Luke Littler sealed a spectacular defence of his World Matchplay Darts crown with a commanding 18-9 triumph over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come. The 19‑year‑old prodigy posted an astonishing average of 111.53, hammered twelve 180s and recorded six finishes of 100 points or more, cementing his place as only the fourth player ever to capture back‑to‑back World Matchplay titles.
From the outset the match appeared to be heading for an even larger margin. Littler surged ahead to an 11-3 lead, while Price—who had averaged 104.97 throughout the tournament—fought valiantly but ultimately settled for his second runner‑up finish in four years. Throughout the week at the iconic Winter Gardens, Littler maintained an average of 109 or higher in all five of his matches, shattering the tournament’s scoring record previously held by Phil Taylor since 2010.
His flawless run added another PDC TV major to his 2026 tally, reinforcing his dominance on the professional circuit. Littler also broke his own record for the most 180s in a single World Matchplay and extended his lead at the top of the PDC Order of Merit by reclaiming the Phil Taylor Trophy along with the £225,000 first‑place prize. His earnings topped the £3 million mark during his march to the final, and the latest victory fuels his ambition to capture every ranked major in a single calendar year.
Price entered the final confident, insisting before the match that he could out‑play Littler when at his best. However, the “Ice Man” was unable to match his opponent’s precision. The opening three legs went with the throw, after which Littler produced a sensational 167 checkout – his first bull‑seye finish of the tournament – followed by a 110 checkout to hold throw and take a 4‑1 lead, despite Price averaging over 109 in that short spell. Littler then added consecutive 11‑dart finishes, and when Price held his own throw in the next leg, Littler responded with a third ton‑plus finish within the first nine legs.
A burst of extraordinary scoring saw the world number one unleash 128‑ and 127‑point finishes, completing a dominant four‑leg streak in just 47 darts and pushing the lead to 11‑3. Price attempted to claw back, winning a series of legs to keep the gap within six, but Littler answered with a stunning 148 checkout and a subsequent break of throw, sealing the momentum.
The final leg showcased Littler’s clinical finishing as he hit an 81 checkout on the bullseye, confirming a historic win. The result marked Littler’s tenth consecutive victory over Price and his 28th straight win in PDC major matches that extend beyond 20 legs—a streak that began at the 2024 World Championship final.
The world‑number‑one’s record‑breaking 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’ve thrown haven’t been easy. The stats might make it look simple, but performing on this stage is intense.
I’ve played some of the best darts of my career. I feel like I’m the best version of myself right now – I’ve just been playing so well!” Price, also interviewed by Sky Sports, offered his perspective: “Luke is one in a million. I think I played pretty decent, though I missed a few chances.
That 167 bull 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 is, because I would have won a few more tournaments.
I probably could have taken a few more legs, but his finishing was effortless. I hope there’s nobody else like him coming through, because he’s ridiculous! It was a great week for me, but I’m a little gutted.” Looking ahead, the next PDC‑ranked TV major is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September‑4 October at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena and broadcast live on Sky Sports. Littler will return as defending champion after last year’s victory over Luke Humphries in the 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 shown 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, video highlights, analysis and more. Overall, Littler’s performance in Blackpool has not only rewritten the record books but also set a new benchmark for excellence in professional darts. His blend of relentless scoring, clinical finishing and mental composure under pressure suggests that the 2026 season may belong to him, and the sport’s enthusiasts can anticipate more historic moments as he pursues an unprecedented sweep of major titles.