Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” continues to electrify the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, storming into the last 16 of the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay with a commanding 10-2 victory over Ryan Searle on July 20, 2025. The 18-year-old reigning PDC World Champion delivered a masterclass, highlighted by a spectacular 126 checkout, cementing his status as a leading contender for the Phil Taylor Trophy. His dominant performance, averaging 108.92 and landing five 180s, sent a clear message to his rivals in this prestigious tournament.
Littler’s first-round clash against Searle was a showcase of his prodigious talent. Racing to a 5-0 lead with a blistering 121.21 average, he left the world No. 19 reeling. The highlight came early when Littler nailed a 126 checkout with pinpoint accuracy, prompting a commentator to exclaim, “What a statement this is from the title favourite!” His 53% checkout rate, including two 100+ finishes (126 and 102), and five 180s underscored his ability to blend raw power with clinical precision. Despite Searle’s respectable 104.2 average, he was no match for Littler’s relentless onslaught, as the young star wrapped up the match in style. “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 determination to conquer Blackpool after a first-round exit to Michael van Gerwen in 2024.
The World Matchplay, one of darts’ crown jewels, is renowned for its electric atmosphere and storied history. Littler’s performance electrified the Winter Gardens crowd, with fans on social media buzzing about his dominance. One fan posted, “Imagine averaging 110 and being 5-0 down. Littler doing phenom things again.” The 2025 tournament has already delivered shocks, with defending champion Luke Humphries falling 10-8 to Gian van Veen and Nathan Aspinall losing 10-6 to Wessel Nijman. Littler, however, remained unfazed, setting up a second-round clash against either Peter Wright or Jermaine Wattimena in the best-of-21-legs format.
Littler’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. At 17, he became the youngest PDC World Champion in 2025, adding to a trophy cabinet that includes the 2024 Premier League, Grand Slam, World Series Finals, and 2025 UK Open. His journey began at 18 months with a magnetic dartboard, hitting 180s by age six and a nine-darter at 13. Named the 2024 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, Littler’s “Littlermania” has transformed darts, drawing comparisons to Phil Taylor’s 16 Matchplay titles. “Luke’s a fantastic player. I can pretty guaranteed he can pick up this trophy one day,” Humphries said after his 2024 victory, a prediction that feels increasingly likely.
The Blackpool stage, described as “magical” for its raucous crowds, is the perfect arena for Littler’s bid to join darts’ elite. With a £200,000 top prize and a field featuring heavyweights like Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, and Gerwyn Price, the World Matchplay tests skill and nerve. Littler’s proficiency on double 10 and his knack for maximums make him a formidable force. Aiming for the “Triple Crown” of World Championship, Premier League, and World Matchplay—a feat achieved by only Taylor, van Gerwen, Humphries, and Anderson—Littler is driven by ambition. His youth titles, including the 2023 PDC World Youth Championship, laid the foundation for his dominance.
As Littler advances to the last 16, the darts world is abuzz with anticipation. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his natural flair, positions him as a favorite to go deep in the tournament. The Winter Gardens faithful, known for their passionate support, will be behind him as he faces his next challenge. With every dart, Littler is writing a new chapter in his remarkable story, proving that age is no barrier to greatness. As the 2025 World Matchplay unfolds, all eyes are on “The Nuke” to see if he can claim the title and cement his legacy as one of darts’ all-time greats.
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