Luke Littler wrapped up an extraordinary title defence at the World Matchplay Darts with a commanding 18-9 triumph over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool. The 19‑year‑old produced a staggering 111.53 average and rattled off twelve 180s, delivering a masterclass against the 2022 runner‑up. His six ton‑plus finishes in the high‑scoring final made him only the fourth player ever to claim back‑to‑back World Matchplay crowns. The match appeared set to become an even larger rout when Littler surged ahead to an 11‑3 lead.
Price, who averaged a respectable 104.97 throughout the tournament, fought valiantly but was forced to settle for his second runner‑up finish in four years. Throughout his flawless week at the Winter Gardens, Littler posted an average of 109 or higher in each of his five matches, shattering the tournament scoring record that had stood since Phil Taylor’s 2010 performance.
This achievement extends his perfect run of winning every PDC televised major in 2026. In addition to breaking his own record for the most 180s in a single Matchplay, Littler widened his lead at the top of the PDC Order of Merit by reclaiming the Phil Taylor Trophy and pocketing the £225,000 first‑place prize. His total earnings for the event surpassed the £3 million mark, and the victory fuels his ambition to capture every ranked major in a single calendar year.
Price entered the final confident, insisting that his "A‑game" could topple the young Englishman. The so‑called "Ice Man" never got close to matching Littler’s precision during what will be remembered as a historic showdown. The opening three legs went with the throw, after which Littler produced a sensational 167 checkout – his first bullseye finish of the tournament – followed by a clean 110 to hold throw and take a 4‑1 lead, despite Price’s impressive 109 average in that short spell.
Littler then added two consecutive 11‑dart legs, and when Price managed to hold his throw, Littler responded with a third ton‑plus finish within the first nine legs, further extending his advantage. The world number one unleashed a blistering scoring burst, hitting 128 and 127 finishes and completing a four‑leg streak in just 47 darts, pushing the score to 11‑3. Price tried to claw back, winning a series of legs to keep the contest alive, but Littler’s momentum proved unstoppable.
The gap never widened beyond six legs until the 19‑year‑old launched another late‑stage onslaught, hitting a spectacular 148 checkout and then breaking Price’s throw in the next leg. He sealed the match with an 81 finish on the bullseye, clinching a historic victory in style. This win marks Littler’s tenth consecutive triumph over Price and his 28th straight victory in PDC majors that extend beyond 20 legs – a streak that began with the 2024 World Championship final. The dominant display sends a clear warning to his rivals as the season progresses.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Littler reflected on the achievement: "It has been a crazy week – one of the best weeks of my life. The darts I have thrown haven’t been easy. The stats may make it look simple, but playing on this stage is intense and demanding.
I have hit some of the best darts of my career. I feel like I’m playing the best version of myself – I’ve just been on fire!" Price also shared his thoughts: "Luke is one in a million. I think I played pretty decently.
I missed a few chances, but that 167 checkout early on was a huge turning point. If anyone wants to boo this kid, there’s something wrong with them – he’s fantastic for the sport.
I wish he wasn’t as good as he was, because I would have taken a few more titles. I could have taken a few more legs, but his finishing was effortless. I hope no one else emerges like him, because he’s ridiculous! It was a great week for me, but I’m a little gutted." Looking ahead, the next PDC televised major is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September to 4 October at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, live on Sky Sports.
Littler returns as defending champion after beating Luke Humphries in the previous 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‑3 January) will also be broadcast on Sky Sports, with Littler aiming to retain his titles in both events. Fans can stay updated via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, videos, analysis and more. The upcoming tournaments promise further high‑octane darts action as Littler seeks to cement his place among the sport’s legends, while Price looks to regroup and challenge the rising star in future showdowns.