Luke Littler described his extraordinary run at the 2026 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 a cascade of milestones that underscored his rapid rise in professional darts and cemented his status as a dominant force on the PDC circuit.
The week began with a stunning 109 average in his opening match against Niko Springer, a figure that already signalled something special was unfolding. Littler then elevated his game even further, posting a 113 average and hitting a perfect nine‑dart finish against Nathan Aspinall – a combination that left spectators and commentators alike in awe.
The momentum continued when he recorded another 109 average against Josh Rock, before dismantling Dirk van Duijvenbode in the semi‑finals with relentless scoring and clinical finishing. In the final, Littler became the first player in a decade to successfully defend the World Matchplay title at the historic Winter Gardens, overcoming Gerwyn Price while simultaneously rewriting the tournament’s statistical record books. His 111.53 average shattered the previous benchmark set by the legendary Phil Taylor in 2010, reaffirming Littler’s capacity to perform at an elite level under the brightest lights.
Beyond the average, Littler’s week was littered with historic numbers. He recorded six finishes of 100 points or more and obliterated his own record for the most 180s in a single World Matchplay, hitting a remarkable 66 maximums throughout the event. Those 180s not only demonstrated his scoring power but also contributed to a financial milestone: Littler crossed the £3 million earnings threshold for the first time in his career, a testament to both his prize‑money haul and the growing commercial appeal of his brand.
When asked by Sky Sports about his feelings, Littler admitted, "It has been a crazy week – it has been one of the best weeks of my life. The darts I have played have not been easy. The stats may make it look simple, but performing on this stage is intense, hot, and demanding." He reflected on his journey, noting the contrast between a first‑round defeat to Michael van Gerwen two years earlier and his current dominance. "The last two years I have come here with my family and we have done it again.
I feel like I am the best version of myself; I have just been playing so well," he said. Looking ahead, Littler revealed that defending his World Matchplay crown has set his sights on a clean sweep of all PDC televised majors in the 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.
"My dad isn’t thrilled because we were supposed to go to Spain, but now we head to Leicester for some Pro Tours," Littler joked, acknowledging the logistical shift. He added, "Coming into the tournament I had already won every major, so this is what I wanted to do.
I have been checking the Pro Tour rankings – there are four events in Leicester I have to play. If I don’t qualify I’ll get grilled, if I do qualify I’ll get grilled anyway, so who knows what will happen." This candid comment highlights the pressure he feels to maintain his unbeaten streak across all major events. The next televised major on the PDC calendar is the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 September to 4 October at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester.
Littler will enter as the defending champion after last year’s triumph 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 broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering Littler further opportunities to defend his titles and chase the elusive calendar‑year Grand Slam.
Littler’s achievements this week have not only broken long‑standing records but also reshaped expectations for young talent in the sport. His ability to sustain high averages, deliver perfect legs, and rack up a staggering number of 180s under pressure suggests a new era of darts excellence.
Fans and pundits alike are now watching to see whether he can continue this historic run, secure additional major titles, and perhaps become the first player in modern darts to win every major in a single year. The excitement surrounding Littler’s journey is amplified by the accessibility of live streams and coverage on platforms like Sky Sports, ensuring that his remarkable feats reach a global audience. As the season progresses, the darts community will be eager to see if Littler can translate his record‑breaking week into a lasting legacy, solidifying his place among the sport’s all‑time greats.