Luke Littler is confident that very few competitors can match the form he displayed at the World Matchplay, and he is now setting his sights on achieving a complete clean‑sweep of all major titles in the 2026 season. The 19‑year‑old, who captured the 2026 PDC World Championship earlier this year, turned heads in Blackpool by posting an astonishing average of 111.04 in the Matchplay final – a figure that not only eclipsed the legendary Phil Taylor’s long‑standing record average of 106.31 but also underscored Littler’s rapid ascent to the top of the sport.
Speaking to Sky Sports during the unveiling of a new mural in his hometown of Warrington, Littler reflected on his performance and the momentum it has generated. "I feel fantastic," he said.
"When you put up a tournament average of 111, it’s clear that not many players can stop you. It’s an extraordinary level and it gives me a lot of belief heading into the rest of the season." The teenager’s 2026 résumé is already historic. In addition to the World Championship, he has collected the World Masters, the UK Open, the Premier League, the World Cup and, most recently, the World Matchplay.
With those six ranking titles already secured, Littler is now within striking distance of a truly unprecedented clean‑sweep – the capture of all eight major PDC ranking events in a single calendar year. He admitted that the prospect of such a record is a constant presence in his mind as he prepares for the next challenges, beginning with the qualification process for the Players Championship Finals, where he hopes to defend the title he won earlier in the year.
"The clean‑sweep is definitely on my radar," Littler explained. "At the moment I’m focused on what’s coming up next. I can’t sit here and say ‘I’m going to win the World Championship again’ because that’s still five or six months away.
Right now I’m looking at the immediate tournaments, and I also have a two‑week break in Orlando that I’m looking forward to. The clean‑sweep ambition stays with me throughout the season." When asked about his broader sporting legacy, Littler was candid about the significance he believes a clean‑sweep would hold. "For darts, it would rank among the greatest achievements ever recorded," he said. "No one has ever done it before, and I love the idea of breaking new ground and setting new records." The mural in Warrington, unveiled just four days after Littler’s dominant victory over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool, has become a focal point for fans.
The teen sensation signed his name on the artwork, posed for photographs with supporters, and even took a few practice darts on the spot. He described the piece as "massive" and "visible from miles away," noting the impressive scale and height of the installation. When the organizers suggested he sit on the roof of the mural for a photo, Littler declined, preferring to stand on the pavement instead, a small but telling example of his down‑to‑earth attitude despite his rising fame.
Beyond the public celebrations, Littler remains disciplined both mentally and physically. He acknowledges the importance of staying grounded, maintaining a rigorous training regimen, and keeping his focus on each match rather than becoming overwhelmed by the larger narrative of a clean‑sweep.
"I’ve seen the mural and it’s fantastic, but I don’t want it to distract me," he said. "I’m just happy that the community has embraced it and that it represents the hard work we’ve put in." Looking ahead, Littler’s next competitive appearance will be on the Pro Tour in Leicester, where he will compete in Players Championship events 27 and 28 on August 25 and 26. These tournaments are crucial stepping stones toward securing his place at the Players Championship Finals in Minehead later in the year.
Success in Leicester will not only add another title to his burgeoning collection but also bring him one step closer to the elusive clean‑sweep. The broader darts community has taken note of Littler’s rapid rise and his ambitious goals.
Analysts point out that his ability to consistently post averages above 110 in high‑pressure environments signals a level of composure and skill rarely seen in players of his age. Moreover, his willingness to engage with fans, as demonstrated by the mural event, has helped to broaden the sport’s appeal to a younger demographic. If Littler does manage to capture all eight major ranking titles in 2026, the achievement would likely be compared to historic feats in other sports, such as a Grand Slam in tennis or a Triple Crown in horse racing. It would cement his status as a transformative figure in darts, inspiring a new generation of players to aim for similarly lofty targets.
In summary, Luke Littler’s confidence, record‑breaking performances, and clear-eyed focus on both immediate and long‑term objectives position him as the most compelling storyline in darts for 2026. Whether he ultimately secures the clean‑sweep remains to be seen, but his determination, skill set, and supportive fan base suggest that the possibility is very much within reach.