Luke Littler described his astonishing run at the World Matchplay as "one of the best weeks of my life" after he produced a record‑breaking 18‑9 victory over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool. The 19‑year‑old’s performance was not just a triumph in the final; it was the culmination of a week in which he repeatedly smashed his own benchmarks and rewrote the tournament’s history books. The opening match set the tone.
Littler faced Niko Springer and posted an average of 109, a figure that would normally be enough to win many major events. He then raised the stakes dramatically against Nathan Aspinall, delivering a 113 average and, astonishingly, a perfect nine‑dart leg. That feat alone placed him among a very exclusive group of players who have managed a nine‑dart finish on a televised stage, and it signalled that he was in extraordinary form. His next opponent, Josh Rock, was met with another 109 average, confirming that the earlier displays were no fluke.
In the semi‑finals Littler took on Dirk van Duijvenbode and completely dominated, cruising into the final with confidence that seemed to grow with each throw. When the final arrived, Littler faced Gerwyn Price, a seasoned competitor with multiple major titles. Undeterred, Littler produced a staggering 111.53 average, shattering the previous tournament scoring record set by the legendary Phil Taylor back in 2010. The win not only secured his second consecutive World Matchplay title – making him the first player in a decade to defend the trophy at the Winter Gardens – but also cemented his status as the dominant force in the sport for 2026.
Throughout the week Littler demonstrated remarkable consistency and firepower. He recorded six finishes of 100 or more, and he eclipsed his own record for the most 180s in a single World Matchplay, hitting an astonishing 66 maximums. Those numbers are impressive on their own, but they also contributed to a larger milestone: Littler crossed the £3 million earnings threshold during his run to the final. This financial landmark underscores the growing commercial appeal of darts and highlights Littler’s role in driving the sport’s popularity.
When asked by Sky Sports about his experience, Littler was candid about the pressure and the effort required to perform at such a high level. "It has been a crazy week – it has been one of the best weeks of my life," he said. "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 journey, recalling a first‑round defeat to Michael van Gerwen two years earlier, a loss that seemed a distant memory after his recent successes. "Two years ago, I had that first round defeat to Michael which was not the best result.
The last two years, I have come here with the family and we have done it again. It is definitely, I feel like it is the best version of myself.
I have just been playing so well," Littler explained. Looking ahead, Littler admitted that defending his World Matchplay crown has set his sights on a broader ambition: a clean sweep of every PDC TV major in a single calendar year. To achieve that, he must now turn his attention to the Pro Tour events, beginning with a series of tournaments in Leicester rather than the originally planned trip to Spain.
"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 joked, acknowledging the logistical challenges of a packed schedule. He added, "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 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." The next major on the calendar is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September to 4 October at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester.
Littler will return as the 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 live on Sky Sports, offering Littler further opportunities to retain his titles and edge closer to a historic clean sweep. Beyond the numbers and trophies, Littler’s week serves as a reminder of how quickly a young talent can ascend to the pinnacle of a sport traditionally dominated by older, more experienced players. His ability to maintain composure under intense scrutiny, deliver under pressure, and consistently produce elite averages suggests a maturity beyond his years.
Fans and pundits alike are now watching to see whether he can sustain this level of performance throughout the remainder of the season and possibly rewrite the record books for an entire generation. In summary, Luke Littler’s 2026 World Matchplay defence was not merely a victory; it was a statement of intent. By breaking scoring records, amassing a record number of 180s, and securing a substantial payday, he has positioned himself as the player to beat across all upcoming majors.
The coming months will test his resolve, but if his recent form is any indication, Littler is poised to continue making history and delivering some of the most exciting darts the sport has seen in recent memory.