Luke Littler described his astonishing run 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 triumph capped a whirlwind of historic performances that saw the 19‑year‑old set multiple new benchmarks throughout the tournament.
Littler’s week began with a superb display against Niko Springer, where he posted a 109 three‑dart average – an impressive figure for any professional, let alone a teenager making his mark on the sport’s biggest stages. He then elevated his game even further in the next round, delivering a 113 average and a perfect nine‑dart finish while facing Nathan Aspinall. Such a combination of high scoring and surgical precision is rare, and it signalled that Littler was not merely participating but dominating.
The momentum continued as he faced Josh Rock, again posting a 109 average, before moving on to the semi‑finals where he dismantled Dirk van Duijvenbode. Each match added another layer to his growing legend, but the climax arrived when he faced Gerwyn Price in the final.
By winning 18‑9, Littler not only secured the title but also became the first player in ten years to retain the World Matchplay crown at the historic Winter Gardens. In the final, Littler recorded an astonishing 111.53 three‑dart average, eclipsing the previous tournament record set by the legendary Phil Taylor in 2010.
This new benchmark underscored Littler’s consistency and his ability to thrive under the intense pressure of a televised major. His scoring spree didn’t stop there; he compiled six finishes of 100 or more points and smashed his own tournament record for maximums, hitting a staggering 66 180s over the course of the week. Beyond the numbers, the financial rewards were equally impressive.
The run pushed Littler past the £3 million earnings mark, a milestone that not only reflects his on‑stage success but also fuels his ambition to claim every ranked major in a single calendar year. Such a clean‑sweep would place him in an elite group of players who have dominated a season across all formats.
When asked by Sky Sports about his feelings, 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 earlier career, recalling a first‑round loss to Michael van Gerwen two years earlier, and noting how far he has come: "The last two years, I have come here with the family and we have done it again. It is definitely, I feel like it is the best version of myself. I have just been playing so well." Looking ahead, Littler explained that defending his World Matchplay title is only the first step toward a potential calendar‑year sweep.
He will need to head to the Pro Tour events to secure the remaining majors, including the Players Championship Finals in Minehead. This shift in schedule means a change of plans for his family: "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. He added that his focus remains on the rankings and qualification pathways: "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." The next televised PDC major on the calendar is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September to 4 October at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester.
Littler enters that event as the defending champion after beating Luke Humphries in the previous year’s double‑in, double‑out format. Following the Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton (14‑22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December to 3 January) will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports, giving Littler further opportunities to retain his titles and inch closer to a historic season. In summary, Luke Littler’s performance at the 2026 World Matchplay was a masterclass in consistency, high scoring, and mental fortitude. By breaking long‑standing records, amassing a record number of 180s, and securing a lucrative prize fund, he has cemented his status as one of the sport’s brightest young talents.
His ambition to dominate every major this year adds an extra layer of intrigue, and fans will be watching closely as he embarks on the next leg of his quest, starting with the Pro Tour events in Leicester and moving on to the upcoming televised majors. The darts world is poised for what could be a landmark year in the sport’s history, with Littler at the very centre of the narrative.