Luke Littler’s campaign to secure a place in the Players Championship Finals – and keep alive the possibility of completing an unprecedented clean sweep of all PDC major titles in the 2026 season – suffered a significant setback when he was eliminated in the quarter‑finals of PC27. In a tightly contested match that went to a deciding leg, Littler was edged out 6‑5 by Dutch competitor Jermaine Wattimena, who subsequently rode that momentum to capture the tournament crown in Leicester, defeating fellow countryman Kevin Doets 8‑6 in the final showdown. To appreciate the magnitude of Littler’s ambition, it helps to review what he has already achieved this year. The 19‑year‑old English prodigy has already added every major PDC trophy on the calendar to his résumé for 2026: the World Championship, the Masters, the UK Open, the Premier League, the World Cup of Darts and the World Matchplay.
Each of those victories has cemented his status as the sport’s current world number one and demonstrated a consistency rarely seen at such a young age. However, the road to a true historic sweep is still far from complete. Five major events remain on the schedule – the World Series, the World Grand Prix, the European Championship, the Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship Finals – and winning all of them in a single season would be a feat no player has ever managed in the history of professional darts. The pressure is therefore mounting not only on his performance on the oche but also on his ability to qualify for the final event, the Players Championship Finals, which is limited to the top 64 players on the Players Championship Order of Merit.
The qualification system adds a strategic layer to Littler’s campaign. Only the best‑performing 64 players across the series of Players Championship events earn a berth in the Minehead finals in November. Littler made a tactical decision early in the season to sit out the first 26 Players Championship tournaments, opting instead to focus on other commitments and perhaps to manage his workload. This left him with a very narrow window – essentially the last two events, PC27 and PC28, both held in Leicester – to amass enough prize money and ranking points to break into the top 64.
His quarter‑final loss at PC27 therefore represents more than just a single match defeat; it jeopardises his chances of gathering the necessary Order of Merit points. With only one tournament left before the qualification deadline, the stakes for PC28 are extraordinarily high.
A deep run, or ideally a title, would not only provide a morale boost but also deliver the crucial points required to secure his place among the elite 64. If Littler can navigate this final hurdle, the remainder of the season still offers several marquee events. The World Grand Prix, scheduled for late September into early October, features a unique double‑in, double‑out format that tests a player’s precision under pressure.
Following that, the European Championship in October will pit the continent’s top performers against each other, while the Grand Slam of Darts in November brings together champions from both the PDC and BDO circuits for a high‑profile showdown. The climax of the season will be the Players Championship Finals in Minehead, a tournament that not only crowns the best of the year’s Players Championship events but also serves as the final piece of the historic puzzle for Littler.
A victory there would complete a clean sweep of all ten major titles available in a single calendar year – a record that would rewrite the sport’s history books. Beyond the competitive narrative, the broader broadcasting landscape continues to support darts’ growing popularity.
Sky Sports remains the primary broadcaster for the sport in 2026, delivering live coverage of the World Grand Prix (September 28 – October 4), the Grand Slam of Darts (November 14 – November 22), and the World Darts Championship (December 10 – January 3). Fans can also stream matches and related content through NOW, ensuring that the excitement reaches a global audience. For those who want to stay connected with the latest highlights, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes stories, the “Love the Darts” podcast offers in‑depth analysis and commentary from seasoned experts.
Whether you’re watching live on Sky Sports, streaming via NOW, or catching up on the podcast, the 2026 darts season promises a blend of high‑stakes competition and compelling storytelling. In summary, while Littler’s quarter‑final exit at PC27 is a sobering reminder of how narrow the margins can be in professional darts, the path ahead is still open. PC28 offers a final chance to secure qualification for the Minehead finals, and the subsequent major tournaments provide ample opportunity to add more titles to his already impressive haul. If he can maintain his composure, capitalize on his remaining chances, and continue to perform at the highest level, the dream of an unprecedented clean sweep may yet become a reality.