The iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool buzzed with electric anticipation as the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay Darts tournament kicked off, and all eyes were on Luke Littler, the 18-year-old reigning PDC World Champion. Known as “The Nuke,” Littler not only delivered a breathtaking 10-2 demolition of Ryan Searle in the first round on July 20, 2025, but also turned heads with a striking new look that sparked a whirlwind of reactions among fans. Sporting a sleek, dark-themed outfit with bold accents, Littler’s fresh style—shared via a viral PDC post on X—divided supporters, with some hailing it as a confident evolution and others longing for his classic kit. His performance, however, left no room for debate, as he sent a resounding message to rivals with a near-109 average and a commanding display.
Littler’s new appearance, unveiled as he stepped onto the oche, marked a departure from his usual vibrant attire. The darker, more streamlined design, complete with subtle branding, reflected a maturing image for the young star who has taken darts by storm. Fans on X were quick to weigh in. “Luke’s new kit is fire! Matches his killer vibe on stage,” one supporter posted, while another countered, “Not feeling the new look—bring back the old Nuke style!” The polarized reactions underscored Littler’s growing influence, where even his wardrobe choices ignite passionate discussions. “I was well up for it tonight, I just wanted to get that win, get that winning feeling and I did it,” Littler told reporters post-match, his focus firmly on his performance rather than the sartorial buzz. “I’m so glad to get that win, get that winning feeling and I can’t wait to come back.”
On the oche, Littler was untouchable against Searle, the world No. 19 and a 2023 quarter-finalist. Racing to a 5-0 lead in the opening session, he posted a staggering 121 average, punctuated by a spectacular 126 checkout that sent the Blackpool crowd into a frenzy. His first five legs were dispatched in 12, 12, 13, 11, and 14 darts, showcasing an almost unplayable standard. Searle briefly rallied, breaking Littler’s throw to make it 8-2, but the teenager’s precision and 52.6% checkout success rate sealed a 10-2 rout. “Littler when he’s in the mood just isn’t fair on the other players! Madness how he’s so far ahead of them all,” a fan gushed online, likening him to a young Bobby Fischer revolutionizing chess. Littler’s victory sets up a second-round clash with Jermaine Wattimena, who upset 15th seed Peter Wright 10-8.
The World Matchplay, running from July 19 to July 27, is a crown jewel of the PDC calendar, with its £800,000 prize fund and the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy. Littler, the tournament favorite at 2/1 odds, entered Blackpool determined to erase the memory of his 2024 debut, where he fell to Michael van Gerwen in the first round. His preparation this time was meticulous, a shift from his usual reliance on natural talent. “People will know I’m not a practiser, but I have been practising for this one,” Littler admitted, revealing hours of dedicated training to sharpen his game for the Winter Gardens’ iconic stage. His 2025 season, marked by a Players Championship title and the UK Open crown, has had ups and downs, but this performance signaled a return to his devastating best.
The tournament’s opening days were filled with drama. Defending champion Luke Humphries suffered a stunning 10-8 upset to Gian van Veen, while seeds Damon Heta, Rob Cross, Peter Wright, and Dave Chisnall also crashed out. Andrew Gilding edged Heta 12-10 in an epic, nearly hitting a nine-darter, and Dirk van Duijvenbode rallied from 6-2 down to defeat Cross 10-8. Gary Anderson, the 2018 champion, delivered a 10-5 win over Luke Woodhouse, setting up a clash with Stephen Bunting, who scraped past Ryan Joyce 10-8. “The Winter Gardens is iconic. It’s the noise, the heat, the balconies, the lights—pure theatre!” a pundit raved, capturing the venue’s magic that amplifies every match.
Littler’s journey carries added weight given his history. At 12, he “annihilated” Dean Winstanley, husband of Women’s World Level 3 Matchplay star Lorraine Winstanley, in a 3-0 rout at an Isle of Man tournament. “I think Luke had said to him, ‘I’m going to beat you 3-0,’” Lorraine recalled. “He wasn’t saying it in a cocky way, it was a statement.” Now, as the world No. 2 and youngest PDC World Champion, Littler’s new look and dominant display suggest he’s ready to claim the Matchplay title. With the Women’s World Matchplay also set for July 27, featuring stars like Fallon Sherrock, Blackpool remains darts’ beating heart, and Littler’s bold new chapter is just beginning.
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