Luke Littler described his extraordinary performance at the World Matchplay as "one of the best weeks of my life" after he delivered a record‑shattering 18‑9 victory over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool. The 19‑year‑old’s run was a cascade of milestones that underscored his rapid ascent in the professional darts arena.
The week began with a stunning average of 109 in his opening match against Niko Springer, a figure that already signalled a high level of play. Littler then raised the bar dramatically in his second round, posting a 113 average and a perfect nine‑dart finish against former world champion Nathan Aspinall. That flawless leg not only thrilled the crowd but also placed him among a select group of players capable of achieving such precision on a major stage. Following the Aspinall encounter, Littler maintained his momentum with a 109 average against Josh Rock, demonstrating that his early brilliance was no fluke.
In the semi‑finals he faced Dirk van Duijvenbode, a seasoned competitor, and dispatched him with authority, further cementing his reputation as the tournament’s dominant force. The final against Gerwyn Price was historic on several fronts. Littler became the first player in ten years to successfully defend the World Matchplay title at the iconic Winter Gardens.
His winning average of 111.53 smashed the previous tournament record set by Phil Taylor in 2010, highlighting the exceptional quality of his darts throughout the event. In addition to the average, Littler recorded six finishes of 100 points or more and obliterated his own record for the most 180s in a single World Matchplay, hitting an astonishing 66 maximums over the course of the week. Financially, the triumph pushed Littler past the £3 million earnings threshold, a milestone that reflects both his on‑stage success and his growing marketability.
The prize money, combined with sponsorship and appearance fees, bolsters his ambition to capture every ranked major in a single calendar year—a feat that would place him alongside the sport’s legends. Speaking to Sky Sports after the final, Littler reflected on the intensity of the week: "It has been a crazy week – it has been one of the best weeks of my life. The darts I have played have not been easy.
The stats may make it look simple, but performing on this stage under the heat and pressure is anything but easy. I have thrown some of the best darts of my career." He also looked back on his journey, noting how far he has come since a first‑round defeat to Michael van Gerwen two years earlier.
"Two years ago I lost early to Michael, which was a tough result. Over the last two years I’ve come back with my family’s support and we’ve done it again. I feel like I’m the best version of myself right now; I’ve just been playing so well," he said. Littler’s ambitions extend beyond the Matchplay.
He revealed that a successful defence would set his sights on the Pro Tour, where he must compete in several events in Leicester to keep his clean‑sweep hopes alive. "If I defend this title, the next step is the Pro Tour to try for a complete sweep, which includes defending my Players Championship Finals win in Minehead," he explained.
This shift in schedule means a planned trip to Spain has been swapped for a series of Leicester events, a change that his father reportedly isn’t thrilled about. Looking ahead, Littler’s calendar is packed with high‑profile tournaments. The next televised major is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September to 4 October at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, where he will defend the crown he won last year by beating Luke Humphries in the double‑in, double‑out format.
Following that, he will compete in the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton (14‑22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December to 3 January), both broadcast live on Sky Sports. In each of these events, Littler aims to retain his titles and further solidify his status as the sport’s leading figure. Beyond the numbers and trophies, Littler’s week was a narrative of resilience, precision, and youthful confidence. His ability to sustain high averages, deliver perfect legs, and break long‑standing records demonstrates a maturity beyond his years.
As he prepares for the upcoming Pro Tour fixtures and the next wave of majors, the darts world will be watching closely to see if he can indeed complete the unprecedented clean‑sweep that would define his career as one of the greatest in the history of the game.