The darts world is electric with excitement as the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay of Darts takes center stage at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, England, from July 19 to July 27. At the heart of the anticipation is 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler, known as “The Nuke,” who is chasing a historic milestone: joining the exclusive “triple crown” club of darts by winning the World Matchplay title. Having already clinched the PDC World Championship in 2025 and the Premier League in 2024, Littler stands on the cusp of greatness, aiming to emulate the likes of Luke Humphries, the defending champion and one of only five players to hold all three major PDC titles.
Littler’s campaign kicks off on Sunday, July 20, at 9:15 p.m. local time, when he faces Ryan Searle, the world number 20 from England, in the first round. The match, played in a best-of-19 legs format, requires a player to reach 10 legs with a two-leg lead to advance. Searle, who reached the World Matchplay quarter-finals in 2023, is no pushover, but Littler holds a commanding 3-0 record over him in televised matches. Reflecting on his growth, Littler said, “I learned a lot,” recalling his 2024 World Championship final loss to Humphries. “I just needed to get off to a quick start,” he added, signaling his strategy to seize early momentum against Searle.
Littler’s debut at the 2024 World Matchplay ended in disappointment, as three-time champion Michael van Gerwen ousted him in the first round. That loss fueled Littler’s fire, leading to a triumphant 2025 PDC World Championship, where he defeated van Gerwen in the final at just 17 years and 347 days old, becoming the youngest world champion in history. Now, with titles in the Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts, World Series Finals, and UK Open under his belt, Littler is a 2/1 favorite to claim the Phil Taylor Trophy. His path forward looks promising: a victory over Searle sets up a second-round clash on July 23 against either Peter Wright or Jermaine Wattimena. The bottom half of the draw keeps him clear of top seed Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, and Stephen Bunting until the semi-finals or final, though potential matchups with van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, or Rob Cross loom large.
The World Matchplay is a cornerstone of darts, second only to the World Championship in prestige. Held at the Winter Gardens, the event is famed for its raucous atmosphere, with fans packing the balconies and creating a cauldron of noise. “It’s the noise, the heat, the balconies, the lights – pure theatre!” one commentator raved, capturing the venue’s magic. With a £800,000 prize fund, including £200,000 for the winner, the stakes are immense. Littler, who earned over £1 million in 2024 alone, is hungry to add to his accolades and bankroll.
Littler’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. From a 66/1 outsider reaching the 2024 World Championship final to setting a record-breaking set average of 140.91 in the 2025 final, he has redefined the sport’s limits. His three televised nine-darters, including one in the 2024 Premier League final, have cemented his reputation as a generational talent. “I’m going to say Luke Littler,” a pundit predicted confidently. “He’s been a different animal since [last year’s defeat].” Fans and analysts alike see him as a force of nature, blending raw skill with unshakable confidence.
As Littler steps onto the oche, the darts world watches with bated breath. Can he conquer Blackpool and join Humphries in the triple crown elite? The journey begins Sunday night, and for Littler, it’s a chance to etch his name into darts history.
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