In a dazzling display of skill and composure, 18-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler, nicknamed “The Nuke,” ignited the Winter Gardens in Blackpool with a sensational performance at the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay. Facing world No. 19 Ryan Searle in the first round, Littler raced to a commanding 5-0 lead, highlighted by a stunning 126 checkout that left the crowd roaring and commentators in awe. This electrifying start on July 20, 2025, underscored why Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion, is a favorite to claim the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
Littler’s opening salvo against Searle was nothing short of spectacular. Averaging a blistering 121.21 through the first five legs, he showcased the scoring power that has made him a global sensation. The highlight came early in the match when Littler pinned a 126 checkout with pinpoint precision, a moment that set the tone for his relentless assault. “What a statement this is from the title favourite,” declared a commentator, capturing the electric atmosphere as Littler surged ahead. By the first break, he was 5/6 on doubles, landing five 180s and boasting a 125.08 scoring average, leaving Searle, despite a respectable 104.2 average, struggling to keep pace.
The World Matchplay, one of darts’ crown jewels, is renowned for its intense atmosphere and storied history at the Winter Gardens. Littler, making only his second appearance at the event, was determined to erase the memory of his 2024 debut, where he fell 10-6 to Michael van Gerwen in the first round. “I want to pick up as many trophies as I can, but first of all, I want to win a game at the Winter Gardens,” Littler said before the tournament, reflecting his focus on conquering Blackpool’s iconic stage. His performance against Searle suggests he’s well on his way, with fans on social media buzzing, one posting, “Imagine averaging 110 and being 5-0 down. Littler doing phenom things again.”
Littler’s meteoric rise has reshaped darts, with his 2025 PDC World Championship victory at age 17 making him the youngest world champion in history. His trophy cabinet already includes the 2024 Premier League, Grand Slam, World Series Finals, and 2025 UK Open, placing him among the sport’s elite. Known for his proficiency on double 10 and a knack for maximum 180s, Littler’s performance in Blackpool reaffirmed his reputation as a generational talent. His 108.92 match average against Searle, coupled with a 53% checkout rate, including two 100+ finishes (126 and 102), showcased his ability to combine power and precision under pressure.
The first round of the 2025 World Matchplay was not without its shocks. Defending champion Luke Humphries suffered a stunning 10-8 upset to Gian van Veen, while Nathan Aspinall fell 10-6 to Wessel Nijman. Littler, however, remained unfazed, dispatching Searle with a commanding 10-2 victory. His next challenge awaits in the second round against either Peter Wright or Jermaine Wattimena, with the tournament’s best-of-21-legs format promising more high-stakes drama. The Winter Gardens, described by pundits as “magical” for its raucous crowds and historic moments, is the perfect stage for Littler’s bid to join legends like Phil Taylor, who won 16 Matchplay titles, and Michael van Gerwen, a three-time champion.
Littler’s journey to darts stardom began at 18 months, when his father bought him a magnetic dartboard. By age six, he was hitting 180s, and at 13, he achieved a nine-dart finish. His youth titles, including the 2023 PDC World Youth Championship and 2022 World Youth Masters, laid the foundation for his professional success. Named the 2024 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, Littler’s “Littlermania” has boosted darts’ global appeal, drawing comparisons to Taylor’s dominance. “Luke’s a fantastic player. I can pretty guaranteed he can pick up this trophy one day,” said Humphries after his 2024 Matchplay win, a sentiment that feels prophetic as Littler dominates in 2025.
With a £200,000 top prize and a field featuring heavyweights like van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Gerwyn Price, the World Matchplay is a grueling test of skill and nerve. Littler’s blistering start signals his intent to claim the title and complete the coveted “Triple Crown” of the World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay—a feat achieved by only Taylor, van Gerwen, Humphries, and Anderson. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Littler to see if he can maintain his scorching form and etch his name into Blackpool’s storied history.
[](https://www.skysports.com/darts/video/30998/13399438/world-matchplay-darts-luke-littler-takes-out-126-finish-on-way-to-5-0-lead)[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Littler)[](https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13394957/world-matchplay-darts-draw-schedule-format-and-prize-money-confirmed-as-luke-littler-luke-humphries-seek-title)
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