Luke 'The Nuke' Littler smashes yet another record at the World Matchplay

Luke Littler’s sensational performance at the 2025 World Matchplay in Blackpool sent shockwaves through the darts world. The teenager shattered long-standing records across the board during the tournament, ultimately seizing his first World Matchplay crown and joining an elite group of players who have completed darts coveted ‘Triple Crown’.

His journey was marked by stunning scoring and dramatic comebacks. On his way to the title, Littler amassed a jaw dropping 64 maximum scores of 180 surpassing the previous record and setting a new standard for a single World Matchplay campaign.

One moment of particular magic came in the semi final against Josh Rock. Both players launched the match with a barrage of back to back 180s, tallying a combined 29 in total, a record for a single World Matchplay match.

Then, in the eighth leg, Littler unleashed a stunning nine dart finish with a 141 check out on double 15, denying Rock the chance at perfection while igniting his own momentum to recover from 6–1 down and ultimately win the match 17–14.

Earlier, in the quarter final clash with Andrew Gilding, Littler recorded eighteen 180s, another new high for a quarter final match and survived a fierce late comeback to clinch a 16–14 victory. His ability to maintain composure under pressure has become a defining feature of his play over the last few months.

The final against James Wade was a true showcase of his resilience. Wade raced to a 5–0 lead in the opening session, but Littler responded emphatically, taking the next five legs in 15 darts or less without giving his opponent a dart at double to level the match at 5–5. From there, he edged ahead, converting a 97 checkout to take a narrow lead, and steadily extended his advantage with precise finishing.

Despite moments of resistance from Wade which we say all tournament, Littler secured his first Matchplay title with a 115 check out on double 19 to finish with an 18–13 victory and capture the Phil Taylor Trophy in his debut final appearance. His average of 107.24 across the final, and his tournament leading tally of 64 maximums, both shattered existing records, and he became the youngest ever World Matchplay winner at just 18 years old.

By triumphing in Blackpool, Littler completed the Triple Crown, joining Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Luke Humphries as the only players to win the World Championship, Premier League and World Matchplay. Not only did he seal his first Matchplay title, but he also emerged as one of darts’ all time great young stars, having already won Premier League earlier in 2025 and the World Championship in January, a feat all accomplished before his nineteenth birthday.