Luke Littler entered the Blackpool arena this year carrying the weight of a reigning champion’s expectations, and he has responded with a performance that far exceeds the ordinary. While a nine‑dart finish on the World Matchplay stage would normally be the highlight of any player’s career, for Littler it is merely the tip of an astonishing iceberg that continues to rise throughout 2026.
From the moment he stepped onto the oche, Littler demonstrated why he is considered the sport’s brightest star. The statistics that followed were nothing short of breathtaking. His averages hovered around the 109‑113 mark, a range that most professionals only dream of sustaining across an entire tournament. In one match he posted a 113 average, then dipped slightly to 109 before climbing back again, showing a consistency that is rare even among the elite.
These numbers are not just impressive on paper; they translate into a relentless pressure on his opponents, who often find themselves unable to keep pace with his scoring power and clinical finishing. Littler’s own words capture the calm confidence that has become his trademark. "I feel really good up on the stage.
Preparations beforehand have gone really well, just relaxing, playing and relaxing again. I am just glad I can perform on the biggest stages," he said after a particularly dominant display. He went on to explain, "I feel like I can.
Obviously a 109 average, a 113 and back down to a 109 average comes with the big finishes. The scoring power is there as well. As long as I can keep it up, I'm sure I will dominate. Next game, let's get it back up to the 113s." This mindset—combining relaxation with relentless ambition—has allowed him to maintain a level of play that many pundits describe as "frightening form." The next hurdle for Littler will be a clash with Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode, a player tasked with halting the Englishman's momentum.
To put the challenge into perspective, Littler’s recent victory over Rock marked his 27th consecutive match win that extended beyond 20 legs, a streak that underscores his stamina and mental fortitude in marathon encounters. Moreover, Littler is chasing a historic feat: becoming the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to retain the Blackpool title back‑to‑back. Van Gerwen’s 2016 run included victories in the World Darts Championship, the UK Open, the Premier League, and the Masters, and Littler now finds himself defending a similarly impressive haul that includes the Matchplay, Grand Slam, Grand Prix, and the Players Championship Finals. Sky Sports Darts commentator Mark Webster summed up the sentiment in a single, potent phrase directed at the Dutchman: "Good luck." He continued, "He can play in spells.
I say spells because he's been doing it all tournament. I was delighted for Josh because it was an improved performance and a 101 average but he lost by nine legs so it just shows how good Littler is.
He looks comfortable in every scenario. Good luck to Dirk on Saturday. It's a 111 tournament average. He's played almost 60 legs.
He's just too good! He's focused and relaxed.
He's by far the best player in the world. It's frightening form." The quarter‑finals will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Sky Sports Main Event and Action, featuring familiar faces and fresh storylines.
Gian van Veen will meet James Wade for the second consecutive year, with the world No. 3 seeking redemption after his 2025 loss to the enigmatic "Machine." Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price will take on Ross Smith, who advanced after Cameron Menzies withdrew from their second‑round encounter due to illness. These matchups add layers of intrigue to a tournament already brimming with high‑stakes drama. Beyond the immediate contests, Littler’s broader impact on the sport cannot be overstated.
His ability to combine high averages with a calm, almost meditative approach to preparation has set a new benchmark for professionalism in darts. Younger players now have a template for how to balance rigorous practice with mental relaxation, while seasoned veterans are forced to adapt to a competitor who seems to thrive under pressure rather than crumble.
Fans watching from home can follow every throw via NOW’s streaming service, which offers live coverage of darts alongside other top‑tier sports. The partnership with Sky Sports ensures that viewers will not miss a single moment of Littler’s quest to cement his legacy. Whether you are a casual observer or a die‑hard darts aficionado, the narrative unfolding in Blackpool this year promises to be one of the most compelling chapters in modern darts history.
In summary, Luke Littler’s campaign in Blackpool is defined by extraordinary statistics, a composed mindset, and an unyielding drive to rewrite the record books. As he prepares to face Dirk van Duijvenbode, the darts world holds its breath, awaiting to see whether Littler will secure a historic back‑to‑back victory and further solidify his status as the sport’s pre‑eminent talent. The stage is set, the lights are bright, and the "frightening form" that has become synonymous with Littler is ready to dazzle once more.