Luke Littler has boldly proclaimed that, should he maintain his current blistering form, he could dominate the world of darts in the same manner that the legendary Phil Taylor once did. The young prodigy demonstrated his formidable skill on Thursday by cruising into the semi‑finals of the World Matchplay with a commanding 16‑7 victory over Josh Rock, posting an impressive average of 109.57 and converting 53 per cent of his doubles. Now, on Saturday, the player known as “The Nuke” – who rattled off a staggering 17 maximums (180s) against Rock in Blackpool – will meet Dutch contender Dirk van Duijvenbode in a semi‑final that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Littler, who currently sits atop the world rankings, is eyeing a rare back‑to‑back triumph in Blackpool, a feat not achieved since Michael van Gerwen’s consecutive wins in 2016, and the betting markets are already heavily in his favour. Following his decisive win, Sky Sports asked Littler whether he truly believed he could dominate the sport in the same vein as the all‑time great Phil Taylor. Littler responded with confidence: “Absolutely, I think I can. My averages of 113 and 109, combined with the big finishes and the scoring power reflected in those 180s, give me the tools.
As long as I keep playing at this level, I’m convinced I can dominate.” The interview then shifted to the tantalising prospect of becoming the first player ever to approach the £3 million mark on the Order of Merit. When asked about this milestone, Littler admitted he had been monitoring the rankings closely. “I checked the standings the other day,” he said.
“If I beat Dirk, I’ll be right on the brink of that £3 million threshold. As long as I continue to produce numbers like this, it would take something truly extraordinary from another player to knock me off the top. I just need to keep going.” Littler’s résumé is already overflowing with major titles.
He currently holds the World Darts Championship, the UK Open, the Premier League and the Masters crowns, and he is also defending his Matchplay, Grand Slam, Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals titles. Such a collection of trophies, coupled with his recent form, has sparked speculation that he may be on track to become the greatest ever performer at the Matchplay. When pressed about this growing narrative, Littler was modest. “I wouldn’t say I’m aware of it,” he said, referencing a recent statistic that showed Gerwyn “Gezzy” Price climbing the ranks for most legs played.
“In this competition you don’t want to be at the top, you want to be down at the bottom. You don’t need to win by two clear legs; you just need to get the job done. As long as I perform like that, I’ll be happy.” Reflecting on his Thursday triumph, Littler described his mindset and preparation.
“I feel really good on stage,” he explained. “The preparations beforehand are going smoothly – I’m just relaxing, playing, and then relaxing again.
I’m grateful that I can perform on the biggest stages and deliver when it matters most.” Littler’s rise has been meteoric. At just 22 years of age, he has already eclipsed many seasoned veterans, and his statistical output backs up the hype. Averaging well over 110 in multiple matches, hitting double‑out percentages above 50 per cent, and launching a barrage of 180s, he embodies the modern high‑scoring, high‑pressure style that defines today’s elite darts. Looking ahead, the upcoming semi‑final against van Duijvenbode will be a crucial test.
Van Duijvenbode, known for his steady hand and ability to thrive under pressure, will provide a stern challenge. If Littler can overcome this hurdle, he will not only secure a place in the final but also edge closer to that historic £3 million Order of Merit mark. Beyond the immediate tournament, the broader darts community is watching to see whether Littler can sustain this level across a full season.
Consistency is the hallmark of legends like Taylor, and while Littler’s recent performances suggest he possesses the talent, the true measure will be his ability to maintain peak form week after week, across different venues and against a variety of opponents. Nonetheless, the signs are encouraging. His composure on stage, his meticulous preparation routine, and his willingness to speak openly about his goals indicate a maturity beyond his years. As he continues to rack up titles and push statistical boundaries, the conversation will inevitably shift from “a rising star” to “the sport’s new dominant force.” Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how far Littler can go.
If he can replicate his current scoring power, maintain his high averages, and continue to hit those crucial doubles under pressure, there is every reason to believe he could indeed emulate Phil Taylor’s era of dominance. The upcoming matches will be a litmus test, but the momentum is unmistakably in his favour, and the darts world is poised to witness what could be the beginning of a new dynasty.