. The win marked Littler’s tenth straight victory over Price and his 28th consecutive win in PDC major matches that extend beyond 20 legs—a streak that began at the 2024 World Championship final. The world No.
1’s record‑breaking performance sent a clear message to his rivals as the season progresses. Speaking to Sky Sports, Littler described the week as "crazy" and "one of the best weeks of my life," acknowledging the difficulty of playing at such a high level on the big stage. "The stats might make it look easy, but the pressure is intense.
I’ve played some of the best darts of my career and feel like I’m the best version of myself right now," he said. Price, meanwhile, praised his opponent, calling Littler "one in a million" and admitting that a missed opportunity early in the match—specifically the 167 checkout—proved pivotal. "If anyone wants to boo this kid there is 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," Price joked, adding that Littler’s finishing was "effortless" and expressing a mix of admiration and disappointment.
Looking ahead, the next PDC televised major is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September–4 October at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, where Littler will defend his title after beating Luke Humphries in the previous year’s double‑in, double‑out format. 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, giving Littler further opportunities to retain his crowns.
Fans can stay updated with Sky Sports via WhatsApp for the latest news, video highlights, analysis, and more. The continued success of Luke Littler not only reshapes the competitive landscape of professional darts but also promises an exciting narrative for the remainder of the 2026 season, as he aims to complete a historic sweep of every major title on the calendar.