Luke Littler described his extraordinary performance at the World Matchplay as "one of the best weeks of my life" after he secured a record‑shattering 18‑9 victory over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool. The triumph was the culmination of a whirlwind of milestones that saw the 19‑year‑old set new standards at virtually every stage of the tournament. The week began with a flawless display against Niko Springer, where Littler posted a 109 average – a figure that would have impressed any seasoned professional. He then elevated his game even further in the next round, delivering a stunning 113 average and a perfect nine‑dart finish against Nathan Aspinall.
Those numbers signalled that something special was unfolding. A further 109 average against Josh Rock kept the momentum rolling, and in the semi‑finals Littler dismantled Dirk van Duijvenbode with a dominant performance that left spectators in awe. Each match seemed to raise the bar, and the final against Price offered the perfect stage for the young star to cement his place in darts history.
By defeating Price, Littler became the first player in ten years to retain the World Matchplay title at the iconic Winter Gardens. In doing so, he rewrote several records.
His 111.53 three‑dart average shattered the previous tournament best set by Phil Taylor back in 2010, underscoring Littler’s consistency and scoring power throughout the event. The statistic is especially impressive given the pressure of a final on a large stage. Littler’s scoring prowess was further highlighted by six finishes of 100 points or more, and he broke his own record for the most 180s in a single World Matchplay, hitting an astonishing 66 maximums over the course of the week. Those 180s not only thrilled the crowd but also contributed to his overall average, reinforcing his reputation as a heavy‑scoring threat.
Financially, the run pushed Littler past the £3 million earnings threshold for the first time in his career. The prize money from the final, combined with his earlier victories, has bolstered his ambition to capture every ranked major in a single calendar year – a feat that would place him alongside the sport’s legends. 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 rapid progression, 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 successes. Littler also spoke about his future plans.
He revealed that if he manages to defend his World Matchplay crown, his next priority will be the Pro Tour events, which are essential for a potential clean sweep of the year’s major titles. This means a change of itinerary – instead of the family vacation to Spain that had been planned, he and his father will head to Leicester for a series of Pro Tour tournaments.
"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 laughed. "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 are four events 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." Looking ahead, Littler’s schedule remains packed with high‑profile events. The next televised major on the PDC calendar is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, set for 28 September to 4 October at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester.
He will enter as the defending champion after beating Luke Humphries in last 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 to 3 January) will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering Littler further opportunities to retain his titles.
Throughout the week, Littler’s numbers – averages, 180s, high finishes – have been described as "numbers to simply behold" and he considers them among the best performances of his career. His ability to maintain such a high level of play under intense pressure has impressed pundits and fans alike, suggesting that the young Englishman may be on the cusp of a historic era in professional darts. In summary, Luke Littler’s World Matchplay defense was not just a title defence; it was a showcase of record‑breaking scoring, mental resilience, and a clear statement of intent for the remainder of the season.
With a new set of records, a substantial financial windfall, and a schedule that will test his consistency across multiple formats, Littler appears poised to chase the elusive clean sweep of all major titles in 2026. His journey continues to be followed closely by darts enthusiasts worldwide, who will be watching to see if he can turn this remarkable week into a historic year.